The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Security Support Assistant (L1)
1-2 yearsSkills to master
- Mastering runbook execution, accurate ticket management, basic alert monitoring, and meticulous documentation. You'd be proving your reliability and attention to detail.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently hitting all SLAs for basic security tasks.
- Requiring minimal supervision for routine activities.
- Proactively identifying minor issues or areas for improvement.
- Demonstrating a strong understanding of core security principles.
- 2
IT Helpdesk / Service Desk Analyst
2-3 yearsSkills to master
- Excellent troubleshooting skills, strong customer service, managing a high volume of tickets, and a foundational understanding of IT systems and user access. You'd be bringing that user-facing experience.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully resolving complex IT issues for users.
- Experience with user account management and basic access controls.
- A clear interest in security beyond general IT support.
- Strong communication skills, especially under pressure.
- 3
Junior Systems Administrator
2-4 yearsSkills to master
- Hands-on experience with server management, network configurations, and system patching. You'd understand the underlying infrastructure that needs securing, which is a huge plus.
You're ready to move on when
- Proficiency in managing Windows or Linux servers.
- Experience implementing or auditing system configurations.
- A proactive approach to system hardening and security best practices.
- An eagerness to specialise in security operations.