There are several different branches of counter terrorism and national security - one of which is protection of critical national infrastructure. In the UK, this is handled by the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA), which was previously called the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure.
Critical national infrastructure (CNI) is all infrastructure, industries and sectors which are deemed critically necessary for the functioning of the country. The NPSA have a range of functions, which include advising CNI industries on best security measures, enhancing security at CNI, analysing threat data and more.
How will this help you to further your career in counter terrorism and national security? Through your work in the NPSA you will gain inside insight of how key industries protect their personnel and their assets, as well as other civilians. Your work will involve developing and advising on strategies to enhance UK’s security, hence you will be better equipped to apply your knowledge to other counter terrorism / national security roles. Another important aspect of the NPSA, that will help you here, is that they work closely with National Cyber Security Centre, Government Communications Headquarter, National Counter Terrorism Security Office, and other agencies. This inter-agency collaboration will enable you to understand the broader security landscape and develop connections.
No question that careers in intelligence involving deep knowledge of computer systems is an area where there is growing demand.
Here’s an example - not a job for a new graduate, but an idea what a few years’ experience working in computer networks could lead to:
Job Title: Network Engineer - Technology - CSC - Band I - Counter Terrorism Policing HQ
Salary:The starting salary is £43,227, which includes allowances totalling £2,841.
Location: Birmingham
Want to play your part in protecting the UK? This is your chance. We’re looking for a Network Engineer to provide technical support for critical national ICT infrastructure. Based at the Counter Terrorism Policing HQ (CTPHQ) in the National Customer Service Centre (CSC) you’ll keep vital ICT running smoothly so our officers can give their best.
As a Network Engineer, you’ll provide technical network, security, and infrastructure support for CTPHQ’s Customer Service Centre (CSC). You’ll focus on services in the CSC portfolio, which include operational and project tasks relating to the maintenance and development of National CTP IT Services.
Day to day, you’ll be dealing with incidents, problems, changes and improvements as part of a skilled and dedicated team. Together, you’ll ensure that national infrastructure is available, secure and supported to best practice standards – and ready for CTP operations.
To join us, you’ll need experience in a network, security or 2nd line infrastructure engineer role, in a technically diverse environment. We’re looking for good knowledge of IT networking, routing and switching; Cisco routers, switches and firewalls; and IT project implementation. You should also be used to working in an ITIL service environment, to defined SLAs. And last but not least, you must be driven by your determination to help keep the country safe.
Note that jobs like this involve detailed vetting procedures, and are usually restricted to UK nationals (ie people with British Citizenship, although dual citizens are sometimes recruited).
Vetting
This post requires access to the most sensitive intelligence material on a daily basis. Applicants must hold or be prepared to undergo National Security Vetting (NSV) Developed Vetting (DV) level before taking up the post.
Additionally, this material is of particular sensitivity to the UK and its distribution must be restricted to UK nationals. In approved circumstances dual nationals (of which one element is British) may also be granted access.
This is a great opportunity for students. Definitely think we are seeing the rise of opportunities for work in tech and security which suggests there is an increasing cyber security risk.