Working in Cyber Security: “The problems we have to solve … are some of the toughest in any industry”
What is it like to work in cyber security? We ask some of the members of the team in Symantec. Today, we hear from Robert Newton, Infrastructure and Automation Engineer.
How long have you been in this role?
10 years, and five years in different roles before that.
How did you come to work in the field of cyber security?
I had been a pure software developer and Unix sysadmin previously. I liked the mix of both needed for this job so thought I’d give it a go for a year or two and see how it went…
What advice would you give to someone who wants a job like yours?
Be very determined, ensure you have a good understanding across multiple technical areas, stay calm and keep your focus.
Is the course you studied at university relevant to the job you have now?
Yes very, I studied computer science and the broad basis of that has helped enormously. I never know what to expect next and have to be able to rise to any challenge, frequently learning new skills though they build on well-established principles.
What do you think are three qualities someone who wants to work in a role like yours needs to have?
They need to be adaptable, inventive, and not afraid to make mistakes — but they must also be able to quickly admit when they do and then fix and learn from them.
Any other tips, advice or anecdotes you would like to add?
Take a step back every so often, especially if you feel you’re down a rabbit warren. The problems we have to solve often take several attempts because they are some of the toughest in any industry.
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