Cyber Security and the ONS

Hi all! With an exciting new junior position opening up in the Cyber Security team at the Office for National Statistics , I thought it was high time I caught back up with the team!

To be specific, the vacancy (which is open for applications NOW!!!) is for a Cyber Security Monitoring Analyst. With this in mind, I tracked one of our Monitoring Analysts down and wouldn’t stop prodding them until they answered my questions ??

Without further ado, read on to find out all about the role, the team and what life at the Office for National Statistics is really like!

How long have you worked at the Office for National Statistics? What was your background before joining?

I joined ONS in June 2009. Prior to this, I was a data technician for a leading UK telephone data service, responsible for ensuring the data being utilised by our customers was accurate

Why did you decide to apply for the role?

The job description interested me and I was looking for a new challenge. I was a bit hesitant to apply as I did not have the Technical Skills but I had transferable skills and business knowledge which would help me in the role.

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What are the team like?

The team are amazing. I have been made to feel really welcome and everyone has given their time to help my training and knowledge.

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What three things do you spend the most time doing in your role?

Monitoring alerts, training and engaging with the team to increase my knowledge.

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What kind of challenges can someone expect?in this role?

For someone new to Cyber Security, the main challenge I had was learning a new role and all the acronyms which go with it????

I was a Subject Matter Expert in my previous role and it was challenging to go from this to being the new person and not know the systems etc.

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What sort of tools do you use regularly in the role?

We utilise several industry leading SIEM, CMS and network monitoring tools as well as a variety of OSINT platforms on a daily basis. Additionally, we also use several project and team communication suites when needed to fulfil wider aspects of the role.

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What's the biggest thing you've learned since taking on the role?

For me, it has been that everything takes time. I have previously put lots of pressure on myself when training but have taken my own advice to others and given myself time to learn and process all the new information.

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What piece of work you've completed in the role are you most proud of?

Rather than completing a piece of work, I’m most proud of how I have utilised my transferable skills. In my previous role, I liaised with a large number of stakeholders and built up many relationships. I have been able to use this in my new role to assist with queries and having an insight to the infrastructure.

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What's been your favourite part of working for ONS so far?

My favourite part has been the development. I have always wanted to progress in my roles but I can also see how I have developed as a person. I used to be shy and quiet but with guidance (and a bit of a push!) I found my confidence which has helped me to go further in my career.

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Why should the person reading this apply?

If this role interests you, go for it!

It is a brilliant opportunity to join a great team who support learning and development. You will also see how you fit into the wider ONS and how important this role this to the organisation.

Wow! Where do I sign up?!

My biased comments aside, thanks so much to our anonymous interviewee for succumbing to my charms and giving us such a great insight into the role at hand.

If this is of interest then get applying! The role is open for applications until 11:55pm on Thursday 3rd October. Click here to take a look.

If you do have any questions on the role, our application process or wider life at ONS please get in touch!

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