The IT and Information Security sector in Ireland is still in its infancy.  Many of the largest financial institutions manage their security remotely or rely on consultants to keep their measures up to date.  Nevertheless with threats increasing on a daily basis there has been a greater demand for information on pursuing a career in the sector. 

Some things haven’t really changed since I started recruiting in the security sector in 1999; the typical entry point is at the network and server administration level. 

The first move is typically into the network security analyst role or similarly titled position which in the Dublin sector tends to pay in the region of €45,000 to €50,000.  By this stage candidates although relatively new to a pure security position will have amassed a number of years experience in networking. 

If a Security Analyst were to complete his/her qualifications such as the CISSP or a Masters from Royal Holloway they should expect to move onto an IT Security Officer / Assistant Security Manager position at a medium sized company. 

Again, salaries reflect experience and the knowledge base that has been attained and they would typically start at the €55,000 to €60,000 range.  Dedicated departments in Ireland, with a few exceptions, tend to be smaller than their UK or US counterparts and the move from Analyst to Manager can happen within the space or 5 to 6 years. 

When it comes to an experienced, suitably qualified security manager the sky really is the limit.  As they are such rare candidates in the market there have been occasions where individuals have achieved six figure basics, although that is rare. 

Overall the sector offers so much more room for manoeuvre and is much more desirable.  Good candidates are scarce and those with relevant experience are even harder to find.  That’s why companies who have recognised the importance of the function have been willing to do what it takes to get the right people.

Finally, a former head of security consultancy for one of the world’s largest firms summed it up best for me.  He said that IT security is something that everybody thinks they can do well, but very few can – and those that can do it well will always be in demand. 

Biog: Brian Cleary is Managing Director of Conran Cleary, Ireland’s only IT & Information Security recruitment company.  He was one of the first recruiters in the sector in 1999 whilst working in the UK.  Conran Cleary are actively recruiting IT Security specialists for a number of Irish companies at the moment.  Brian can be contacted on 052 82738 or brian@conrancleary.com

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