Key information

  1. Reference: ST1021
  2. Date updated: 29/09/2022
  3. Level: 4
  4. Route: Digital
  5. Regulated occupation: No

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Details of the occupational standard

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Higher Technical Qualification

Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) are designed to be delivered within a course of education. Some Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours may be more safely and reliably delivered in workplace settings, so may not be fully covered by the HTQ. Some qualifications will deliver additional content or added depth and breadth through, for example, use of specialist learning environments, work placements or innovative teaching methods. Check with the qualification provider if you require further information on coverage.

Occupation summary

This occupation is found in all sectors and organisations that employ technology, for example Digital, Telecoms, Technology, Business Services, Defence, Government, Finance, Health, Retail, Critical National Infrastructure, Transport, Automotive sectors; and in all types and sizes of organisation including large corporates, public sector bodies, academic institutions, charities, and small and medium enterprise (SME).

The broad purpose of the occupation is to apply an understanding of cyber security to protect organisations, systems, information, personal data and people from attacks and unauthorised access.

Fighting cyber security threats is a multi-billion-pound industry, and one that continues to grow as threats from the likes of malware, ransomware, phishing, DDoS attacks and hacking increase. Organisations both large and small are turning to cyber security professionals to help them keep their commercial and financial data, websites, infrastructure sites and their customers' details safe.

With almost all personal data now stored online, cyber security attacks have the potential to completely ruin businesses - not to mention people's lives - in the process. There are often

news stories about high-profile attacks, such as those on the NHS, Yahoo and LinkedIn, meaning that organisations are becoming increasingly concerned with any potential leaks that could occur. In fact, nearly half of all UK businesses experienced some form of attack in the last 12 months. As a cyber-security technologist, you will be part of the response to those attacks.

Cyber Security Technologists all require an understanding of security concepts and technology and how to mitigate risks arising from threats. The specific tasks undertaken vary depending on what needs to be achieved by the team at any particular time. Some tasks may be very technical, others may be more analytical, business or user focused. All roles in this occupation work to achieve required cyber security outcomes in a legal and regulatory context in all parts of the economy. They develop and apply practical knowledge of information security to deliver solutions that fulfil an organisations requirement.

The Cyber Security Technologist standard has three distinct options. At the end of the apprenticeship you will be competent in either:

1) The Cyber Security Engineer is the most technology focused role in the occupation and will typically design, build and test secure networks or security products or systems with a particular focus on the security aspects of the design.

Typical job titles include: Cyber Security Engineer, Cyber Security Consultant, Cyber Security Architect, Cyber Security Analyst, Cyber Security Specialist, IT Security Technician, Embedded Engineer.

2) The Cyber Risk Analyst Focuses on risk assessment, analysis and giving advice on risk mitigations. The roles may support formal security governance, regulatory & compliance (GRC).

Typical job titles include: Cyber Security Consultant, Cyber Security Analyst, Cyber Risk Analyst, Intelligence Researcher, Cyber Security Specialist, Information Security Analyst, Governance & Compliance Analyst, Information Security Assurance & Threat Analyst, Information Security Auditor.

3) The Cyber Defender & Responder is more operationally focused, configuring and operating secure systems to prevent security breaches or monitoring systems to detect and respond to security breaches.

Typical job titles include: Cyber Security Analyst, Cyber Security Operator, Forensics & Incident Response Analyst, Cyber Security Administrator, Information Security Officer, Secure Operations Centre (SOC) Analyst, Network Intrusion Analyst, Incident Response Centre (IRC) Analyst, Network Operations Centre (NOC) Security Analyst.

In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with a broad range of people from their own organisation and externally including suppliers and customers, technical specialists, non-specialists, peers and senior representatives. The roles are typically office or computer room/lab based. Some employers will also have security clearance requirements, which may impose residency or nationality restrictions. An employee in this occupation will be responsible for their own work, work as part of a team including different levels of technical and non-technical skills, and may also be required to supervise work, budgets and other staff.

Typical job titles include:

Cyber Operations Manager Security Architect Security Analyst Cyber Risk Analyst Intelligence Researcher

Core occupation duties

Duty KSBs

Duty 1 Identify cyber vulnerabilities in a system to ensure security is maintained.

