ICT security technician
Key facts
Are you passionate about protecting data and systems from cyber threats? As an ICT security technician, you'll be on the front lines, ensuring organizations maintain robust defenses against evolving security risks and educating users on best practices.
ICT security technicians play a vital role in safeguarding digital assets. Your days will involve analyzing security vulnerabilities, implementing security updates, and responding to incidents. You’ll work closely with IT teams to integrate security measures into existing infrastructure and provide ongoing support and training to users, fostering a security-conscious culture within the organization. This career is ideal for individuals who enjoy problem-solving, possess strong analytical skills, and are committed to staying ahead of the latest cyber threats.
- • Implementing and maintaining security systems, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and antivirus software.
- • Conducting regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify weaknesses.
- • Responding to security incidents and breaches, investigating causes, and implementing corrective actions.
Where this occupation is in demand
Reported labour shortages and surpluses, by year. Published for occupation groups, not for individual job titles.
Deeper colour: reported the same way in more consecutive years.
Figures cover Information and communications technicians — 22 jobs including this one.
In shortage: Bulgaria, Denmark, Greece, Netherlands and 2 more.
Longest-running shortage: Netherlands, 3 years.
Select a place on the map to see its figures.
About this source›
Source: ELA/EURES labour shortages and surpluses. Readings are published at occupation-group level, and cover Europe. Editions differ in annex layout and country coverage, so a change between years does not always mean the labour market changed. Countries in grey were not reported, which is not the same as being in balance.
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Find your career path and explore the science behind our recommendations.
Could ICT security technician fit you?
Answer three quick questions. This is not a full assessment — it is a teaser to help you decide whether to compare your profile.
Do you enjoy tasks that require Attention to Detail?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Analytical Thinking?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Dependability?
Future Outlook for ICT security technician
The outlook for ICT security technician reflects a balanced mix of automation exposure and durable, human-led work.
How are these scores calculated?
The Resilience Score (0–100) estimates how structurally protected this occupation is from automation and AI disruption, based on task-level analysis. Higher scores mean more human-judgment-intensive tasks. AI Exposure shows the estimated percentage of task hours that current AI capabilities could affect. These are model-derived structural indicators, not predictions about individual job security.
How could ICT security technician change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How could ICT security technician change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How AI may change this role
Deterministic, model-based interpretation of current role signals — not a guarantee of replacement.
What still depends on people
- communicate with stakeholders
- set up cybersecurity training programmes
- engage with stakeholders
Where AI may become a co-pilot
- implement ICT risk management
- identify ICT security risks
- analyse ICT system
Tasks most exposed to automation
- ensure proper document management
- estimate duration of work
- manage closed-circuit television system
Vital Signs & AI Vectors
AI Exposure Vectors
0-100%Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks
Exposure to workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation
Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools
Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement
Technical Details
NexFuture v3.0 estimates automation exposure natively from ESCO essential-skill groups, weighted by skill mass and calibrated against expert anchors. Scores are probabilistic estimates, not guarantees. See the NexFuture Methodology White Paper for full details.
Measures automation exposure. It does not measure pay, demand, or how many jobs exist near you.
What people in this role usually do
Digital Technology
A typical day as a ICT security technician
09 09:00 · Morning establish an ICT security prevention plan
10 10:30 · Mid-morning identify ICT system weaknesses
12 12:00 · Midday execute software tests
14 14:00 · Afternoon identify ICT security risks
15 15:30 · Late afternoon implement ICT risk management
17 17:00 · Wrap-up analyse ICT system
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
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attack vectors
Paths or methods that threat actors use to exploit vulnerabilities in information networks or systems from a concrete organisation and impact its availability, integrity and confidentiality. Attack vectors may include social engineering tactics such as phishing mails or pretexting, technical exploits as SQL injection as well as buffer overflow attacks.
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cyber attack counter-measures
Methods, technologies and techniques used to defend (detect, monitor and recover) against cyber attacks. These cyber attacks include several attack vectors such as malware, denial of service (DoS) attacks and phishing. Intrusion prevention systems (IPS), firewall, antivirus, intrusion detection systems (IDS), cybersecurity training, backup, Information Security Management System (ISM), multi-factor authentication and employ awareness, are some examples of the methods used.
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cyber security
The methods and best practices that protect ICT systems, networks, computers, devices, services, processes and people against unauthorised access, modification and/or denial of service of assets.
