We can never deny how beneficial technological advancement has been to this world. But we also cannot ignore the fact that it has opened doors to various kinds of cyber threats that could be very dangerous to organizations, individuals, and governments. Now, with the introduction of Artificial Intelligence and other advanced technologies, cyber-attacks are becoming more sophisticated and more frequent. This has resulted in an increased demand for skilled cybersecurity specialists who can protect their organizations from these threats.
If you are looking to get into a cybersecurity career, then you must go through the end of this article to learn about various cybersecurity skills every cybersecurity specialist must have to perform their duties efficiently.
What are cybersecurity specialists? Roles and Responsibilities
They are IT professionals working in the cybersecurity domain specializing in protecting an organization’s digital infrastructure and assets. They protect the systems, networks, and data from malicious actors looking to exploit the vulnerabilities within the organization to steal information, disrupt operations, or cause damage.
These cybersecurity professionals possess a wide range of technical and non-technical skills and expertise such as knowledge of firewalls, encryption, security tools, good communications, etc. With these skillsets, their regular activities include:
· Monitoring network activity continuously, identify and respond to any incoming threats promptly
· Securing the digital ecosystem by adhering to relevant industry standards and legal requirements. In the following section, we will see the various skill sets these professionals need.
Technical Skills for Cybersecurity Specialists
The technical cybersecurity specialist skills form the foundation to mitigate various sophisticated cyber threats and include:
·
Networking and System Administration
Cybersecurity specialists must be good at understanding network protocols, firewalls, and system administrations. A report by ISC2 found around 64% of organizations do not have the right cybersecurity professionals equipped with network security skills.
·
Operating systems and vulnerabilities
A strong understanding of various operating systems such as Linux, MacOS, Windows, and as well as other virtualization technologies including VMware is recommended as it helps them secure a wider range of systems.
·
Different security tools and technologies
Now, there are several organizations offering world-class security tools and technologies. Therefore, cybersecurity specialists must have a sound knowledge of Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) Systems, Intrusion Detection/Prevention systems, and endpoint protection tools.
·
Cryptography
This cybersecurity skill is needed for successful encryption, decryption, and key management which is very important in security data be it in transit or at rest. As the amount of data generated today is growing faster than ever, the demand for professionals with strong cryptography skills is expected to rise strongly.
·
Cloud Security
Today organizations are moving toward cloud environments that are scalable, safer, and highly secured. Organizations are looking for professionals with skills in securing platforms like AWS, Azure, GCP, etc. So, cybersecurity specialists must be good at securing these platforms.
·
Ethical Hacking
A recent report from Cybersecurity Ventures stated that global cybersecurity spending might reach and even exceed $10 trillion by 2030. This indicates the growth in cybersecurity measures that also include ethical hacking and penetration testing. This is an important cybersecurity specialist skill you must have to identify vulnerabilities within the organization and rectify them before an actual attack happens.
·
Digital Forensics
This refers to the professionals’ ability to collect and analyze digital evidence and respond to new and emerging security incidents effectively.
·
Coding and Programming languages
Cybersecurity specialists must also be proficient in different programming languages such as Python, R, Java, etc. which are used to automate security tasks and data analysis.
These are some of the many technical skills required by cybersecurity professionals, and what you need to learn mainly depends on the specialization you want to go for such as network security, cloud security, or incident response.
Soft-Skills that will take you forward
Though technical expertise is essential, to become a successful cybersecurity professional you may also need to have strong soft skills including:
· Collaboration
· Problem-solving and critical thinking
· Adaptability and continuous learning
· Time management and prioritization
Validate your skillset with USCSI®
If you want to become a successful cybersecurity specialist, then you must consider validating your cybersecurity specialist skills and knowledge with USCSI®’s top cybersecurity certification program: Certified Senior Cybersecurity Specialist (CSCS®).
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CSCS® has been designed for professionals who want to build an
effective cybersecurity system against various kinds of cyber threats. It
covers various topics including cryptographic techniques, security leadership,
and AI for cybersecurity professionals. Any professional with more than 5 years
of work experience, preferably in the STEM field, can apply for this cybersecurity
specialist certification program, and earn it within 4-25 weeks.
Conclusion
Becoming a cybersecurity specialist isn’t only about learning the core cybersecurity technical skills but also mastering the intricate soft skills that help build an overall professional who can effectively manage various kinds of cyber threats along with properly communicating and reporting the reports to various kinds of stakeholders.
Moreover, validating these skills with the best cybersecurity specialist certification can enhance your credibility multiple times among employers increasing your chances of hiring and getting a higher salary than average. So, why not enroll in the program now?
