Four ways into UK cybersecurity.
Most career-change advice treats the industry as one job. It is not. These are the four paths worth targeting, who each one suits, and how accessible it is from where you are now.
SOC and Defensive Operations
Most accessible from IT support, networking, and adjacent technical backgrounds. The most common UK entry point.
Penetration Testing and Offensive Security
Most accessible from software development backgrounds and people with strong existing hands-on technical curiosity. Slower to break into than Path A.
GRC, Risk and Compliance
Most accessible from audit, finance, legal, project management, and compliance-adjacent backgrounds. Often the fastest path for non technical career changers.
Security Architecture
Almost never an entry point. Pursue after three to five years in another path. **ALTERNATIVE ROUTES
From Chapter Four of The Honest Guide to Breaking Into UK Cybersecurity.
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