Hiring and Sponsoring Cyber security professionals (SOC Code 2135)

Cyber Security Professionals (SOC Code 2135) 

• Cyber security professionals play a vital role in safeguarding information technology systems against potential threats, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of data.
• They are responsible for:
  • Examining IT systems: Identifying vulnerabilities and weaknesses that may be exploited by malicious actors.
  • Developing response plans: Establishing protocols to follow in the event of security breaches, ensuring swift action is taken to mitigate damage.
  • Creating test plans: Designing comprehensive testing strategies for security systems to identify any weaknesses or errors that need addressing.
  • Documenting findings: Recording the results of security testing and analyses, providing detailed insights into identified issues and risks.
  • Proposing solutions: Collaborating with teams to rectify identified problems and enhance the security posture of systems.
  • Establishing quality standards: Developing benchmarks and validation techniques to maintain high levels of software and system security.
  • Dealing with security breaches: Managing incidents, documenting breaches, and reporting findings to stakeholders.
  • Utilizing specialist software: Leveraging advanced tools to gather and analyze evidence related to cybercrime, presenting critical findings to law enforcement agencies or private sector clients.

With the increasing prevalence of cyber threats globally, the demand for skilled cyber security professionals in the UK is on the rise. This guide aims to assist HR professionals in the process of hiring and sponsoring cyber security experts under the UK’s immigration framework.

What is SOC Code 3411 for Cyber security professionals?

SOC Code 2135 refers to cyber security professionals who are responsible for safeguarding information systems from potential threats. Their responsibilities can include:

• Examining IT systems: Analyzing systems to identify potential security threats and vulnerabilities.
• Developing response plans: Creating strategies to address and mitigate security breaches when they occur.
• Testing security systems: Developing test plans and documenting the testing process to uncover weaknesses and errors in security measures.
• Identifying problems: Diagnosing sources of security issues and proposing effective solutions.
• Establishing quality standards: Developing and implementing validation techniques to ensure software and systems meet high-quality benchmarks.
• Reporting breaches: Investigating, documenting, and reporting on security breaches to relevant stakeholders.
• Utilizing specialist software: Employing specialized tools to gather, analyze, and present evidence related to cybercrime for law enforcement or private clients.

Cyber security professionals play a critical role in protecting both individual and organizational data, ensuring the integrity of IT systems, and fostering trust in digital environments.

Eligibility to Hire Cyber security professionals (SOC Code 3411)

1. Job Requirements

Cybersecurity professionals seeking to join our team must demonstrate a thorough understanding of IT systems and security protocols, along with relevant qualifications or experience. These may include:

• Technical Skills: Proficiency in identifying vulnerabilities in IT systems and developing robust security measures.
• Experience with Security Frameworks: Familiarity with industry standards and frameworks such as ISO 27001, NIST, or CIS controls.
• Educational Background: A degree in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or a related field is often preferred, though equivalent experience may also be considered.
• Certifications: Relevant certifications such as CISSP, CEH, or CompTIA Security+ are advantageous.
• Analytical Abilities: Strong problem-solving skills to diagnose security issues and formulate effective response strategies.
• Communication Skills: Ability to present findings clearly to both technical teams and non-technical stakeholders, including law enforcement or clients.
• Experience: Demonstrated experience in performing security audits, vulnerability assessments, and incident response planning.

Ensure the job description aligns with SOC Code 2135 and that candidates' experience and skills meet the expectations for the role.

1. Salary Thresholds
2. Use the Minimum Salary Calculator to ensure your salary offer meets immigration requirements.

Sponsoring Cyber security professionals: A Step-by-Step Guide for HR Professionals

Once you’ve confirmed that the role and candidate meet the eligibility requirements, follow this step-by-step guide to sponsoring Cyber security professionals under SOC Code 2135.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring non-UK Cyber security professionals, your company or institution must obtain a sponsor licence. This licence enables you to legally sponsor overseas Cyber security professionals under the Skilled Worker Visa program.

• Sponsor Licence Application: Submit documentation proving that your business is legitimate and has a genuine vacancy. Visit the sponsor licence application guide for more information. 
• Sponsor Licence Fees: Small businesses typically pay £574, while larger institutions pay £1,579. For more information, visit the sponsor licence fees guide. 
• Processing Time: Applications typically take up to 8 weeks, but using the Sponsor Licence Priority Service can reduce the processing time to 10 working days.

Once your sponsor licence is approved, you will receive a sponsor licence number, which allows you to assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).

Step 2: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once you have your sponsor licence, the next step is to assign a CoS to the Cyber security professionals. This document provides key details about the job and the individual being sponsored.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for Cyber security professionals applying from outside the UK, and an Undefined CoS for those already in the UK. Learn more in the Defined & Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship guide. 
• Required Documents: Provide details such as the Cyber security professionals’s portfolio, passport and job offer. Refer to Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorship for a full list of necessary documents.

Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Once the CoS is issued, the Cyber security professionals can apply for the Skilled Worker Visa.

• Visa Fees: Fees vary depending on the role and visa length—use the visa fees calculator to estimate the costs. 
• Immigration Skills Charge: Employers are required to pay this charge as part of sponsoring non-UK workers. This is separate from visa fees.

Conducting a Right to Work Check for Cyber security professionals

Before the Cyber security professionals begins working, you must conduct a right to work check to ensure they are legally allowed to work in the UK.

• Manual Right to Work Check: Verify original documents such as the Cyber security professionals’s passport and visa. 
• Online Right to Work Check: If the Cyber security professionals holds an eVisa, you can use the UK government’s online system to verify their right-to-work status.

For more details on how to perform these checks, see the right to work check guide.

Post-Hiring Responsibilities and Compliance

1. Record-Keeping and Reporting  
2. • Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of the Cyber security professionals’s employment details, salary and contact information. 
   • Reporting Changes: Report any significant changes to the Cyber security professionals’s role—such as promotions or salary increases—via the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
3. Sponsor Licence Duties and Compliance
4. Failure to comply with your sponsor licence duties can result in penalties or sponsor licence revocation, impacting your ability to sponsor future Cyber security professionalss.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Cyber security professionals

Sponsoring Cyber security professionals under SOC Code 2135 can be a complex process, but Borderless can simplify it for you. We offer comprehensive support to help you manage the entire sponsorship process.

End-to-End Sponsorship Support

At Borderless, we assist with:

• Sponsor Licence Application: Guiding you through the application process and ensuring all required documents are submitted correctly. 
• Certificate of Sponsorship Assignment: Streamlining the CoS process to make hiring easier. 
• Compliance Management: Helping you stay compliant with immigration laws to avoid penalties.

If you need assistance with hiring or sponsoring Cyber security professionals, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring Cyber security professionals under SOC Code 2135 can be a rewarding way to enrich the cultural landscape of your organisation. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully navigate the sponsorship process while ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws.

For further guidance, Borderless is ready to assist you with all your sponsorship needs. Contact us for expert advice.