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ICT security standards
Best practices and guidelines established for securing information and communication technology (ICT) systems and data. Standards as is the case of ISO 27000 series, provide a framework for implementing effective security controls, including access control, risk assessment and incident management, as well as to provide compliance of anorganisation.
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ICT system programming
The methods and tools required to develop system software, specifications of system architectures and interfacing techniques between network and system modules and components.
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levels of software testing
The levels of testing in the software development process, such as unit testing, integration testing, system testing and acceptance testing.
- audit techniques
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manage system security
Analyse the critical assets of a company and identify weaknesses and vulnerabilities that lead to intrusion or attack. Apply security detection techniques. Understand cyber attack techniques and implement effective countermeasures.
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use access control software
Utilise software to define the roles and manage user authentication, privileges and access rights to ICT systems, data and services.
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identify ICT system weaknesses
Analyse the system and network architecture, hardware and software components and data in order to identify weaknesses and vulnerability to intrusions or attacks. Execute diagnostic operations on cyber infrastructure including research, identification, interpretation and categorization of vulnerabilities, associated attacks and malicious code (e.g. malware forensics and malicious network activity). Compare indicators or observables with requirements and review logs to identify evidence of past intrusions.
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protect ICT devices
Protect devices and digital content, and understand risks and threats in digital environments. Know about safety and security measures and have due regard to reliability and privacy. Make use of tools and methods which maximise security of ICT devices and information by controlling access, such as passwords, digital signatures, biometry, and protecting systems such as firewall, antivirus, spam filters.
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implement ICT risk management
Develop and implement procedures for identifying, assessing, treating and mitigating ICT risks, such as hacks or data leaks, according to the company's risk strategy, procedures and policies. Analyse and manage security risks and incidents. Recommend measures to improve digital security strategy.
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identify ICT security risks
Apply methods and techniques to identify potential security threats, security breaches and risk factors using ICT tools for surveying ICT systems, analysing risks, vulnerabilities and threats and evaluating contingency plans.
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establish an ICT security prevention plan
Define a comprehensive and proactive strategy for managing information and communication technology (ICT) security risks by establishing a set of measures and responsibilities to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information. Implement policies to prevent data breaches, detect and respond to unauthorised access to systems and resources, including up-to-date security applications and employee education.
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manage alarm system
Set up and maintain system for detection of intrusions and unauthorised entries into a facility.
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communicate with stakeholders
Facilitate communication between organisations and interested third parties such as suppliers, distributors, shareholders and other stakeholders in order to inform them of the organisation and its objectives.
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set up cybersecurity training programmes
Design, develop and deliver educational activities (such as lectures and cyber ranges) to cover needs and/or raise awareness on cybersecurity.
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analyse ICT system
Analyse the functioning and performance of information systems in order to define their goals, architecture and services and set procedures and operations to meet end users requirements.
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execute software tests
Perform tests to ensure that a software product will perform flawlessly under the specified customer requirements and identify software defects (bugs) and malfunctions, using specialised software tools and testing techniques.
Skill DNA
Work personality traits and values that define this role
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Where does ICT security technician fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
Frequently asked questions
- What kind of training or background is typically needed to become an ICT security technician?
- While a formal degree in computer science or a related field can be beneficial, many ICT security technicians enter the field with relevant certifications (such as CompTIA Security+) and practical experience. A strong understanding of networking, operating systems, and security principles is essential. Continuous learning is crucial due to the rapidly evolving nature of cybersecurity.
- How does the role of an ICT security technician differ from a cybersecurity analyst?
- Generally, ICT security technicians focus on the practical implementation and maintenance of security systems, while cybersecurity analysts often concentrate on more in-depth threat analysis, incident response, and developing security strategies. There can be overlap, and the specific responsibilities vary by organization.
- Are there opportunities for remote work within this role?
- While some aspects of the role might be performed remotely, ICT security technicians often need to be on-site to manage hardware, respond to incidents, and provide direct support. This occupation is primarily employment-based, meaning you’ll typically work as an employee within an organization.
- ICT Security Technician — is there a shortage in Europe?
- Yes. In the 2025 ELA/EURES edition, a shortage was reported in 6 of the 11 European countries that assessed this occupation group: Bulgaria, Denmark, Greece, Netherlands and 2 more. Netherlands has reported one for 3 consecutive years. These assessments are published per occupation group rather than per job title.
- ICT Security Technician — what does it pay in the United States?
- $108,970 a year at the median, as of 2025-05. State medians run from $60,470 to $156,590. Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a United States figure and not a projection for Europe.