What is cyber security - and how can I find work

What is cyber security - and how can I find work by Michael Cheary Looking for a new skill? Cyber security could be for you… With businesses increasingly concerned about the safety and security of their information, demand for people working in the industry is on the rise. In fact, cyber security jobs advertised on reed.co.uk are up 99% year-on-year â€" meaning there’s never been a better time get started.We spoke to the experts at the Learning People, one of the UK’s biggest providers of cyber security qualifications, to find out more about the current skills shortage â€" and how you can help fill it.What is cyber security?      Cyber security is the name given to the technologies and processes set out to protect online data â€" primarily from attacks and unauthorised access.It’s a billion pound industry, and one that continues to grow as threats from the likes of malware, ransomware, phishing, DDoS attacks and hacking steadily increase.Why is cyber security important? With almost all of our personal data now stor ed online, cyber security attacks have the potential to completely ruin businesses â€" not to mention people’s lives â€" in the process.And with a number of recent high-profile attacks, such as those on the NHS, Yahoo and LinkedIn, companies are becoming increasingly concerned with any potential leaks that could occur.In fact, a report this year by the UK government found that nearly half of all UK businesses experienced some form of attack in the last 12 months.So companies large and small are turning to cyber security professionals to help them keep their sites and their customers’ details safe.Why is there a cyber security skills gap? Because of how fast the numbers of cyber security opportunities out there are rising, the UK workforce is struggling to meet demand.In a recent survey conducted by ESG, 44% of IT employers called cyber security their biggest concern when it came to the lack of skills in their organisation.And with the number of threats continuing to increase eve ry year, the problem is only set to get bigger unless more people start to get the skills they need to help fill the gap.What cyber security jobs are there?Cyber security is an incredibly diverse field, with staff specialising in everything from different platforms and types of technology (such as cloud storage and apps) through to certain skills (e.g. hacking and analysis).Some examples of cyber security jobs could include:Cyber Security EngineerSOC AnalystSoftware Security OfficerSecurity AdministratorEthical HackerWeb DeveloperCloud Security ConsultantHow much could I earn in cyber security? Cyber security roles are amongst the highest paying jobs in tech.Salaries range from around £20,000 for entry-level Cyber Security Consultants, through to well over £100,000 for Security Directors at the top tech companies.How can I find a job in cyber security? The fastest way to find a role in cyber security is to get qualified.There are a wide range of different certifications out there, whether you’ve already got some experience in the industry, or you’re a complete beginner.Many of them can be taken online, and are self-paced, meaning you can fit them around your current schedule. And with some courses starting right away, and with plenty of payment options available, you could be qualified in a matter of months.Other ways to break into the industry include internships and apprenticeships, as well as working your way up from another tech-based role, such as Network Engineer or Web Developer.What certifications are there?Some of the most popular cyber security certifications include:CompTIA â€" The world’s most popular entry-level IT certifications, with networking and security-specific levels to help you get up-to-speed and security qualified fast.CCNA Security â€" Part of the globally respected CISCO framework, CCNA Security teaches how to keep networks secure, and how to deal with a variety of security threats.Certified Ethical Hacker â€" This qualificati on will allow you to apply for ethical hacking roles right away, to help companies detect potential security vulnerabilities before they’re exploited by people outside the company.  Most of these qualifications have no formal prerequisites to get started, and are also available in bundles â€" like the Learning People’s Cyber Security Collection and Premium Cyber Security Collection.Why study with the Learning People? The Learning People is a leading provider of online training in IT security, coding and digital marketing.They partner with some of the biggest names in tech, including CompTIA and Cisco, and use their expertise to ensure your training is always up-to-date with the latest industry trends meaning you develop skills that are actually in demand right now.And as all of the training they provide is industry recognised and delivered by expert tutors, you’re guaranteed to get dedicated support whilst you study.Other benefits of studying with the Learning People include: An easy-to-use online learning platformProgress reports, so you can see how youre getting onFlexible payment optionsNUS student discount cardExpert career advice to help you find the right role after you complete your courseInterested in Cyber Security? Talk to the Learning People today.The Learning People are one of the UK’s leading eLearning providers, specialising in world-class certifications in project management, IT and digital marketing.Find a job What Where Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the terms and conditions applicable to our service and acknowledge that your personal data will be used in accordance with our privacy policy and you will receive emails and communications about jobs and career related topics. What job suits me?