K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K11 K12 K13 K15 K16 K17

S1 S9

B1 B2 B4 B5 B6 B7 B8 B9

Duty 2 Identify security threats and hazards to a system, service or processes to inform risk assessments and design of security features

K4 K5 K11

S2 S9 S17

B1 B2 B5 B6 B7 B9 B10

Duty 3 Research and investigate attack techniques and recommend ways to defend against them

K2 K4 K5 K13 K15

S3 S9

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 B8 B9 B10

Duty 4 Support cyber security risk assessments, cyber security audits and cyber security incident management

K4 K5 K7 K8 K9 K14

S4

B1 B2 B3 B5 B6 B7 B8 B10

Duty 5 Develop security designs with design justification to meet the defined cyber security parameters.

K3 K4 K8 K10

S5 S6

B1 B2 B9 B10

Duty 6 Configure, deploy and use computer, digital network and cyber security technology.

K1 K2 K16 K17

S8

B1 B3 B4 B10

Duty 7 Develop program code or scripts for a computer or other digital technology for example an industrial control system

K1 K16 K17

S13

B1 B2 B3 B5 B8 B10

Duty 8 Write reports, give verbal reports and presentations in the context of the cyber security role

S27

B1 B3 B4 B5 B7 B9

Duty 9 Manage cyber security operations processes in accordance with organisational policies and standards and business requirements.

K3 K6 K8 K9 K15

S7

B1 B3 B5 B6 B8

Duty 10 Participate in cyber war gaming and simulations (technical & non-technical).for example to better understand cyber-attack and defence, rehearse responses, test and evaluate cyber security techniques

K1 K2 K4 K9 K15 K16 K17

S1 S2 S4

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 B8 B9 B10

Duty 11 Keep up to date with industry trends and developments to enhance relevant skills and take responsibility for own professional development

K8 K9

B3

Option duties

Cyber Security Engineer duties

Duty KSBs

Duty 12 Work from a given design requirement to design, build and test digital networks

K1 K2 K16 K17

S10

B1 B3 B5 B8 B10

Duty 13 Analyse security requirements and develop a security case taking account of all applicable laws and regulations.

K3 K8 K10

S5

B1 B2 B3 B5 B8 B9 B10

Duty 14 Implement structured and reasoned security controls in a digital system in accordance with a security case

K12 K13 K15

S11 S12 S14

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 B8 B9 B10

Duty 22 Prevent security breaches using a variety of tools techniques and processes.

K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K8 K9 K15 K16 K17

S1 S2 S3 S15 S28

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 B8 B9 B10

Cyber Risk Analyst duties

Duty KSBs

Duty 13 Analyse security requirements and develop a security case taking account of all applicable laws and regulations.

K3 K8 K10

S5

B1 B2 B3 B5 B8 B9 B10

Duty 15 Conduct cyber security risk assessments

K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K8 K14 K16 K17

S1 S2 S3 S4 S16 S17 S22

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 B8 B9 B10

Duty 16 Conduct cyber security audits

K8 K9 K14

S20

B1 B3 B5 B6 B7 B8

Duty 21 Develop information security policies to achieve security outcomes within a defined scope

K3 K8 K15

S18 S19

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 B8 B9 B10

Duty 23 Design and implement security awareness campaigns

K3 K4 K8

S17 S23 S24

B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 B9

Cyber Defend & Respond duties

Duty KSBs

Duty 17 Manage local response to non-major cyber security incidents

K6 K7 K8 K9 K15

S21 S30

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 B8 B10

Duty 18 Monitor technology systems (for example computer networks and computer systems) in real time to detect cyber security incidents, breaches and intrusions

K4 K5 K6 K7 K8

S2 S7 S25

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 B8

Duty 19 Integrate and correlate information from a variety of sources and form an informed judgement on whether an indicator constitutes a likely security incident, breach or intrusion.

K3 K4 K5

S26 S27 S29

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 B8 B10

Duty 20 Respond to a suspected security incident, breach or intrusion in accordance with organisation procedures any defined service level agreements or performance targets.

K6 K7 K9 K15

S7

B1 B5 B6 B7 B8

Duty 22 Prevent security breaches using a variety of tools techniques and processes.

