Cybersecurity is in demand! Yes, as the world is more technologically advanced, we are becoming more dependent on AI and related technologies, which in turn in some cases makes us vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
If you think being a cybersecurity specialist sounds cool, heck yay! This is an amazing job profile for those who are tech-savvy and have a love for coding. Now, if you are also looking forward to knowing how to become a cybersecurity specialist, let us share some serious skills that you should have to be a cybersecurity specialist.
For instance, if you want to be a cybersecurity specialist, you should possess good scripting skills, should have fair knowledge about controls and frameworks, intrusion detection, Network security control, online security, and of course DevOps.
Now, if you have watched ‘The Italian Job’ or ‘Live Free or Die Hard’, you must be thrilled to live the absolute goosebumps lives of the cybersecurity specialist. However, it’s not as easy as it’s portrayed in the films! Let’s go through this article, and find out which skills you need to land such a cool job!
9 Essential Cybersecurity Skills For Every Cybersecurity Specialist
Now that you are all determined to explore more about cybersecurity specialist skills, let’s go through the skills described below and find out if you already have some of these skills under your belt:
1. Scripting
The first and foremost thing that one person should have to become a cybersecurity expert is the knowledge of coding and scripting. You should be fluent in Python or PowerShell. Python is one of the most prevalent languages that you have to learn to achieve your goal. Learning python is just compulsory when you are learning ethical hacking.
2. Controls and frameworks
A cybersecurity framework includes the codes for best practices, policies, and tools to support any organization’s business operations. On the other hand, Controls refer to the measurements your company has taken against the data vulnerability. As you can see, controls and frameworks vary depending on the organizations you work for. However, some of the most common cybersecurity frameworks are:
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
- International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
- Center for Information Security (CIS)
- System and Organization Controls 2 (SOC 2)
3. Intrusion detection
As a cybersecurity analyst, you should have a good nose to detect possible intrusions. You should have a fair knowledge of intrusion detection software, like intrusion detection systems (IDS), security information and event management (SIEM) products, and intrusion prevention systems (IPS).
4. Network security control
Network security plays a major role in preventing cyber attacks. Companies that rely on collaboration, in terms of network, are highly exposed to cyber threats. Being a cyber security specialist, you should have a thorough knowledge of the wired and wireless networks.
5. Operating systems
There are no operating systems that are cyber threat-proof! Whether it is mobile or computer, outdated OS is a great threat to cyber security. Being a cyber security expert, you should have a good knowledge of MacOS, Windows, Linux, and other operating systems. You will need to learn about iOS and Android too.
6. Incident response
When preventing cyber attacks is the prime goal of a cyber security expert, being a cyber security specialist you should also know how to respond to an incident and minimize the damage or data loss. You have to design your organization’s incident response plan wisely. Having knowledge about digital forensics and malware analysis will be a privilege in this scenario.
7. Cloud
Organizations are hugely dependent on cloud sharing because of its scalability. If your organization moved to cloud environments, cloud expertise is in demand along with conventional cyber security knowledge.
8.DevOps
Now, you can’t just deny that risks are proven to exist within the applications only! Henceforth, companies are putting more weight into software development and operations (DevOps) to minimize security threats.
9. Regulatory guidelines
The job of a cybersecurity analyst is not just limited to keeping the organization safe from cyber threats and thefts but also complying with industrial regulatory guidelines. If your organization is spreading its wings globally, you have to make sure that you cover the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). On the other hand, if your organization is related to the healthcare system, then you have to take the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) into account.
How To Improve Cybersecurity Skills?
Cybersecurity is not just a demanding profession, but it is challenging too! The dark web is growing and continuing to gulp the system. Being a cybersecurity specialist you have to be up-to-date and possess the most advanced knowledge in the industry or you will be replaced anytime!
So, here is how to improve your cybersecurity skills:
1. Take Classes
Your study days are not over yet, and will never be! Learning cybersecurity fundamentals is not enough. Enroll in different classes that will sharpen your cybersecurity fundamentals. Acquire more specific technical skills such as incident response or network security. You can also earn a Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate and showcase the badge.
2. Stay up to date
There is no alternative to staying up to date. Your technical cybersecurity skills should be on point. You should stay connected with research analysts, podcasts, and YouTube channels so that you do not miss anything that is happening ‘New’ in the cyber world.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, to become a successful cybersecurity analyst or specialist, you have to have knowledge about coding, scripting, network security control, operating systems, Cloud, and DevOps. It may sound a little difficult but, if you have a knack for cybersecurity, you will find the goosebumps eventually. In the meantime, keep watching movies on cybersecurity and stay motivated!
