At TAaaS we’re currently doing a series on cyber security and for our latest piece we really wanted to see what it was like to work in such an area. We were lucky enough to get to interview a database administrator with a concern for security to get an insider view.

What is it like working in a high security environment?

In many ways, its probably like working anywhere. Because I have worked for the government for around 20 years, it’s always involved heavy security. You get very used to it and stop even thinking about it. It’s like any job really, you adapt to the rules.

Do you ever feel the pressure of such a job?

No, everybody else is working under the same constraints. Although sometimes it’s annoying you can’t access things like your phone all day and you can’t even take a kindle or similar into the building for lunch breaks.

Also, most the time as a database administrator there isn’t a lot of difference in what I do to someone in the same role in another company bar the data contained is more sensitive. A database is a database. There are many I don’t know what they do, but I don’t need to know to do my job properly.

How has cyber security changed since you first began in this area?

I don’t think it has really. One thing I have noticed though is a more proactive approach to sharing information on how to protect yourself and your computer via the National Cyber Security Centre. Other than that, just things like passes which were simple ID cards now do more and must be scanned.

Do you find the systems in place interfere with your work?

I think it can make the process harder, like having internet would make researching errors and similar easier, but I’m still able to do my job comfortably.

Where do you think cyber security is heading?

Security will only become more important as people realise how much they rely on technology, not just to work but also in their lives in general. Biometric security will probably become more prominent I think, and people may even invent forms of security that at the moment we can’t imagine. Areas like eye and hand scans are looking like they may be an answer in the mean time though.

Are there any other interesting things you can tell me about working in the realm of security?

Sometimes we get to hear about the stories behind the news headlines which can be interesting. Plus, it’s really great to work somewhere that promotes diversity and inclusivity so ardently. Security is important, but so is our humanity.

If you've a question on Cyber Security please get in touch