K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K8 K9 K15 K16 K17

S1 S2 S3 S15 S28

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 B8 B9 B10

KSBs

Knowledge

K1: Principles of networks: OSI and TCP/IP models, data, protocols and how they relate to each other; the main routing protocols; the main factors affecting network performance including typical failure modes in protocols and approaches to error control; virtual networking Back to Duty

K2: the concepts, main functions and features of at least three Operating Systems (OS) and their security functions and associated security features. Back to Duty

K3: Cyber security concepts and why cyber security matters to business and society; Security assurance concepts and how assurance may be achieved in practice including penetration testing and extrinsic assurance methods. Back to Duty

K4: the main types of common attack techniques; also the role of human behaviour, including the significance of the 'insider threat'. Including: how attack techniques combine with motive and opportunity to become a threat. Techniques and strategies to defend against attack techniques and mitigate hazards Back to Duty

K5: the significance of identified trends in cyber security threats and understand the value and risk of this analysis. How to deal with emerging attack techniques (including 'zero day'), hazards and vulnerabilities relevant to the digital systems and business environment. Back to Duty

K6: lifecycle and service management practices to an established standard to a foundation level for example Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) foundation level. Back to Duty

K7: cyber incident response processes, incident management processes and evidence collection/preservation requirements to support incident investigation Back to Duty

K8: Understands the main features, applicability and how to apply the significant law, regulations and standards relevant specifically to cyber security. To include: laws, regulations & standards relating to personal data and privacy (e.g. Data Protection Act 2018 implementing General Data Protection Regulation); use of digital systems (e.g. Computer Misuse Act 1990 ); regulatory standards for cyber security, intelligence collection and law enforcement (e.g. Intelligence Services Act 1994, Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000; standards for good practice in cyber security (e.g. ISO 27001, CyberEssentials, NIST) and any updates or additions Back to Duty

K9: ethical principles and codes of good practice of at least one significant cyber security professional body and the ethical responsibilities of a cyber security professional. Back to Duty

K10: how to analyse employer or customer requirements to derive security objectives and taking account of the threats and overall context develop a security case which sets out the proposed security measures in the context with reasoned justification Back to Duty

K11: horizon scanning including use of recognised sources of threat intelligence and vulnerabilities. Back to Duty

K12: common security architectures and methodologies; be aware of reputable security architectures that incorporates hardware and software components, and sources of architecture patterns and guidance. How cyber security technology components are typically deployed in digital systems to provide security functionality including: hardware and software to implement security controls Back to Duty

K13: the basic terminology and concepts of cryptography; common cryptography techniques in use; the importance of effective key management and the main techniques used; legal, regulatory and export issues specific to the use of cryptography Back to Duty

K14: risk assessment and audit methodologies and approaches to risk treatment; approaches to identifying the vulnerabilities in organisations and security management systems; the threat intelligence lifecycle; the role of the risk owner in contrast with other stakeholders Back to Duty

K15: principles of security management systems, including governance, organisational structure, roles, policies, standards, guidelines and how these all work together to deliver the identified security outcomes. Back to Duty

K16: function and features of significant digital system components; typical architectures; common vulnerabilities in digital systems; principles and common practice in digital system security Back to Duty

K17: programming or scripting languages Back to Duty

Skills

S1: Discover vulnerabilities in a system by using a mix of research and practical exploration Back to Duty

S2: Analyse and evaluate security threats and hazards to a system or service or processes. Use relevant external source of threat intelligence or advice (e.g. National Cyber Security Centre) Combine different sources to create an enriched view of cyber threats and hazards Back to Duty

S3: Research and investigate common attack techniques and relate these to normal and observed digital system behaviour and recommend how to defend against them. Interpret and demonstrate use of external source of vulnerabilities (e.g. OWASP, intelligence sharing initiatives, open source) Back to Duty

S4: Undertake security risk assessments for simple systems without direct supervision and propose basic remediation advice in the context of the employer. Back to Duty

S5: Source and analyse security cases and describe what threats, vulnerability or risks are mitigated and identify any residual areas of concern. Back to Duty

S6: Analyse employer or customer requirements to derive security objectives and taking account of the threats and overall context develop a security case which sets out the proposed security measures in the context with reasoned justification Back to Duty

S7: Identify and follow organisational policies and standards for information and cyber security and operate according to service level agreements or other defined performance targets. Back to Duty

S8: Configure, deploy and use computer, digital network and cyber security technology. Back to Duty

S9: Recommend improvements to the cyber security posture of an employer or customer based on research into future potential cyber threats and considering threat trends. Back to Duty

S10: Design, build, test and troubleshoot a network incorporating more than one subnet with static and dynamic routes, to a given design requirement without supervision. Provide evidence that the system meets the design requirement. Back to Duty

S11: Analyse security requirements given (functional and non-functional security requirements that may be presented in a security case) against other design requirements (e.g. usability, cost, size, weight, power, heat, supportability etc.) for a given system or product. Identify conflicting requirements and propose, with reasoning, resolution through appropriate trade-offs. Back to Duty

