16 In-Demand Skills for Cybersecurity Professionals

Table of Contents

• [toc headings="h2" title="Table of Contents"] Cybersecurity professionals are consistently in high demand. According to data from the World Economic Forum, there is a shortage of roughly 4 million qualified cybersecurity workers worldwide as of April 2024. And that gap is growing. Demand for cybersecurity talent is growing by 12.6% per year on average, while the workforce is growing by only 8.7% each year. If current trends continue, it's expected there will be a shortage of more than 85 million professionals worldwide by 2030.  These statistics are good news for those who currently work in cybersecurity or plan to pivot into that sector. Of course, that doesn't mean you can just show up and start defending systems from attacks. To effectively safeguard an organization's systems, devices, and networks requires a combination of technical and soft skills, and that high skill demand is a key factor driving ongoing shortages in the dynamic and growing cybersecurity industry.  So what does it take to stand out as a cybersecurity candidate? Here are some of the top skills employers look for when they're hiring into security roles. 

• How to develop cybersecurity skills

• Like with many career paths, cybersecurity professionals often start their career by getting a foundation in key skills through a degree program. These programs can take a few different forms: 

  • Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity - Training on fundamental cybersecurity concepts such as cryptography, network security, digital forensics, and ethical hacking, in addition to cybersecurity laws and ethics. This is excellent preparation for career paths like Security Consultant, Penetration Tester, or Cybersecurity Analyst. 
  • Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (Cybersecurity concentration) - These programs take a broader scope, providing a fundamental understanding of the IT domain as a whole and how cybersecurity fits into it. This will include learning in areas like database management, network infrastructure, and risk management, preparing students for roles like Network Security Analyst, Network Administrator, or IT Security Specialist. 
  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (Cybersecurity concentration) - A comprehensive program covering the basics of computer science, combined with specialized courses in key security topics. Students will learn about topics like algorithms, secure programming, data structures, and operating systems, in addition to core cybersecurity principles. This is ideal preparation for careers like Malware Analyst or Security Software Developer. 
  • Bachelor of Science in Information Assurance and Security - This program is focused on the InfoSec side of cybersecurity, providing training on securing information systems and ensuring data integrity and confidentiality. It will include topics like incident response, information security management, and information assurance, and prepares students for careers as a Risk Analyst, Compliance Analyst, or Security Auditor. 
  • Bachelor of Science in Network Security - As you might guess from the name, this program is focused on the design and implementation of secure networks. This will include targeted learning on topics like VPNs, firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention, and wireless security. Those who plan to pursue careers as a Security Architect, Network Administrator, or Network Security Engineer can benefit from this degree. 
  • Bachelor of Science in Digital Forensics - Digital forensics is used to investigate digital crimes or security incidents. Students in these programs learn concepts like evidence collection and preservation, forensic analysis, and the legal side of digital investigations, preparing them for roles as a Cybercrime Investigator, Forensic Analyst, or Incident Responder. 
  While a degree program will provide the most thorough preparation, they are also expensive and can take a long time to complete. This is why many cybersecurity professionals choose to develop their skills through a bootcamp or certification program, either in addition to or in lieu of a 4-year degree.  Certification programs typically offer more targeted learning on specific areas or concepts related to cybersecurity. Some of the most in-demand cybersecurity certifications include: 
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) - Offered by ISC2, this globally recognized certification validates a professional's ability to design, implement, and manage a cybersecurity program, covering areas like asset security, security architecture, and security operations. 
  • Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) - Also offered by ISC2, this certification focuses on security in cloud environments, covering topics like cloud data security, cloud architecture and design, and cloud platform infrastructure security. 
  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) - Obtained through the EC Council, this certification focuses on skills to identify vulnerabilities in networks and systems, covering topics like cryptography, social engineering, network security, and penetration testing. 
  • CompTIA Security+ - This is an entry-level certification, validating fundamental security skills related to risk management, identity and access management, cryptography, and common threats, vulnerabilities, technologies, and tools related to cybersecurity. 
  • Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) - Offered by ISACA, this certification is tailored to management roles, ideal for those who manage and govern enterprise information security systems. The course covers topics like incident management, risk management, and information security program development. 
  • Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) - Another certification from ISACA, the CISA certification is for those who audit, control, monitor, and assess information technology systems. It covers topics such as IT governance, system auditing, business resilience, and the development and implementation of IT systems. 
  There are plenty of other certifications that you can get to hone or validate your skills in specific areas related to information or digital security, but the options listed above are the most common and in-demand. 

