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Cyber intelligence officer

Cyber intelligence officers gather information about where threats to information technology (IT) systems come from and how they work.

Annual Salary

£25,000 to £50,000

Average UK salary in 2023 was £34,963
(source Office for National Statistics)

Working hours

35 to 40 a week

You could work: evenings / weekends; occasionally

2.4%
Future employment

There will be 2.4% more Cyber intelligence officer jobs in 2027.

Day to day tasks

In this role you may:

  • identify common weaknesses in IT networks
  • use digital resources to gather information and evidence
  • use computer forensics to identify attackers and their methods
  • analyse threats to major security systems
  • monitor new threats and assess their impact
  • keep databases of threats and hackers
  • produce threat assessment reports and recommend actions
  • develop relationships with other organisations and share security knowledge
  • update your skills and knowledge

Working environment

You could work in an office or at a client's business.

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • a graduate training scheme
University

You can do a degree or postgraduate qualification in one of the following subjects:

  • computer science
  • computer or cyber security
  • mathematics
  • network engineering and security

You could take a postgraduate course in computing or cyber security if your first degree is not in a related subject, or if you have a lot of industry experience.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
For more information
  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
  • university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
Apprenticeship

You could do:

  • a Cyber Security Technologist Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
  • a Digital Forensic Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
  • a Cyber Security Technical Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
For more information
  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Work

You could start work with an IT security firm, for example as a support technician after doing GCSEs or A levels, then work your way up while studying for further qualifications on the job.

Other routes

If you have a degree or relevant work experience, you could apply for the MI5 Intelligence and Data Analyst Development Programme.

Requirements and restrictions

You'll need to:

  • For public sector work, you may need to go through UK Security Vetting. This includes:a counter terrorist check; a security check (SC) - for access to information classified as 'secret'; developed vetting (DV) - for access to information classified as 'top secret'
  • For private sector work, you may not need to be vetted unless you're working on government systems.

More information

Further information

You can find out more about working in digital security from the:National Cyber Security Centre; Security Service MI5; UK Cyber Security Council

If you are under 17 CyberFirst has a programme of activities including:apprenticeships; bursaries; competitions; courses

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With experience, you could become a specialised cyber security lead and then head of cyber security.

You could also work as a freelance security contractor.

There are lots of opportunities in cyber security in the future.

You can find out more about working in digital security from the National Cyber Security Centre and Security Service MI5.

Cyber intelligence officers work to understand cyber security threats to space assets such as satellite constellations and ground stations. 

Examples of post-16 courses you could study at a local school or college

  • A-Level Computer Science
  • T-Level Digital Support Services

Find a local provider

Examples of post-18 courses you could study at a local provider

Search for a degree course

Apprenticeships you may be able to take with local employers

  • Cyber Security Technologist Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
  • Digital Forensic Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
  • Cyber Security Technical Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

Search for apprenticeship vacancies

Employers in the South West 

  • CGI
  • Airbus
  • BAE Systems
  • Northrupp Gruman
  • GCHQ
  • NCSC
  • RIskaware
  • CACI, Babcock

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Skills required and how your skills match up

What skills are required?

You'll need:

  • knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
  • complex problem-solving skills
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • broadcasting and telecommunications knowledge
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • persistence and determination
  • maths skills
  • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
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