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Blockchain Developer
In an increasingly digital world, Other Cyber Security Professionals play a pivotal role in safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring the integrity of IT systems. Their expertise is crucial not only for protecting businesses from cyber threats but also for maintaining public trust in technology across the UK and globally.
No degree needed for many routesApprenticeship route
AI impact: low£££ payApprenticeship route
32
AI impact
how much AI is reshaping it
Robin · your guide
Curious about being a blockchain developer? Here's the honest picture - what you'd really do, what you'd earn, and every way in. No need to decide anything yet.
What you'd actually do
As an Other Cyber Security Professional, you will be at the forefront of defending organizations against an ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats. Your role is not just about responding to incidents; it’s about proactively preventing them by implementing robust security measures and fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness within the organization.
Your typical day will involve conducting thorough vulnerability assessments and penetration testing, meticulously identifying potential weaknesses in systems that could be exploited by malicious actors. This hands-on approach is essential for developing effective security policies and protocols tailored to the unique needs of your organization.
Collaboration is key in this role. You will work closely with IT teams to ensure that security considerations are integrated into system designs from the ground up. This means not only understanding the technical aspects of cybersecurity but also being able to communicate effectively with non-technical stakeholders to raise awareness about potential risks and necessary precautions.
- Monitoring Network Traffic: A significant part of your job will involve monitoring network traffic for unusual or suspicious activity. This requires a keen eye and analytical skills to quickly identify and respond to potential security breaches.
- Incident Response: When a security incident occurs, you will be the first line of defense. Your ability to respond swiftly and effectively can mitigate damage and protect sensitive information.
- Continuous Learning: The field of cybersecurity is dynamic and fast-paced. Staying updated on the latest trends, threat intelligence, and emerging technologies is crucial for maintaining your effectiveness and relevance in the role.
- Training and Support: An essential aspect of your job will involve providing training and support to staff across the organization. Instilling a culture of security awareness is vital, as human error is often the weakest link in cybersecurity.
Despite the challenges, the rewards of being an Other Cyber Security Professional are substantial. You will have the satisfaction of knowing that your work directly contributes to the safety and security of your organization and its stakeholders. As you gain experience, there are ample opportunities for career advancement, specialization, and even leadership roles within the cybersecurity domain. Join the fight against cybercrime and make a real difference in the digital world!
1Conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify security weaknesses.
2Develop and implement security policies, procedures, and protocols to protect data.
3Monitor network traffic for unusual activity and respond to security breaches.
4Collaborate with IT teams to integrate security measures into system designs.
5Provide training and support to staff on best practices for cybersecurity.
6Stay updated on the latest cybersecurity trends and threat intelligence.
7Prepare detailed reports on security incidents and recommend improvements.
Career progression & pay
01
Getting in
Junior Blockchain Developer
£28,000 - £34,000
BSc in Computer Science or related field
In this entry-level role, you will assist in developing blockchain applications, writing code under the guidance of senior developers, and learning the fundamentals of blockchain technology.
02
Building up
Mid-level Blockchain Developer
£40,000 - £50,000
3-5 years experience in blockchain development + proficiency in smart contract languages
As a mid-level developer, you will take on more complex projects, lead small teams, and contribute to architectural decisions while mentoring junior developers.
03
At the top
Senior Blockchain Developer/Lead
£65,000+
10+ years experience, chartered status with BCS or equivalent
In this peak role, you will oversee large-scale blockchain projects, drive innovation, and shape the strategic direction of blockchain initiatives within the organisation.
Degrees that lead here via Computer Science
2D Animation and Stop Motion
Teesside University
2D Animation and Stop Motion
Teesside University
2D Animation and Stop Motion (with Foundation Year)
Teesside University
3D Animation
Ravensbourne University London
3D Animation and Visualisation
Glasgow Caledonian University
3D Animation for Games and Film
Middlesex University
Apprenticeships that lead here
Cyber security technician
Digital
Level 3 · A-level1.5 yrs
Cyber security technologist (2021)
Digital
Level 4 · Higher2 yrs
Cyber security technical professional (integrated degree)
Digital
Level 6 · Degree4 yrs
Professional security operative
Protective services
Level 2 · GCSE level1 yrs
Fire emergency and security systems technician
Construction and the built environment
Level 3 · A-level3 yrs
Security first line manager
Protective services
Level 3 · A-level1.5 yrs
Who hires - top UK employers
Blockchain.com
A leading cryptocurrency wallet and exchange platform, known for its innovative approach to blockchain technology.