Improve goal-setting by understanding how it fails

Improve goal-setting by understanding how it fails I take anti-anxiety drugs. I say that  so I can deny that they also function as anti-depressants. Because I think Im too old to still be depressed from a traumatic childhood. But it seems logical that any parent who is also the breadwinner would need anti-anxiety medicine just to get out of bed every day knowing the income has to flow until the kids are out of the house. I didnt realize how tired I was from the medicine until my kids started telling people I sleep all time. So I made lists with hourly todos so that I had standards to meet before sleeping. Which only made me more sleepy.  Adam Galinsky is a professor at Kellogg and he says, Goal setting has been treated like an over-the-counter medication  when it should really be treated with more care, as a prescription-strength medication. I  used to have confidence in my earning ability and that made my kids confident. Mostly. Like the majority of women, I always have a nagging worry that  Ill  end up being a crazy bag lady. Melissa found this psychiatrist who sees a pattern in really high achievers: they have anxiety that causes them to work really hard to meet goals and if you treat the anxiety with pharmaceuticals  you uncover ADD. I could track  my income by graphing my pharmaceutical intake. When I was  nice and pleasant  there was no money coming in.  So I got  Vyvanse for my ADD.  And then I was able to be nice and pleasant and  awake enough to make money. In Pennsylvania the pharmacist at each location makes a judgment call about what risk theyll take to fill a Schedule C prescription. So I cant get Vyvanse in Pennsylvania because my psychiatrist is in Texas and my ID is from Wisconsin  and Im paying cash, because my insurance wont cover me out of state. And I guess, in the eyes of a pharmacist Im already the crazy bag lady, because no one will fill my prescription for Vyvanse. For the past twenty years, I have written all my most important goals on paper. Because I read that that matters. And it turns out it does. But I must have been going after the wrong goals.  I have to stop thinking that being in a family is about meeting a goal and then meeting another. So now I write notes to myself to remember to fill my family with joy. I set an alarm each day that has that as  a reminder attached to it. I set the alarm  for a different time each day so the boys dont think I have automated joy. Yesterday my oldest son said to me, Why are you and dad even married? He does nothing for you. You live all by yourself and you stopped buying  good food and there are mice in the apartment and when dad visits he sleeps with the dog  instead of you. I said, Why dont you like the food? I cook  every  meal for you. I know you only start making pancakes for breakfast when you think theres no food. I dont have my medicine. I know. But a real husband would help you with that. Remember? Respect? Commitment? Empathy? I  stared. My  son  stepped toward me to give me a hug. He is taller than I am now, just by a little, but it feels like a lot after  being taller than him for fourteen years.  His arms hold  me carefully. His list is so much better than mine. Which means, I guess, that I met my parenting goals.

Should Recruiters Sleep with the Enemy

Should Recruiters Sleep with the Enemy It is often said you should keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Should the same be said in business? How would you feel about actually working in partnership with a direct competitor? Can you achieve your end goal with the same ethics, your dignity intact and do you publicise this to your clients? Such a contentious subject raises many questions. I have recently been asked whether this is something I advocate and I surprised the person by answering in the affirmative! In fact, I have had such partnerships in place since I started Qui Recruitment in 2005. Naïve or actually quite shrewd, I’ll explain and you can decide. You probably dont cover all locations Why and how? I hear you ask. Well, if you are very niche in your offering and/or geography as Qui have always been (until 2012 focussing totally on North West with recent extensions in 2012 to cover the Midlands and Yorkshire), it makes sense surely to find a business with the same ethics and credentials in the location you don’t cover? I have a reciprocal relationship with businesses in Australia and London, it’s sensible as neither of us have any plans to overlap in each other territories and strategically smart as essentially I have expanded my network with no risk or cost. Rather than fork out for an office down under or in London, I have someone I trust who can act as I would in their network. We have no expectation of each other. No targets to hit. If we can’t help them, we have someone who hopefully can. Of utmost importance we ALWAYS get the permission off the candidate! We have also gained a couple of new clients who are in our region so if you are open-minded enough it can strengthen your full 360 º vision. You probably dont cover all niches I also have a partnership with a very niche competitor in the North West who only focuses on one specific industry sector within R2R, so they pass me any valid candidate, with their permission of course, if they aren’t in their sector. It’s a “win win” for everyone involved. As my collaborative competitor said last week when I informed them we had just placed a person they had referred, that they would rather have a percentage of that something that the whole of nothing. This is the critical point, incremental additions to the bottom line. You make a conscious and considered business decision when you act on anything in recruitment; whether it is choosing a client to work with, or a candidate to represent. The same can be said for collaborations with competitors. Be selective, do your due diligence and if you can find an ethical partner who mirrors your service, then why not? Would you sleep with the enemy? This is my view and my approach to working selectively and collaboratively with competitors. I genuinely want to know what YOU think. Have you set up similar partnerships? If so, have they worked? What advice would you have for other recruiters considering this action as a means of expansion? Please do leave a comment below or tweet me your thoughts @Lyshaholmes. Related: Who Are You? You Recruiters Know Nothing!

