Learn to become a cyber-crime specialist now…
According to a study on cyber security skills in the UK labour market, 33% of cyber firms have advanced skills gaps, most commonly in areas such as penetration testing, forensic analysis and security architecture (Gov UK, 2022).
This, combined with the fact that 2/3 executives consider cybercrime their most significant threat in the coming year, highlights a growing market for advanced cyber security specialists.
But what are employers looking for and how can you bring your skills in line with companies’ expectations?
To point you in the right direction and shed some light on the skills and experience required to develop yourself as a cyber security professional, here are four essential skills that’ll help you land your dream cyber security job:
Specialist skills for cyber security professionals
1. Information governance
Information governance (IG) is the framework for handling, storing, and processing confidential information, which complies with the law and acts as a standard of best practice. As cyber security professionals are primarily tasked with protecting information, it’s vital for you to be aware of and abide by the key principles of information governance.
2. Network security control
Alongside an in-depth understanding of the technical aspects of networking, you’ll also need to be familiar with the security measures that are used to protect these networks. This involves learning how things like routers, firewalls, and other security devices work. Keeping a network secure also requires an understanding of Intrusion Detection Systems, Intrusion Prevention Systems, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), and remote access.
3. Ethical hacking
To best prevent major cyber-attacks and become an industry maestro you need to understand how the best hackers operate (in an ethical way, of course). Gaining ethical hacking skills will enable you to spot any potential vulnerabilities within a network, figure out how a system could be exploited, and develop solutions to stop experienced hackers from breaking in.
4. Scripting
Scripting is a written coding language (such as Python) that allows you to manipulate moving text and images and automate repetitive tasks. Whilst it’s an extremely helpful tool, it can also be used by hackers. That’s why as a cyber security expert, you should be proficient in not only using scripting, but also in developing protection methods that’ll thwart any potential attacks.
How to establish yourself as a cyber security expert
With major security breaches at an all-time high, employers are putting more investment into their data protection methods, sparking the need for qualified professionals who can keep their networks safe.
To ensure you’re ticking the right boxes, here are a few ways you can best develop yourself as a cyber security professional:
- Work on your transferable soft skills. Whilst many cyber security skills are technical, there are also a lot of soft skills that you can gain outside of the industry. Things such as effective communication, critical thinking and adaptability are essential for establishing yourself as a cyber specialist, and can be worked on in your current job, at university, or even through your hobbies and interests.
- Keep up to date with the latest trends. The cyber security landscape is always changing, and it’s up to you to keep up. Luckily, there are a number of resources to help. From webinars and articles written by reputable sources like the National Cyber Security Centre, to government reports and university blogs, which are available to give you insights into industry developments.
- Take a cyber security course. One of the best ways to establish yourself as an expert in your field is to study for a recognised cyber security qualification – such as a CISSP, CISM, CEH, or MSc in Cyber Security. A recognised cyber security qualification not only deepens your knowledge but also opens doors to a range of career opportunities in a rapidly growing industry.
- Gain some relevant work experience. Working in any kind of tech role (such as IT support, engineering, or anything that requires you to be computer literate) is a great way to build the key foundations for a successful cyber career, whilst many MSc courses also include practical work placements, allowing you to gain hands-on experience within the industry.
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