S12: Design and build, systems in accordance with a security case within broad but generally well-defined parameters. This should include selection and configuration of typical security hardware and software components. Provide evidence that the system has properly implemented the security controls required by the security case Back to Duty

S13: Write program code or scripts to meet a given design requirement in accordance with employers' coding standards Back to Duty

S14: Design systems employing encryption to meet defined security objectives. Develop and implement a plan for managing the associated encryption keys for the given scenario or system. Back to Duty

S15: Use tools, techniques and processes to actively prevent breaches to digital system security. Back to Duty

S16: Conduct cyber-risk assessments against an externally (market) recognised cyber security standard using a recognised risk assessment methodology. Back to Duty

S17: Identify cyber security threats relevant to a defined context Back to Duty

S18: Develop information security policies or processes to address a set of identified risks, for example from security audit recommendations. Back to Duty

S19: Develop information security policies within a defined scope to take account of legislation and regulation relevant to cyber security. Back to Duty

S20: Take an active part in a security audits against recognised cyber security standards, undertake gap analysis and make recommendations for remediation.. Back to Duty

S21: Develop plans for incident response for approval within defined governance arrangements for incident response. Back to Duty

S22: Develop plans for local business continuity for approval within defined governance arrangements for business continuity. Back to Duty

S23: Assess security culture using a recognised approach. Back to Duty

S24: Design and implement a simple ‘security awareness’ campaign to address a specific aspect of a security culture. Back to Duty

S25: Integrate and correlate information from various sources (including log files from different sources, digital system monitoring tools, Secure Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools, access control systems, physical security systems) and compare to known threat and vulnerability data to form a judgement based on evidence with reasoning that the anomaly represents a digital system security breach Back to Duty

S26: Recognise anomalies in observed digital system data structures (including by inspection of network packet data structures) and digital system behaviours (including by inspection of protocol behaviours) and by inspection of log files and by investigation of alerts raised by automated tools including SIEM tools. Back to Duty

S27: Accurately, objectively and concisely record and report the appropriate cyber security information, including in written reports within a structure or template provided. Back to Duty

S28: Configure digital system monitoring and analysis tools (e.g. SIEM tools), taking account of threat & vulnerability intelligence, indicators of compromise. Back to Duty

S29: Undertake root cause analysis of events and make recommendations to reduce false positives and false negatives. Back to Duty

S30: Manage local response to non-major incidents in accordance with a defined procedure. Back to Duty

Behaviours

B1: Logical - Applies logical thinking, for example, uses clear and valid reasoning when making decisions related to undertaking the work instructions Back to Duty

B2: Analytical - working with data effectively to see patterns, trends and draw meaningful conclusions. Back to Duty

B3: Works independently and takes responsibility. For example works diligently regardless of how much they are being supervised, and stays motivated and committed when facing challenges Back to Duty

B4: Shows initiative, being resourceful when faced with a problem and taking responsibility for solving problems within their own remit Back to Duty

B5: Thorough & organised. For example uses their time effectively to complete work to schedule and takes responsibility for managing their own work load and time Back to Duty

B6: Works effectively with a wide range of people in different roles, internally and externally, with a regard to inclusion & diversity policy Back to Duty

B7: Communicates effectively in a wide variety of situations for example contributing effectively to meetings and presenting complex information to technical and non-technical audiences Back to Duty

B8: Maintains a productive, professional and secure working environment. Back to Duty

B9: Creative - taking a variety of perspectives, taking account of unpredictable adversary and threat behaviours and approaches, bring novel and unexpected solutions to address cyber security challenges Back to Duty

B10: Problem Solving - Identifies issues quickly, solves complex problems and applies appropriate solutions. Dedicated to finding the true root cause of any problem and find solutions that prevent recurrence. Back to Duty

Certificate of Higher Education Cyber Security

Qualification type: HTQ

Qualification level: 4

Applicant: University of East London

Awarding body: University of East London

Approval date: 08/07/2022

Occupational pathway: Not applicable

Placement: No

Aligned occupational standards

ST1021 Cyber security technologist (2021)

Options: Cyber Security Engineer

Certificate of Higher Education: Cyber Security Engineer

Qualification type: HTQ

Qualification level: 4

Applicant: University College Birmingham

Awarding body: University College Birmingham

Approval date: 08/07/2022

Occupational pathway: Not applicable

Placement: No

Aligned occupational standards

ST1021 Cyber security technologist (2021)

