Cyber Security Career Blueprint for Beginners in the UK
Launch a cyber‑security career from scratch. This blueprint covers certification milestones, job roles, salary ranges, and real‑world skills. Follow each cluster to move from beginner to SOC analyst or penetration tester.
Cert Roadmap: SC‑900 → Security+ → CySA+
Start with SC‑900 for fundamentals, then Security+ for core security skills. Advance to CySA+ for threat detection for Microsoft Sentinel expertise.
Entry‑Level Job Roles
Roles include SOC Tier‑1 Analyst, Junior Security Consultant, and IT Security Technician. Typical salaries range £30k–£40k in the UK.
Threat‑Analyst Day‑in‑the‑Life
Monitor SIEM dashboards, triage alerts, run vulnerability scans, and coordinate incident response drills.
Salary Progression (UK)
SOC Tier‑1: £30k–£40k. Tier‑2: £45k–£55k. Penetration Tester: £50k–£65k+. Security Architect: £75k–£90k+.
Quick‑Answer FAQ (Micro‑Answers)
Q: Is Security+ enough to get a SOC job?
A: Yes, paired with hands‑on labs and SC‑900, Security+ can land you a SOC Tier‑1 role.
Q: How long between Security+ and CySA+?
A: Most learners bridge to CySA+ within 3–6 months of practical experience.