Case Studies

NCA recruiting in cyber

by Mark Rowe

The National Crime Agency seeks technical specialists and trained cyber investigators. The NCA’s National Cyber Crime Unit (NCCU), which leads UK law enforcement efforts to cut serious and organised hi-tech crime, is recruiting new officers for roles including software development, network engineering, digital forensics and online investigation.

There are opportunities in various locations, with salaries ranging from £24,717 to more than £52,000 depending on qualifications and experience. While certain positions are for accredited investigators, many are open to anyone with the required skills and attitude, regardless of professional background, the NCA says.

As part of the National Crime Agency, they will work alongside more than 4,000 officers combating the country’s most pressing crime threats – from the sexual exploitation of children, to modern slavery, to corruption and money laundering.

Jamie Saunders, Director of the NCA’s National Cyber Crime Unit, said: “We want to hear from people with the skills, adaptability and can-do mindset required to help keep the UK’s public and businesses safer. This is fast-paced, challenging work impacting millions of people, and successful candidates will use and develop their knowledge at the leading edge of crime fighting.”

The NCCU is seeking computer science and other technical specialists across a range of disciplines. Applications are invited from people with skills in software development, network engineering, data analysis, digital forensics and internet-based investigative work. Posts are nationwide, including London, Warrington and East Midlands, and range from entry to management level.

Chris, a Technical Officer with the NCCU, said:

“Successful cyber crime investigations rely on technical skills, and more importantly, the ability to apply them in different ways.

“I have a really diverse workload, which includes finding solutions to problems that might arise during the course of complex investigations, and using programming languages to create new tools for speeding up data analysis.

“And while I spend quite a lot of time using technology to turn raw data samples into usable operational intelligence, I also need to be able to turn the technical work I do into statements which are clear to judges and juries who may not be familiar with cyber crime. The satisfaction of seeing those efforts result in convictions or the dismantling of a cyber crime group is something I’d recommend to anyone.”

Accredited investigators are wanted to join operations teams based in Warrington or the East Midlands. They will work on investigations pursuing criminal groups targeting the UK. Successful applicants will have a proven ability to investigate complex crime, prepare cases for court, manage disclosure and present evidence. No specific cyber experience is necessary, but applicants should have the ability to learn quickly and apply skills and expertise to an online environment.

Freddie, an Operations Officer with the NCCU, said:

“Seven years ago, I left my job as a construction project manager and started working in law enforcement. I have been involved in drugs and corruption investigations, and also spent two years working abroad in Afghanistan. I transferred to the NCA’s National Cyber Crime Unit (NCCU) nine months ago, having always been interested in the technical aspects of investigations. We are dealing with a crime threat which isn’t limited by international borders, so as cyber investigators we need to be flexible and innovative.”

“On any day, I might have to go immediately from a conference call with international counterparts and industry partners to explore new ways of tackling an emerging form of malicious software, to careful analysis of digital material recovered by our technical team. It is often the small details that catch criminals out, and I get to pit my wits against some of the most significant cyber criminals out there.”

To apply, or for information on the roles, visit the Civil Service Jobs website. Applications are open until midday on Monday, November 10.

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