Cyber Security Graduate Jobs: A Win-Win Solution

Digital connectivity drives businesses, but it also motivates malicious activity from cyber criminals seeking to exploit its weaknesses. As attackers’ methods become more advanced, companies are investing heavily in cyber security measures to thwart attacks. Failing to do so can lead to data breaches, financial penalties, and tainted reputations. 

Unfortunately, SMEs do not have the monetary might that many bigger enterprises have - and they’re paying the price. Small and medium businesses are in the crosshairs of cyber criminals for several reasons. They typically have weaker systems in place and can be used as access points to larger corporations. However, there is a solution, and it does not involve SMEs needing to break the bank. 

By recruiting cyber security graduates, SMEs are making a strategic decision that represents value and long-term investment. Read our guide to learn how SMEs and graduates can benefit from this partnership. 

SMEs are at greater risk of cyber security attacks 

Cyber security attacks are a concern for companies across various industries. To mitigate the risks, businesses invest substantially in preventative measures and defences. However, small and medium businesses do not always have this luxury and find themselves in a position of vulnerability. In 2024, 94% of SMEs were victims of cyber attacks, representing a 73% increase from the previous year. 

Evidently, SMEs are likely to experience a cyber security breach. But what are the reasons behind this elevated risk? Let’s take a look: 

• Limited Resources: As alluded to, SMEs are often restricted by budget and may not have ample funds to implement cyber security efforts. Incidentally, 47% of businesses with less than 50 employees do not invest in cyber security defences, and 51% do not utilise any IT security measures. 
  
  
• Flawed Systems: When SMEs can enact cyber security measures, their efforts are often in vain as they’re inadequate in the face of advanced, sophisticated attacks. 
  
  
• Lack of Knowledge: Employees of SMEs tend not to have sufficient awareness or training concerning cyber security. This leaves SMEs particularly prone to phishing scams. 
  
  
• Complacency: There’s a misconception among some SME owners that they’re not a worthwhile target for cyber criminals. This can lead to haphazard measures. 
  
  
• Gateway: Linking to the above, many SMEs provide services to larger corporations. Cyber criminals exploit weaknesses in SMEs and use them as entry points to bigger targets. 
  
  
• Remote Work: The shift to remote and hybrid working means employees sometimes access SMEs’ systems via unsecured networks. This transition has seen remote workers be three times more likely to be victims of phishing and malware attacks. 

How SMEs can benefit from hiring a cyber security graduate 

Irrespective of financial constraints, a solution is available to SMEs that enables them to galvanise their approach to cyber security measures effectively. That solution is to recruit a cyber security graduate. Here’s an overview of the advantages. 

A cost-effective, long-term investment 

Operating within a budget is an all-important consideration for SMEs, but this doesn’t mean that cyber security measures should be overlooked. Thankfully, cyber security recruitment needn’t be extortionate. Graduates represent both a cost-efficient approach and a long-term business investment. 

As per Glassdoor, employing a cyber security expert could cost a company up to £59,567 per year, with an average salary in the UK amounting to £52,589. Conversely, the average salary for a cyber security graduate is about £37,824. That’s a significant saving for SMEs that don’t have the financial strength of larger corporations. 

How are cyber security graduates a long-term investment? SMEs will have curated a work culture that they’re proud of. When hiring graduates, these young professionals will likely be making their first cyber security career steps and can be moulded to fit a company’s ethos. Furthermore, they can protect and preserve your business - 60% of SMEs that suffer a cyber attack go out of business within six months. 

Additionally, SMEs that place their trust in a new generation of cyber security experts will be considered forward-thinking. This could lead to interest from other budding cyber security pioneers. 

Cyber security graduates have the latest tech knowledge 

A lack of job experience doesn’t always equate to a lack of expertise. Many cyber security graduates are familiar with the latest technological developments and best practices. Here’s why: 

• Up-To-Date Curricula: Cyber security is a field that’s constantly evolving. To keep pace with the changes, educational institutions update their programmes to cover the latest threats, and courses often include cloud security, AI in cybersecurity, and blockchain security. 
  
  
• Practical Experience: Most contemporary programmes have training that uses current tools and technologies, meaning cyber security graduates are well-versed in Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) products. 
  