• Top technical cybersecurity skills

• The field of cybersecurity encompasses a wide variety of job titles, each of which has its own unique set of typical responsibilities. To some extent, the specific role that you work in will impact which technical skill sets are most needed. However, there are some technical skills that are highly in-demand across cybersecurity jobs. Here are 10 security skills that employers look for when they're hiring people for their organization. 

• 1. Network security

• One of the core responsibilities for individuals working in cybersecurity is ensuring that all networks within an organization are secure and protected against attacks. To accomplish this, professionals need to understand the network architecture and protocols in use by the organization.  Specific skill sets in this category include the ability to manage and configure firewalls, routers, and virtual private networks (VPNs). It's also critical to have knowledge of common network vulnerabilities and the network intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS) that are in place to limit unauthorized access to company networks.

• 2. Cloud security

• A significant number of organizations today use cloud-based systems to share and store information, or use cloud-based SaaS or PaaS services to conduct their business operations. At minimum, cybersecurity professionals should have knowledge of security best practices and compliance requirements related to cloud computing technologies, as well as the common threats and risks associated with cloud infrastructure.  Experience with cloud security is especially important in roles like Cloud Security Engineer, as well as Security Administrator and Security Architect positions that are responsible for securing all of an organization's data and applications. Many employers look for candidates with experience securing the specific cloud environments they use, with the most common being Google Cloud; AWS, and Azure. 

• 3. Penetration testing

• These skills are obviously important for roles like Ethical Hacker or Penetration Tester, but these aren't the only professionals who can benefit from this knowledge. At its heart, ethical hacking is a way to identify potential vulnerabilities in a system or networking environment, a critical step to protect against these security threats.  By thinking like hackers, and exploiting the same weaknesses they seek out, cybersecurity experts can pinpoint potential issues that could leave systems open to a threat. That's a critical first step in developing proactive solutions that prevent cyberattacks before they happen. 

• 4. Computer forensics

• The best case scenario for cybersecurity professionals is to prevent security issues from happening in the first place. However, that isn't always possible even with a strong defense in place. When data breaches and other incidents do occur, digital forensics techniques are used to determine how the attack happened, what systems were affected, and what new policies could be put in place to reduce the risk of that same kind of threat in the future.  Skills in this area will be of the highest importance for those pursuing cybersecurity careers as a Digital Forensics Examiner, Forensic Computer Analyst, Forensic Technician, or similar job titles. In addition, knowledge of digital forensics is an advantage for security consultants, Chief Information Security Officers (CISO), or anyone who is part of an incident response team. 

• 5. Programming and scripting

• As organizations rely on software more and more for their day-to-day operations, expertise in writing secure code becomes increasingly important to protect their digital assets and ensure their application security.  This starts with having proficiency in the core scripting and programming languages used in cybersecurity, such as Python, Java, C++, PowerShell, and Bash. Many employers also look for capabilities in the development of automated security processes and the ways AI algorithms can be a part of these strategies. 

• 6. Risk management 

• In a certain sense, everything that cybersecurity professionals do is related to risk management, so it's no surprise this skill is paramount to success in these roles. Having a background in conducting risk assessments and implementing risk management strategies can make someone very appealing as a candidate for a range of roles in the cybersecurity field.  This is often a qualification you'll see for management and leadership roles in cybersecurity since it's directly related to topics like security architecture development, the ideal allocation of resources, business continuity, and similar activity that relates to decision making about the security of data, networks, and devices. 

• 7. Security information and event management (SIEM)

• SIEM systems are a critical aspect of many organizations' cybersecurity strategy, and the members of their security team need to have an in-depth understanding of how to use these tools effectively. This includes the ability to manage and configure SIEM systems, along with experience using them to monitor activity, implement automated responses, proactively seek out threats, and respond to incidents.  SOC Analysts and Digital Forensics Specialists will benefit from having experience with tools like ArcSight, Splunk, LogRhythm, and QRadar on their resume. These systems are also commonly employed by enterprise security teams, financial institutions, and government agencies. 

• 8. DevSecOps

• Short for development, security, and operations, DevSecOps is a framework for integrating security into the software development lifecycle. This can include techniques like secure coding, testing automation, cryptography, and dynamic application security testing (DAST) to ensure software is protected from threats.  Security professionals who work in the technology sector are most likely to benefit from a foundation in DevSecOps, but it can be useful experience for anyone involved in application security. Specific areas to highlight include experience with automation tools like GitLab and Jenkins or knowledge of container security platforms like Docker and Kubernetes. 

