Entry Level Cyber security Jobs in the UK
Full-Time @Hays posted 4 months ago in Cybersecurity Shortlist Email JobJob Detail
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Job ID 13416
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Offered Salary 1000
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Career Level Others
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Experience Less Than 1 Year
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Gender Both
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Industry Technology & AI
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Qualifications Bachelors' Degree/Diploma
Job Description
Entry Level Cyber security Jobs in the UK
Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing tech sectors in the UK. With cybercrime rising and digital transformation expanding across industries, companies of all sizes are investing heavily in protecting their systems and data. This has opened up exciting opportunities for newcomers—especially those looking to break into entry-level cybersecurity roles.
Whether you are a recent graduate, career switcher, or self-taught tech enthusiast, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about entry level cyber security jobs in the UK in 2025, including roles, salaries, skills, certifications, and where to apply.
Why Start a Career in Cybersecurity?
- High demand: Over 160,000 cybersecurity job postings in the UK in 2024 (according to Cyber Security Council UK)
- Attractive starting salaries: £30,000–£45,000 for many entry-level positions
- Low entry barriers: Many roles don’t require a degree—skills and certifications matter more
- Career progression: Clear pathways into specialisms like ethical hacking, threat intelligence, and risk management
- Purpose-driven work: Help protect businesses, governments, and people from cyber threats
Best Entry Level Cyber security Jobs in the UK
Here are the top beginner roles in the UK cyber industry that you can land with little or no prior experience:
1. Cybersecurity Analyst
- Salary: £30,000–£40,000
- What you’ll do: Monitor network traffic, investigate alerts, perform vulnerability scans
- Key skills: Knowledge of networking, firewalls, and basic scripting
2. Security Operations Centre (SOC) Analyst – Level 1
- Salary: £28,000–£38,000
- What you’ll do: Real-time monitoring, incident triage, ticketing, and alert escalation
- Ideal for: Fast learners with good attention to detail and willingness to work in shifts
3. IT Support with Security Focus
- Salary: £25,000–£35,000
- What you’ll do: Basic system administration, patching, and endpoint protection
- Great first step: Many cyber pros start in IT support roles
4. Junior Penetration Tester (Trainee Ethical Hacker)
- Salary: £30,000–£45,000
- What you’ll do: Assist in security assessments, learn tools like Metasploit or Burp Suite
- Certifications helpful: OSCP (later), CompTIA Pentest+
5. Cybersecurity Apprentice or Trainee
- Salary: £20,000–£30,000 (while training)
- What you’ll do: Structured learning + hands-on experience through an apprenticeship or graduate scheme
- Progression: Often leads to full-time analyst roles
Key Skills and Tools for Beginners
Technical Skills:
- Basic networking (TCP/IP, DNS, firewalls)
- Understanding of Windows/Linux systems
- Security tools: Wireshark, Nessus, Nmap, Splunk (SIEM)
- Intro to cloud platforms (AWS, Azure)
Soft Skills:
- Analytical thinking
- Curiosity and a problem-solving mindset
- Communication and teamwork
- Ability to learn fast
Top Certifications for Entry-Level Roles:
- CompTIA Security+ – Industry staple for beginners
- CompTIA Network+ – Good base for understanding infrastructure
- Microsoft SC-900 – Cloud and security fundamentals
- (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) – Entry-level cert by the CISSP creators
- Google Cybersecurity Certificate – Good self-paced learning option
Do You Need a Degree?
Not necessarily. Many entry-level cybersecurity jobs in the UK are open to those without university degrees—especially if you have certifications, projects, or hands-on experience.
Alternative Routes:
- Apprenticeships
- Bootcamps (e.g., QA, Capslock, CybSafe)
- Self-study + certification
- Cybersecurity conversion courses for career switchers
Where to Find Entry Level Cyber security Jobs in the UK
Job Boards & Sites:
- CyberSecurityJobsite.com
- National Careers Service
- Indeed UK
- LinkedIn Jobs
- Reed.co.uk
Top Employers Hiring in 2025:
- BT Security
- IBM UK
- BAE Systems
- Capgemini
- Darktrace
- Government agencies (e.g., GCHQ, HMRC, MOD)
Best Cities for Cyber Jobs in the UK:
- London – Financial services and government contractors
- Manchester – Cyber hubs and digital innovation
- Birmingham – Growing SME tech community
- Glasgow & Edinburgh – Banking and insurance cybersecurity
- Bristol – Aerospace, defence, and public sector security
How to Make Your Application Stand Out
- Customize your CV to highlight tech skills (even from hobbies or projects)
- Include a GitHub portfolio or blog if possible
- Highlight relevant certifications
- Show passion—mention open-source contributions, hackathons, or Capture The Flag (CTF) events
- Prepare for behavioural + technical interview questions
Career Progression from Entry-Level Roles
Once in, you can move up quickly:
- Junior Cyber Analyst → Mid-Level Analyst (SOC / GRC / Threat Intelligence)
- IT Support → Security Engineer
- Trainee Pen Tester → Certified Ethical Hacker
- Analyst → Architect, Consultant, or CISO (long-term)
Cybersecurity is one of the few sectors where skill and experience can quickly translate to higher pay and responsibility, often faster than in other industries.
 Your Cybersecurity Career Starts Now
The UK’s cybersecurity sector is booming, and entry-level roles are your ticket in. Whether you’re looking for your first job or pivoting careers, you can break in with the right blend of curiosity, foundational skills, and motivation.
Start by learning the basics, getting certified, and applying to roles that offer growth—not perfection. Cybersecurity needs people like you—diverse thinkers, tech enthusiasts, and problem-solvers ready to protect our digital future.
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