Cyber security for the NHS involves protecting sensitive healthcare data, NHS networks and patient systems from cyber threats such as hacking and ransomware.
Working Life
Working in cyber security means that you’ll take part in a variety of different tasks during your working day. These can include:
- Protecting NHS networks, servers, and connected devices.
- Investigating security breaches and responding to cyberattacks.
- Testing systems to find vulnerabilities before hackers do.
- Ensuring compliance with regulations like UK GDPR and NHS Data Security standards.
- Teaching NHS staff how to avoid phishing, ransomware, and other threats.
Job titles you may see for roles in cyber security can include cyber security analyst, security engineer, security operations centre staff or data protection and information security manager.
Role Requirements
The requirements for cyber security roles vary by level but generally combine education, skills and experience.
For entry level roles, you would be required to have:
- GCSEs or equivalent in maths and English and sometimes science or IT
- IT related A Level qualifications are helpful
- Basic IT knowledge: operating systems, networking, Microsoft Office
- Awareness of cybersecurity threats (phishing, malware)
- Ability to follow instructions and document procedures
For mid-level roles, you would be required to have:
- A degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field but sometimes relevant experience can substitute these.
- Professional certifications are increasingly expected.
- Understanding of TCP/IP, firewalls, VPNs and IDS/IPS.
- Experience of security monitoring and incident response.
- Experience of vulnerability assessment and penetration testing.
- Knowledge of operating systems including Windows, Linux and Unix.
- Knowledge of UK cybersecurity standards and NHS Digital policies.
For senior roles, you would be required to have:
- A relevant degree.
- Extensive professional experience in IT security.
- Advanced certifications.
- Experience of advanced threat detection, mitigation, and incident response.
- Understanding of security architecture design and implementation
- Knowledge of regulatory compliance including GDPR, NHS Data Security & Protection Toolkit.
- Knowledge of risk management, audit, and governance
Personal Characteristics
To work successfully in cyber security, you need to consider your own personal characteristics. You would need to have the following attributes or similar:
- Attention to detail
- Logical thinking
- Integrity and Ethics for handling sensitive data
- Be curious
- Be able to work under pressure
Skills Required
To work successfully in cyber security, you need to consider the skills that you have. You would need to demonstrate the following:
- Have strong technical skills in IT inclucing networking, operating systems, cybersecurity tools, coding/scripting and penetration testing.
- Be able to problem solve.
- Have good communication skills.
- Ability to follow instructions and document procedures.
- Be able to gain DBS clearance and pass security vetting
Further Training and Development Opportunities
Once working within cyber security, you can continue to develop your career over time. You’ll have access to a yearly continuing professional development (CPD) check-in where you can discuss any additional training needs or qualifications you would like to achieve.
The NHS actively offers cybersecurity and IT apprenticeships, which are a great way to start a career in cyber without needing a university degree. Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with study, letting you earn a salary while gaining experience and qualifications. Options include Digital and Technology Solutions apprenticeship, Cyber Security apprenticeship or IT & Digital Healthcare apprenticeship.
For more information on apprenticeships, visit our apprenticeship webpage
Pay and Benefits
Cyber security staff usually work around 37.5 hours per week. Depending on the role and the setting you work in, you may be required to work shifts, evenings or weekends.
Cyber security staff in the NHS are paid using the Agenda for Change (AfC) system and will typically start their career on AfC band 2 but with experience, further training and additional qualifications, can progress further up the pay scale.
Other benefits of working within cyber security for the NHS include access to a pension scheme, health service discounts such as a Blue Light Card and 27 days of annual leave in addition to bank holidays.