4 Ways to Use LinkedIn like a Pro

4 Ways to Use LinkedIn like a Pro Chances are you’re doing it wrong. Yes, you! If you’re using LinkedIn to get a job or for networking, the chances are you’re doing it all wrong. You have not discovered the proper ways to use LinkedIn.But don’t fret, acceptance is the first step to recovery. If you want to know ways to use LinkedIn to land a job, make more sales, or to stand out from the crowd, follow these simple steps to start using LinkedIn like a pro.1. Stop Posting LinksIf you just use LinkedIn to post the occasional link to your website, or an article that seems interesting to you, then you’re doing it wrong. People are looking through LinkedIn because they want to see content on LinkedIn, not on your website. The algorithm won’t be in your favor either because LinkedIn is not going to help you redirect traffic from their website to yours.The chances are the article you’re posting has a point or a general idea that you’d like to share. The chances are you have an opinion on the article that coul d be directly related to your area of expertise. Instead of letting the author take credit for your thoughts and opinions, write a long-form post describing your views.This allows other users to get some insight into your thoughts and opinions while making yourself seem more personable. Being personable will help you if you are using LinkedIn for networking.2. Stop Being NegativeNobody likes someone who is negative and always has to argue the opposite viewpoint. You might be right but LinkedIn comments are no place to prove another person wrong. Unless someone is blatantly wrong or offensive and you feel inclined to correct them, don’t do it.People like other people who are positive and are encouraging. Instead of being negative maybe share some advice in a positive and constructive way. Instead of rushing to say someone is wrong maybe try to understand the other person first.If you are using LinkedIn for networking, you’ll get more people to connect with you if they feel they a re on your side and not against.3. Stop Cold Messaging PeopleWhen was the last time you got a cold inmail from another LinkedIn user and got excited to read their sales pitch? When was the last time you took their phone call and gave them all your business?Chances are this tactic didn’t work on you so why would it work on anyone else? Writing effective inmails through LinkedIn only works if used in the right context. But the main issue with most users using LinkedIn to cold inmail is they have no context whatsoever.If you don’t know the person and have no knowledge of them besides their profile picture then chances are you won’t be making a sale, getting a job through LinkedIn, or get a follow-up phone call. If you are using LinkedIn for networking or to get a job, take the time to view their profile and get some context before sending them a direct message. Here are ways to use LinkedIn that works better than a LinkedIn cold inmail.4. Getting a Job Through LinkedInLet’s say you’re looking for a job at a specific company. You probably even know which office or which location you’d like to work at. Maybe you don’t have that dream company but you have a dream job in a specific region. Doing a simple Google search will show you top employers in that area and the managers and directors at those offices.You can send them a direct message on LinkedIn saying you’d like a job but the odds are that won’t work. If anything, that will just annoy them and ensure you’ll never get a job through LinkedIn. Instead of going the traditional route you can put in some extra work.Follow 10 people from different companies that you’d like to work for. LinkedIn allows you to see their post and their comments on another user’s post. Simply engage in conversation by commenting on their post before going in for a direct message. If they’re talking about top trends in accounting then add your two-cents on where you think the industry is going. If you don’t hav e an opinion then just follow it up with a question. After a week of engaging in conversation, you can send a connection request (Yes, one week). At this point, you’re not going to ask for a job interview. Ask to connect and say you appreciate their insights on LinkedIn. After another week of more engagement, you can message them saying the following:“Hi [Insert name here], I see you work at [x company]. I’ve always wanted to work here, what got you interested in working at that company?”Since you’ve engaged in conversation before they are more likely to respond. They’ll probably share their experience and tell you how they got a job. They might even offer to send your resume to the hiring manager. Chances are you’ll have to follow the traditional application process but having an advocate on the inside will boost your chances considerably.ConclusionYou’ll need to start thinking like a pro in order to follow the proper ways to use LinkedIn. Think of LinkedIn as your personal channel. Do your viewers want to see paid advertising or do they want to see your creative content?Be active, proactive, positive and engaging while using LinkedIn for networking or getting a job through LinkedIn.You’ll go far, but remember to be patient.