Cybersecurity skills: list of the core and more on demand ones 

Cybersecurity skills are essential for all organizations when it comes to managing risk and protecting data from cyberattacks.

Applying security strategies such as Networking Security Control or having soft skills such as adaptability, analytical thinking or crisis management offers great advantages to companies in the fight against cybercrime.

Cybersecurity is something that concerns more and more companies, for this reason we are going to talk about the most demanded competences and skills in this area.

Cybersecurity skills ¿What do they mean?

Cybersecurity skills are the necessary skills and competencies that the Information Security (IT) experts of an organization must have in order to protect systems, networks, data and applications from all types of cyber-attacks.

These are soft and hard skills of profiles with specialized technical skills.

In this field, the Cybersecurity Analyst is a key figure, as he/she is in charge of supervising, analyzing and seeking solutions to security incidents.

5 C’s of cybersecurity

The 5 C’s of cybersecurity are key principles to be respected in any cyber protection strategy:

1. Change. Ability to adapt to constant challenges.
2. Compliance. Compliance with standards to ensure data security.
3. Cost. Balance between investment in security and the cost of damages resulting from an attack.
4. Continuity. Ability to continue a company’s activity after an attack.
5. Coverage. Comprehensive protection of all digital and physical assets. 

List of the core of cybersecurity skills

The list of the core of cybersecurity skills, which a Cybersecurity Analyst usually has, is basically the following:

• Advanced technical knowledge and skills in operating systems, network architectures, and security protocols and tools.
• Training in database management systems (DBMS).
• Proficiency in programming languages such as C++, Python, Java, Bash, PowerShell, Ruby or Assembly.
• Specialization in security audits.

In addition to these technical skills, the following soft skills are desirable:

• Analytical thinking to be able to effectively counter threats, restore services, and avoid future risks.
• Crisis management to be able to act with precision in the face of a threat, contain it and mitigate the damage.
• Communication both to indicate the guidelines to be applied to the technical teams, and to prepare for audiences outside their fields,  the security protocols and practices to be implemented.
• Adaptability. A necessary cybersecurity skill that allows security strategies to be adapted to meet the ingenuity and creativity of cybercriminals.

Cybersecurity Technical Skills: Top 8 in highest demand

In the following sections, we will list the Top 8 Cybersecurity Skills you should know. Even if you are not an IT professional, it is recommended that you understand them.

Networking Security Control

Networking Security Control is a strategy that encompasses various measures that improve the security of a network and prevent its vulnerabilities.

It is essential to have in-depth knowledge of how a network works, from routers to firewalls, Virtual Private Network (VPN), etc.

It is also advisable to have skills in Intrusion Detection System (IDS) management, which monitors any violation of the security policy, as well as all types of suspicious activities. 

Internet of Things (IoT)

Internet of Things (IoT) allows you to connect all the devices you work with, so it becomes at the same time a weak point in your infrastructure.

This explains why having IoT security skills is essential to avoid possible cyber attacks. 

Blockchain Security

Blockchain Security is a data structure based on decentralization, cryptography and consensus that guarantees transaction security.

The complexity of the Blockchain makes it difficult for systems to be breached. 

Cloud Computing

More and more companies are hosting their data in cloud infrastructures. Companies that offer this type of service for professionals are very secure, as they must undergo exhaustive audits and controls. 

Moreover, it is not just a matter of hosting content in the cloud; cloud computing includes highly effective systems for authentication and access to information, data encryption and backup management.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an innovative tool for detecting anomalies. It enables a high degree of automation of cyber ecosystem protocols.

The evolution towards generative AI allows cybersecurity professionals to program more precise action protocols, as they interact with it through natural language. 

Coding

Coding Skills are still relevant in cybersecurity, both in the detection of attacks and in the ability to apply solutions in case of cyber crimes.

The following question arises: Does cybersecurity require coding? The answer is that it does not necessarily, but it is a great advantage that allows to diversify actions.

Security Incident Response

Security Incident Response (SIR) is a reactive strategy for managing and responding to a cyber-attack context that detects, analyzes and neutralizes its action in real time.

Having this type of expertise in your organization will allow you to minimize damage and record threats for later analysis.

For better management of this type of response, it is advisable to have a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), a space in which all data from all applications, servers or devices are centralized, something that facilitates their control and protection.

Security Compliance

Security Compliance knowledge and protocols focus on computer security, cybersecurity and information security, as well as applicable law.

In response to this growing problem, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed cybersecurity standards, guidelines, best practices, and other resources for companies to improve their security and risk management. 

Is cybersecurity hard to learn?

While it is true that cybersecurity can be a challenge, for more technical profiles it is not complicated to train and implement effective measures to protect your data, resources and systems.

In addition, there are now service providers specialized in cybersecurity that you can work with.

At Smowltech we host our infrastructure and data on Amazon Web Services (AWS), which allows us to guarantee data protection and comply with state legislation.

For the privacy of our users, our proctoring plans do not store biometric data and we anonymize personal data.

Request your free demo so we can explain the security measures you can incorporate into your online supervision and remote evaluations.