Technology Assurance & Security

It’s the job of the professionals in technology assurance and security to combat the threat and actions of cyber criminals. With so much vital highly confidential information now stored via data management systems, public and private sector companies and government institutions need to be well-prepared to protect themselves against the hackers out there who want to steal information and bring down a business with an attack on their technology.

Securing the cyber fort

Cyber security is about trying to be one step ahead of the hackers. Technology assurance and security specialists anticipate and understand the operational and technology risks that face information systems, apply and maintain preventative measures to stop cyber attackers and help clients secure their data, and conduct analysis and provide support the client in recovery in the event of a cyber attack.

They need to be informed and prepared to respond to any changes with their clients which may expose them to new cyber threats, such as mergers and acquisitions and the accompanying changes to IT infrastructure, the launch of a new product, taking on a new market, security or privacy law compliance issues or even media attention.

What could I do in technology assurance and security?

Work in this industry is extremely fast-paced – there are constant developments in technology opening up potential new risks to be managed and protected against. If a system is subject to a cyber attack, the specialists need to think on their feet to find out why and establish how the victim company can recover and shield itself from further attacks.

There will usually be a mixture of roles and expertise in a cyber security team. There are developers or software engineers, responsible for the development and maintenance of security applications. Understandably, these kinds of roles require technical expertise in computer science and computer engineering.

Experts in analysis of cyber attacker activity are also involved. Their responsibilities include understanding the psychology, behaviours and methods of cyber criminals. There are also specialists in the legal implications of technology security in business to offer advisory services in compliance.

Opportunities for various degree disciplines

Owing to this variety, it’s perhaps not that surprising that recruiters – typically professional services firms and technology consultancies – look for people with computer science, mathematics and engineering qualifications (it’s typically a graduate recruitment area) as well as graduates in subjects such as psychology, economics and law. Cyber security roles tend to be filled by exceptional candidates.

Though there is diversity in the nature of the jobs in this area, what is true of any role within technology assurance and security is that it’s essential to be able to communicate complex information in a clear manner, both internally within the team and externally to the client. There is the opportunity to work with clients from the public and private sector – and even government institutions, and it’s one of the most highly paid technology areas within banking and finance.