Cyber Security or Cloud Computing? Choosing the right career for you.

What is Cloud? 

Cloud computing involves delivering computing services (servers, storage, databases, networking, software, etc.) over the internet to enable on-demand access. Everything we use, from messaging apps to email inboxes and photo storage, is now primarily stored in a Cloud system, so that they can be used from anywhere. 

Working within Cloud, you might expect to be designing and managing cloud infrastructures, migrating systems to the cloud, optimising performance, and ensuring uptime, the length of time the system is operational for. 

 
What roles are available in Cloud? 

Getting started in Cloud takes dedication to your studies, as recognised certifications and qualifications will make you stand out. Even then, there are a lot of options to choose from at the beginning of your Cloud Career. 

A Cloud Practitioner or Associate position is an excellent place to start. Using transferrable skills such as communication and presentation skills, then combining them with a globally-recognised CompTIA Cloud+ certification. Follow this with an AWS, Azure or Google Cloud certification to really show what you can do. Salaries start from £35,000, but often exceed this. 

And this is only the start to a career in Cloud. From here, there are any number of roles to progress into; Cloud Architect, Cloud Engineer, Cloud Developer or DevOps. These high-level positions have top salaries with an average of £71,000 a year, more than 81% above the national average. 

 

What is Cyber Security? 

There are so many elements to working in cyber security that it can also be confusing to know the best place to start. It focuses on protecting systems, networks, and data from cyber threats such as hacking, malware, phishing, and other vulnerabilities.  

It all starts with how a computer works and it’s not just the digital world that needs consideration when working in cyber security, but the physical one, too. If someone can simply plug into your confidential hard drive, they don’t need to hack into your system. Similarly, if you’re not sure how a network system operates then you can’t protect it, and anyone could be monitoring the flow of information between computers in your system.  
 
 

What careers are available in Cyber Security? 

So, would you like to be a Cyber Security Analyst, IT Security Specialist or an Ethical Hacker? 

You’ll start with the basics, such as Network+, before moving onto Security+. Beginning with certified training in these areas and building up your knowledge in the more complex aspects further along, will give you the strong foundations you need to build a stable and highly sought after career.  

You’ll need to have an eye for detail and be thorough, sometimes it’s the tiniest elements that are the most important. Being a team player is hugely important, too, as very little is done solo any more. 

Considering your progression options, you can then investigate penetration testing (hacking for the good guys) such as EC Ethical Hacker, or the Cyber Security Analyst+.  

Average salaries range from £35,000 at the start to £56,000, with 0% unemployment across the sector. 

 

Cloud or Cyber Security? 

There’s no right or wrong answer when thinking about these two specialist IT careers. They both give the chance to start with no previous experience and achieve high level positions and salaries. So, how to decide?  

Cloud Computing 

1. Interest in infrastructure & development: You enjoy designing and building scalable systems, working with cloud platforms, and optimising IT resources. 

2. Focus on business solutions: You prefer creating solutions that enhance efficiency and provide cost-effective IT infrastructure for organisations. 

3. Comfort with technical skills: You enjoy learning programming languages, automation tools, and managing virtual environments. 

Cyber Security 

1. Passion for security: You are interested in protecting data and systems, solving security challenges, and mitigating risks. 

2. Desire for a dynamic role: You enjoy staying ahead of evolving threats, analysing vulnerabilities, and thinking like an attacker to improve defenses. 

3. Detail-oriented mindset: You excel in identifying risks, ensuring compliance, and implementing robust security measures. 

 

And, if you still can’t decide? How about a career in Cloud Security?