As for what it takes to be a security researcher, McDonald feels that an individual needs to be interested in computers and the Internet.

"It has to be that type of person, whoever that kind of person is," he said.

"There are a lot of stereotypes about working in their basement all night, but you have to be interested in computers and devices, and research in general."

The reality of the job is sitting in front of a computer and scouring the Internet all day in the name of research, something which McDonald says takes time, patience and dedication.

So a person interested in being a researcher would need to be that way inclined.