UK needs cyber security professionals, but won’t pay up

While the wages paid by governments seldom match those available in the private sector, it appears that the UK’s intelligence, security and cyber agency is a long way short of being competitive in its quest for talent.

In a recent job advert, the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) sought a lead cyber security expert and advertised annual pay of £41,935 ($54,408). It’s also looking for a senior cyber security expert willing to sign up for £50,937 ($66,085). The role is in the National Cyber Security Centre, based in the UK capital, so there’s an additional £6,250 ($8,109) London Allowance, and the possibility of a small “skills payment.”

“The roles are practical, technical roles that may involve software development, system configuration and testing, or software and hardware security analysis,” the advert reads “You will engage with partners and user groups externally to gain insights and collaborate on developing solutions.”

Candidates are also expected to show skills in hardware and software security, system and device security architectures, be familiar with commodity IT platforms and networking kit, and possess some cryptography skills.

GCHQ may struggle to find willing recruits, as less demanding private sector jobs offer significantly superior pay.

For example, entry-level workers joining consumer goods giant Unilever’s cyber security graduate training scheme with no commercial security experience get a base pay of £35,000 ($45,400), plus gym membership and a pension. For more senior roles – like the IT security manager role at aerospace outfit BAE – the upper end of the salary limit is around £75,000 ($97,000) per annum. Cisco business unit Splunk will match that for the right security analyst.

As you’d expect for a security job – where there is a critical skills shortage – the sky’s the limit with some firms. Six-figure salaries are not uncommon.

GCHQ does have one thing few employers can match: the chance to defend one’s country from the insides of Britain’s cyber security hub. It seems a high price to pay for not being able to tell friends and family what you do for a living.

If the UK wants to get the best security talent, it might be worth paying market rates. Based on this listing that’s just not happening. If anyone is interested the deadline for applications is Monday November 4. ®