  
• Industry Certifications: Cyber security graduates often supplement their learning and knowledge with certifications like CompTIA Security+ and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). These certifications are regularly updated, meaning graduates have the latest cyber security skills. 

Adherence to GDPR regulations 

In today’s digital age, where data is seen as a target to opportunists, protecting it is paramount. Cyber security graduates understand the consequences for SMEs if they fail to comply and suffer from data breaches. Considering the following points, their input is vital: 

• Only one in three SMEs are aware of the implications of violating GDPR regulations. 
  
  
• SMEs struggle with GDPR compliance because of a lack of awareness, and 21% find it difficult to understand guidance published by the ICO.
  
  
• Some SMEs wrongly think that GDPR regulations don’t apply to them because the UK has left the EU. 

Cyber security graduates can stress the importance of GDPR compliance and emphasise how SMEs can benefit from it. For example:

• Data Protection: A comprehensive framework built for data protection is established. It requires SMEs to implement security measures, including personal data encryption and conducting regular security assessments. 
  
  
• Proactivity: The regulation encourages businesses to prepare for and mitigate cyber security risks. This can be done by appointing Data Protection Officers (DPOs) and providing training programs. 
  
  
• Incident Response: SMEs must report a data breach within 72 hours of identifying them. This improves incident response plans and promotes transparency. 

Despite these regulations designed to support SMEs with GDPR, many still struggle. Here are the most common violations: 

• Failing to comply with general data processing principles. This amounted to 617 fines and a total of €2,410,164,550.
  
  
• An insufficient legal basis for data processing resulted in 654 fines totalling €1,652,855,412.  
  
  
• Inadequate technical and organisational measures to secure information led to 393 fines, with a total of €480,011,915. 

What do new professionals get from cyber security graduate jobs? 

While SMEs benefit from this relationship, so too do cyber security graduates. As mentioned, this is likely to be the early steps of a young person’s cyber security career, but aside from that, what are the other benefits? 

• Access to Senior Staff: Graduates are likely to have direct communication with senior figures. This type of rapport can be invaluable, giving exposure to high-level decision-making. 
  
  
• Skill Development: Invariably, SMEs have smaller teams, meaning cyber security graduates could gain experience in different elements of cyber security rather than specialising in one role.   
  
  
• Responsibility and Autonomy: Cyber graduates working for SMEs are generally given ownership over their work, which improves essential soft skills like decision-making and critical thinking. 
  
  
• Self-Development: SMEs are a great and challenging environment for building confidence and leadership qualities. Also, SMEs typically promote internally due to financial limitations. Graduates could quickly progress to senior roles. 
  
  
• Bespoke Strategies: As SMEs will have unique needs, graduates can gain practical experience and cyber security skills by developing tailored solutions.

Final say on cyber security graduate jobs: A win-win solution

There’s been a spike in cyber security threats to SMEs. This has highlighted the need for action to be taken to protect these businesses from the  that cyber criminals can inflict. Regardless of tight budgets and despite the notion from SME owners that they’re not targets, these businesses cannot afford to ignore implementing proper measures. There is a solution. Cyber security graduates offer a cost-effective approach and present long-term value. 

Graduates bring SMEs up-to-date knowledge, practical cyber security skills, and a fresh outlook that allows companies to strengthen their defences. In return, SMEs provide young professionals with ample opportunities. They can develop their careers in a challenging but rewarding environment and learn from senior figures in a close-knit team. By investing in upcoming cyber security talent, SMEs can future-proof their business. 

Customer-focused cyber security recruitment solutions

If you’re an SME that doesn’t want to fall victim to cyber security attacks, visit our cyber security page, and we will help identify the industry’s best talent. Our cyber security team has collaborated with a range of security service providers. From one of the largest IT service brands in the world to SMEs, our consultants have in-depth industry knowledge and a comprehensive network to deliver your company results-driven strategies. 

Cyber security graduates eager to embark on an exciting, challenging new career, head over to our page dedicated to candidates. Our team of consultants is prepared to support you every step of the way. 

If you’d prefer to connect with a member of our team, contact us today.