Is Cyber Security the Ideal Career Move for Mums?

Recently, businesses have expressed an urgent need for professionals with specific IT and technological skills. Bolstering teams with technically proficient employees is becoming more common, and given the evolving cyber threat landscape, it’s hardly surprising. 

In addition, the Government’s recent cyber security labour market report suggests that 50% of all UK businesses have a basic skills gap, with over 160,000 job postings in the last year (a 30% increase from 2022). For mums contemplating a return to work after an extended career break, or who are weighing up the pros and cons of a possible career change, cyber security could be worth considering.

Even if you have limited or no cyber security experience or any industry-relevant degree or qualification under your belt, that doesn’t mean you should take a cyber security career completely off the table. Identifying some of the most in-demand entry-level skills employers are looking for - across a spectrum of industries - will give you a solid competitive edge once you begin your return to work. 

Demand for Cyber Security Talent

The need for cyber security talent encompasses virtually all industries, highlighting the versatility of roles in this field. Returning to work mums, much like new graduates and industry experts, are well-positioned to exploit the ongoing talent shortage that businesses sector-wide are trying to bridge. 

With demand growing, gaining real-world experience through internships, projects, or networking can help aspiring professionals get a foot in the door, whatever their baseline level is. The right skills and eagerness to learn will also make you stand out to employers who are trying to fill vacancies promptly and with the right talent. 

Let’s look at some must-have skills that prospective companies will look for at entry level and give you a head start for your next job search, application and interview.

1. Core Cyber Security Knowledge

While cyber security encompasses many specialisms, building expertise in the following core areas provides a solid foundation for entry-level roles and ongoing career development: 

• Operating systems - Learning major operating systems like Windows, Linux and MacOS will prove useful as baseline knowledge. 

• Firewalls - Expertise with firewalls and security software allows the control of access to resources and the removal of threats. This forms the basis of modern cyber security.

• Programming - Proficiency in common coding languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript can open the door to a realm of career opportunities. Python, Java, PHP, and C# (among others) go a step further in showing employers that you can customise code to suit diverse applications and systems.

• Networks - Understanding how networks work and some of the common vulnerabilities within them is crucial. Knowledge of common protocols like TCP/IP, SSL and TLS is handy.
  

It may be that your goal as a return-to-work mum is not to be an expert but to gain familiarity and competency across cyber security as a whole. As you progress, learning advanced specialisms such as managed detection and response, cloud architecture and detailed data analysis could potentially follow, but may not be accessible straight away without some crucial work and project experience. Early on, employers will be looking at whether you have grasped the core cyber security skillset, can identify risks and can respond quickly to pending issues. This is a great place to start.

2. Data and Analytics

With vast amounts of data generated by companies, cyber security professionals must know how to analyse it, to detect and respond to threats. Core skills like reviewing system logs to identify anomalies, visualising patterns and applying statistical techniques are key. 

Developing data literacy and analysis skills will provide a foundation to specialise in roles involving threat intelligence, detection and response. Such skills can be showcased via class projects and research.

3. Cloud Architecture

With organisations increasingly migrating to cloud-based systems and multilayered infrastructure, an understanding of the cloud is highly important. Tech and IT professionals should gain exposure to leading platforms like AWS, Azure and GCP, if not already achieved. Learning and understanding the key concepts of private and public cloud network security, Identity and Access Management (IAM), encryption and compliance are all valuable. 

Again, the goal is not to master advanced concepts but rather to become acquainted with basic principles and tools via hands-on projects, work experience or introductory certifications. With cloud adoption accelerating, acquiring these fundamental skills will make you well-prepared and employable within the fast-growing field of cyber security.

4. Risk Assessment and Analysis

Cyber security vulnerabilities are constantly changing and evolving so identifying and evaluating them is another important skill set. While some people may not have been overly exposed to full audits or assessments, there are still opportunities to gain the necessary experience. Group projects analysing vulnerabilities in test environments, cyber security training competitions, and guided research with mentors can provide hands-on learning.

Real-world examples of strategies, policies, and controls that you have developed (or helped develop) will demonstrate strong attention to detail and accountability. Learning about approaches for security audits and incident response processes, even at a basic level, also builds relevant knowledge. Look at courses dedicated to risk analysis and management to apply concepts you have learnt. 

5. Collaborative Soft Skills

It’s important to understand that most cyber security professionals cannot operate in an entirely siloed environment. Soft skills are just as important in a cyber role as one in sales, marketing, business development, and other core business areas.

These will be more familiar to you whatever current career path you are undertaking. You’ve probably heard these mentioned a million times, but being able to show these will always enhance your application:

• Collaboration
• Training
• Education
• Problem-solving
• Communication
• Risk mitigation
• Partnering
• Policy creation

These are very malleable skills that can be applied in numerous scenarios inside and outside of a tech role. 

6. Building on Existing Knowledge

Cyber security is an area where accreditation and certificates often speak volumes about a candidate and organisation. For graduates and those new to the industry, the focus should be on attainable entry-level certifications that complement your interests. Ones such as CompTIA Security+, CySA+, CEH, and SSCP will validate core competencies, whilst also demonstrating your applied knowledge to employers.

Building your professional network is another good way to seek continual guidance and direction in your career. By joining industry organisations, networking groups and associations you can connect and engage with industry peers and leaders, and gain important mentors. Focus on ‌opportunities providing hands-on experience, offering the chance to experiment, collaborate and continually develop your expertise. 

The rapidly changing world of cyber security demands a lifelong habit of learning. It remains crucial to keep up to date with the latest trends, technologies and threats. Making continual education a priority will also demonstrate to employers you are enthusiastic and proactive in maintaining in-demand cyber security skills and knowledge. As you take this on board while balancing motherhood, your application stands a much better chance of shining to future employers, at which point you can begin pursuing a rewarding and enriching career.