Cyber Security Generalist

Cyber Security Generalist

Cyber Security Generalist Career Overview

What is a Cyber Security Generalist?

Cyber Security Generalists are primarily in charge of managing the security of information systems and data of an organisation. It is an excellent pathway for someone who is not content being confined to one specific speciality and wants to work on a variety of projects.

In brief, some of the duties a cyber security generalist may carry out are:

· Monitor software, system, and network flaws.

· Determine and evaluate the dangers to your organisation’s cyber security and suggest ways to deal with them.

· Draft cyber security policies and procedures, specifically for the secure operation of systems.

· Check and document the networks and systems security within an organisation.

The size, type, and, in particular, the degree to which senior management is focused on cyber security will all have a significant impact on the precise nature of a cyber security generalist’s duties. Even a relatively new cyber security generalist can find themselves reporting directly to senior management and being responsible for important decisions.

The vast range of tasks makes the job both incredibly interesting and occasionally difficult. The broad duties increase the likelihood that a cyber security generalist may need to work more hours than those in specialised roles would, including unforeseen overtime when a cyber security crisis occurs. But this varied role allows for the professional to gain a breadth of experience spanning many different categories.

Roles & Responsibilities

What are the roles and responsibilities of a Cyber Security Generalist?

You will be mostly in charge of managing the security of the information systems and data of an organisation as a cyber security generalist.

The tasks likely included in this role are as follows:

  • Create disaster recovery and contingency strategies in the event of a security breach.
  • Ensure you are knowledgeable about the most recent advancements in security and technology.
  • Evaluate and provide a report on the network and system security of an organisation.
  • Keep internal and external auditors informed of any developments and maintaining an IT security risk registry.
  • Advise co-workers on cybersecurity issues like spam, phishing, and unsolicited emails.
  • Use analytical methods to spot new intrusion or threat trends.
Cyber Security Generaist Salary

What is the salary of a Cyber Security Generalist?

As of September 2022, the median salary for a Cyber Security Generalist is £44,000, although salaries of £80,000 for senior practitioners have been reported. Most of the higher salaries are based in the UK’s larger cities, so it is expected that roles elsewhere may offer lower wages.

Data has been taken from ITJobsWatch (IT Jobs Watch | Real-Time Digital & IT Job Market Trends & Actionable Insights), which calculates the median from job vacancies published online within the last 6 months.

Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours

What are the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required as a Cyber Security Generalist?

  • Knowledge of organisational security controls and security management systems, such as guidelines, industry standards, and methods for assessing and reducing risk.
  • Strong ability to establish, run, and maintain secure systems, as well as being able to identify, handle, and respond to security problems, while gathering and utilising threat intelligence.
  • Firm understanding of attacker models, safe-secure designs, and the security of large-scale infrastructures.
  • An awareness of methods for securing private data, such as communications, software programmes, and database and data processing processes.
  • Knowledge of exploits and distributed malicious systems, as well as related methods for identification and analysis.
  • Strong self-management skills.
  • The ability to prioritise complex sets of demands and remain calm under pressure.
Career paths in Cyber Security Generalist

What are the career paths for a Cyber Security Generalist?

There are three tiers of generalists: junior practitioner, practitioner, and senior practitioner.

Apprentices are well suited for generalist positions because an apprenticeship typically requires the trainee to acquire experience in a variety of specialties. As they advance, especially at Apprenticeship Levels 4 and 6, apprentices may be offered the chance to assume more substantial responsibilities in some organisations. 

If the company just has one cyber security generalist, it's probable that person is a senior practitioner. Although, there may be a senior practitioner, one or more generalists at the practitioner level, and numerous generalists overseeing cyber security.

The generalist (or, occasionally, multiple generalists) may be a member of a very small cyber security or security team in some organisations. They will likely be a member of the IT team or possibly a significant business team like finance in other organisations.

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