• 9. Identity and access management (IAM)

• The core idea behind IAM is to control access to systems, networks, devices, and resources, preventing unauthorized access that could lead to data breaches. This is done through concepts like authorization, authentication, passwords, and role-based access control (RBAC), just to list some examples.  Experience with programs like Azure AD, Okta, or Cyber Ark is a good way to demonstrate knowledge of IAM on a resume. Employers want to see that professionals have knowledge of common authorization and authentication mechanisms, as well as the ability to implement, configure, and manage user access to computers, networks, and systems. 

• 10. Knowledge of operating systems

• All the technical skills above are valuable, but they can't be put to proper use if someone doesn't understand the operating system they're working with. To be truly effective as a cybersecurity professional means being proficient with both Windows and Linux operating systems, their core functions, and the difference between them. 

• Top soft skills companies look for in cybersecurity professionals

• Like many tech-related professions, technical skill sets like programming proficiency and knowledge of hacking techniques and security infrastructure are the most often cited as necessary to grow a cybersecurity career. Soft skills still matter too, however, particularly for those employees who want to become leaders within their organization or the cybersecurity field at large. Here are 6 of the transferable skills that businesses look for in a cybersecurity professional. 

• 1. Communication skills

• Effective communication is a cornerstone of cybersecurity, enabling professionals to not just efficiently respond to incidents but also to collaborate across the organization to understand its security needs and potential threats.  Both written and verbal communication are important. On the writing side, cybersecurity professionals need the ability to properly maintain logs, document incidents, and prepare reports on security measures and activity.  They also need the ability to present this information effectively to their leaders, colleagues, and other key stakeholders to ensure everyone is informed about potential threats and security incidents. The security team is also often in charge of coordinating response efforts, which requires collaboration and teamwork, often in a fast-paced and high-stress setting. 

• 2. Analytical thinking skills

• The field of cybersecurity is always evolving. When new threats emerge, companies need to adjust their policies and practices to face them--which prompts malicious actors to try new attack strategies, and the cycle continues. Strong critical thinking skills allow cybersecurity professionals to identify and mitigate novel threats. It is also critical for predicting potential future threats based on existing data and behavior.  This ability is just as critical on the forensic side of the field. After an incident has occurred, it's often necessary to function like a detective to uncover the root cause, assess and mitigate the damage, and prevent similar situations from developing in the future. From the initial planning of security measures through the resolution of incidents, analytical thinking is a benefit at every stage.  

• 3. Creative problem-solving

• Hackers can get very creative with the ways they attempt to infiltrate systems and networks. The people who counteract this activity need to bring that same level of creativity to the table in order to best prepare for and prevent incursions.  Creative problem-solving will be particularly beneficial for vulnerability testers. These individuals need to get into the mindset of a hacker in order to do their job most effectively. Those who design and implement security systems can also benefit from the ability to find creative solutions to issues that arise during that process. 

• 4. Teamwork

• Maintaining the security of an organization is often more work than a single person can do on their own. Larger companies frequently maintain full departments to oversee security, and those individuals need the ability to work together. Even if the cybersecurity department is a team of one, that person will still need to collaborate with department leaders to set security requirements and goals, and will frequently need to collaborate with other employees to put security policies in place and resolve any incidents. 

• 5. Research

• Gathering threat intelligence is an important step in developing an effective cybersecurity plan. After all, you can protect systems against an attack that you don't know about. The ability to conduct thorough and accurate research allows security professionals to stay up-to-date on the current threat landscape, identifying what works, what doesn't, and what new kinds of attacks may be coming in the future. 

• 6. Attention to detail 

• One way that security breaches can often be identified is by noting variations from expected activity and use patterns. These are often relatively small shifts recorded in activity logs or other reports. Spotting them requires not just a firm knowledge of what activity is expected, but also a sharp eye to see when that activity differs from the norm. 

• Developing your cybersecurity skills

• Bear in mind that not every individual who works in cybersecurity will be equally skilled in all of these areas. Your current role and career aspirations will be the main factors in deciding which of these skills will be the most beneficial in landing your next cybersecurity role.  The bottom line is that cybersecurity is a broad and growing field that offers a lot of opportunities for tech professionals. We hope this article has given you a clearer picture of which skills to gain or strengthen before you embark on your next job search.