Options: Cyber Security Engineer , Cyber Risk Analyst , Cyber Defend & Respond

Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) Cyber Security Technologist

Qualification type: HTQ

Qualification level: 5

Applicant: University of Brighton

Awarding body: University of Brighton

Approval date: 08/07/2022

Occupational pathway: Not applicable

Placement: No

Aligned occupational standards

ST1021 Cyber security technologist (2021)

Options: Cyber Security Engineer , Cyber Risk Analyst , Cyber Defend & Respond

FD Cyber Security

Qualification type: HTQ

Qualification level: 5

Applicant: Leeds City College

Awarding body: Leeds City College

Approval date: 01/06/2021

Occupational pathway: Not applicable

Placement: No

Aligned occupational standards

ST0127 Network engineer

ST1021 Cyber security technologist (2021)

Options: Cyber Security Engineer , Cyber Risk Analyst , Cyber Defend & Respond

FdSc Cyber Security

Qualification type: HTQ

Qualification level: 5

Applicant: New College Durham

Awarding body: New College Durham

Approval date: 01/06/2021

Occupational pathway: Not applicable

Placement: No

Aligned occupational standards

ST1021 Cyber security technologist (2021)

Options: Cyber Security Engineer , Cyber Risk Analyst , Cyber Defend & Respond

FdSc Networking and Cyber Security

Qualification type: HTQ

Qualification level: 5

Applicant: NCG

Awarding body: NCG

Approval date: 01/06/2021

Occupational pathway: Not applicable

Placement: No

Aligned occupational standards

ST0127 Network engineer

ST1021 Cyber security technologist (2021)

Options: Cyber Security Engineer , Cyber Risk Analyst , Cyber Defend & Respond

Foundation Degree Cyber Security

Qualification type: HTQ

Qualification level: 5

Applicant: Truro & Penwith College

Awarding body: Truro & Penwith College

Approval date: 08/07/2022

Occupational pathway: Not applicable

Placement: No

Aligned occupational standards

ST1021 Cyber security technologist (2021)

Options: Cyber Security Engineer , Cyber Risk Analyst , Cyber Defend & Respond

Foundation Degree of Science (FdSc) in Computer Science

Qualification type: HTQ

Qualification level: 5

Applicant: Staffordshire University

Awarding body: Staffordshire University

Approval date: 01/06/2021

Occupational pathway: Cyber Security Technologist

Placement: No

Aligned occupational standards

ST1021 Cyber security technologist (2021)

Options: Cyber Security Engineer , Cyber Risk Analyst , Cyber Defend & Respond

HNC Cyber Security Technologist - Cyber Security Engineer

Qualification type: HTQ

Qualification level: 4

Applicant: Solent University

Awarding body: Solent University

Approval date: 04/05/2023

Occupational pathway: Not applicable

Placement: No

Aligned occupational standards

ST1021 Cyber security technologist (2021)

Options: Cyber Security Engineer

NCFE Level 4 Diploma: Cyber Security Engineer

Qualification type: HTQ

Qualification level: 4

Applicant: NCFE

Awarding body: NCFE

Approval date: 08/07/2022

Occupational pathway: Not applicable

Placement: No

Aligned occupational standards

ST1021 Cyber security technologist (2021)

Options: Cyber Security Engineer

Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Computing for England

Qualification type: HTQ

Qualification level: 5

Applicant: Pearson

Awarding body: Pearson

Approval date: 01/06/2021

Occupational pathway: Cyber Security

Placement: No

Aligned occupational standards

ST1021 Cyber security technologist (2021)

Options: Cyber Security Engineer , Cyber Risk Analyst , Cyber Defend & Respond

Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Digital Technologies for England

Qualification type: HTQ

Qualification level: 5

Applicant: Pearson

Awarding body: Pearson

Approval date: 08/07/2022

Occupational pathway: Cyber Security; Cloud Networking; Software Development and Programming; Data Analytics; Digital Communications Management; Business Analytics and Change Management; Artificial Intelligence (AI) Solutions and Applications

Placement: No

Aligned occupational standards

ST0345 Digital community manager

ST0127 Network engineer

ST0116 Software developer

ST0129 Software tester

ST0118 Data analyst

ST0117 Business analyst

ST1021 Cyber security technologist (2021)

Options: Cyber Security Engineer , Cyber Risk Analyst , Cyber Defend & Respond

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