Cyber security manager
Could you be the go-to expert in a computing crisis? Oversee a team of IT specialists to protect an organisation from cyber-attacks.
About the job
What it's like
As a cyber security manager, you’ll take the lead on an organisation’s online security measures. This means you’ll protect its systems, networks and data from cyber threats and security breaches.
Generally, you’ll manage a team of cyber security professionals. You’ll lead them as they develop online security strategies and monitor cyber threats.
Your daily tasks might include:
managing your team as they handle cyber threats and spot potential incidents
helping people within the organisation to follow online security protocols
investigating and solving cyber security incidents as they happen
analysing vulnerabilities in the online systems and recommending proactive measures to improve them
working with other teams and departments to align cyber security practices with business goals
running cyber awareness sessions for people within the organisation
reporting to senior management on the cyber security status, incidents and improvements
Cyber security managers usually work in a less senior role first. For example, they often start out in an entry-level IT position. They then move into a specialist cyber security role before going into management.
Hours
You'll likely work normal office hours, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. You could work at irregular times if you’re part of an on-call rota that responds to major cyber threats.
Some companies may offer flexible working hours.
Environment
You'll likely work in an office environment. There may be opportunities to work from home some of the time.
You may spend a long time sitting at a desk, using a computer. This is where you’ll analyse cyber threats and liaise with members of your team.
Travel
Cyber security managers don’t usually need to travel. Occasionally, they may visit a site where a security breach has taken place.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career.
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Transport Engineering and manufacturing Financial and professional services Food and drink Healthcare Digital technologies
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- cyber security
- cyber threat intelligence
- cyber security policies
- cyber resilience
- security devices
- cyber security strategy
- email security
- cyber defense
- kerberos (protocol)
- directory service
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- written communication
- verbal communication
- resilience
- problem solving
- managing resources
- making decisions
- ethical
- building relationships
- attention to detail
- adaptability
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
English
Computing Science
Engineering Science
Information and Communications Technology - ICT
Maths (Mathematics)
Physics
Statistics
Foundation Apprenticeship: Hardware and Systems Support
Foundation Apprenticeship: Software Development
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You’ll likely need a degree or postgraduate qualification for this job. You can work towards this after school by going to university, college or doing an apprenticeship.
Explore the information you need for each route into this career.
University
Most cyber security manager vacancies will ask that you have a degree or postgraduate qualification.
Subjects related to cyber security, IT and computing are very useful, such as:
cyber security
cyber security and networks
computer science with cyber security
computer science
information technology
information systems
Other university subjects which could help you get into this career include:
software engineering
electrical engineering
mathematics
digital forensics
What you need to enter a degree course depends on the subject and university. For a cyber security and networks degree, you’ll likely need at least four Highers at BBCC or better. One of these should be in Maths, Computing or a science-based subject.
Some universities will have more difficult entry requirements – these are what you need as a minimum. A relevant HNC or HND will allow you to apply for some courses.
For entry to a postgraduate course, you’ll need an honours degree in a relevant subject.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you get into an entry-level role or move on to more advanced study. Subjects you could do at college include:
cyber security
networking with cyber security
infrastructure with cyber security
computing
business with information technology
software development
digital forensics
What you’ll need to get into an HNC or HND course depends on the qualification level, subject and college.
As a guide, for an HND in Cyber Security at City of Glasgow College, you’ll need two Highers at C or above. One of them must be in a relevant subject, like Computing or Business Studies. You’ll also need two National 5 qualifications at C or above.
Apprenticeships
You could start learning the skills you’ll need in this career through a Foundation Apprenticeship (FA). While you’re in S5 or S6, you’ll gain work experience while you study.
To work in cyber security, you may want to consider an FA in:
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider an MA in areas such as:
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) also let you learn on the job. You get paid and study for a degree-level qualification while working.
If you want to build a career in cyber security, check out GAs in:
Getting work experience in a relevant role can help build your profile in the cyber security sector. Search for computing or cyber security opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
Find more volunteering through:
The British Computer Society (BCS) is a professional body that covers a range of IT roles. Again, you can become a BCS member or explore their articles and research papers for free.
As you progress in your cyber security career, it’s a good idea to become a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). To get CISSP accreditation, you need to sit an exam once you’ve worked in the industry for at least five years.
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