Revolut
A financial technology company that offers a range of services, including cryptocurrency trading, with a strong focus on blockchain solutions.
Bitstamp
One of the longest-standing cryptocurrency exchanges, Bitstamp is committed to compliance and security in blockchain transactions.
Civic
A company focused on identity verification solutions using blockchain technology, offering exciting opportunities for developers.
ChainSafe Systems
A blockchain development company that builds decentralised applications and infrastructure, providing a collaborative work environment.
AI & the future of this job
Cyber security professionals sit in a genuinely strong position relative to AI disruption, partly because AI is simultaneously a tool they wield and a threat they must defend against. Automated scanning tools and AI-driven threat detection have been around for years and augment rather than replace the human analyst, since interpreting results, making judgement calls under pressure, and understanding adversarial intent are deeply human competencies. Penetration testing, incident response, and security architecture require creative, adversarial thinking that current AI cannot reliably replicate. Entry-level monitoring roles face the most pressure, but the field as a whole is expanding faster than AI can hollow it out.
Within 5 Years
Workflow augmentation, roles stable
AI-powered tools will handle more routine log analysis, automated vulnerability scanning, and initial alert triage, reducing the grunt work for junior analysts. This will shift expectations upward, meaning graduates entering the field will need stronger analytical and communication skills from day one rather than learning on repetitive tasks. However, the explosion of AI-driven attack vectors, deepfake phishing, and automated malware generation will simultaneously increase demand for skilled defenders. Net employment in the sector is expected to grow throughout this period.
Within 10 Years
Specialism becomes essential
By the mid-2030s, generalist cyber security roles will face more pressure as AI handles broader monitoring and compliance checking autonomously. Professionals who have built deep expertise in areas like cloud security architecture, red teaming, AI system security, or operational technology (OT) security will remain highly sought after. The attack surface will have expanded considerably with widespread IoT, autonomous systems, and AI infrastructure, creating entirely new categories of threat to defend. Those who have used the early years of their career to build genuine specialism rather than staying broad will be well insulated.
Within 20 Years
Core role transformed, not eliminated
The cyber security professional of the mid-2040s will work alongside highly capable AI systems that autonomously detect, contain, and respond to a large proportion of threats in real time. The human role will shift toward governing those AI systems, designing security strategy, handling novel or nation-state-level threats, and managing the legal and ethical dimensions of breaches. Physical and hybrid infrastructure security, where digital and physical systems intersect, will require human judgement AI cannot replicate. The career will look very different, but the underlying need for trusted, skilled humans in the loop will remain intact.
How to stay ahead
Build adversarial thinking early
Pursue hands-on certifications like CEH, OSCP, or CompTIA Security+ alongside your degree to develop genuine offensive security skills. Penetration testing and red teaming require creative, human-like thinking about how attackers behave, which is exactly where AI tools fall short. Platforms like HackTheBox or TryHackMe let you build a practical portfolio before you graduate.
Specialise in AI security specifically
Understanding how to secure AI systems, including adversarial machine learning attacks, model poisoning, and prompt injection vulnerabilities, is an emerging niche with almost no supply of qualified professionals right now. Getting ahead of this curve during your degree years positions you as a specialist in the exact intersection where demand is accelerating. Look for universities or modules that address AI governance and secure AI deployment.
Develop communication and stakeholder skills
The most valuable cyber professionals are those who can translate technical risk into business language for boards, regulators, and non-technical teams. AI can produce technical reports, but it cannot build trust with a nervous CEO during a live incident or negotiate with a regulator after a breach. Prioritise any opportunity to present, write clearly, or lead incident response exercises during your studies.
Target regulated sectors for career entry
Finance, healthcare, defence, and critical national infrastructure operate under strict regulatory frameworks that require human accountable professionals rather than automated systems alone. These sectors hire persistently even during downturns and tend to invest in developing junior talent because the compliance burden demands ongoing human oversight. Starting your career in a regulated environment builds credentials that transfer well throughout your working life.
How to get in - your routes
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