“The demand for Cyber Security Skills is always going to be High and that’s because the Security Market is full of Innovation. In today’s world, protecting Data and Assets is how Organizations build Trust with their Customers” - Tom Chapman
There has been unprecedented spurt in cases of Cyber Crimes, Cyber Attacks and Cyber Threats over the years. In fact, the issue of Cyber Security has evolved as a matter of global concern, with some going to the extent of predicting the nature of future conflicts to be in the form of Cyber Wars.
Moreover, as per (ISC)2, a Florida based non-profit organization, “the global workforce needs to grow 65% to effectively defend organizations’ critical assets”. Thus, while the demand for Cyber Security experts is all time high; the demand is certainly not being met with an equal supply of experts.
Herein, lies the golden opportunity for young aspirants to look for nurturing relevant Cyber Security Skills which will enable them to grab a coveted position within one of the most sought after domains of the tech industry. So what skills are needed for Cyber Security experts? Let us find out.
In this blog, we shall discuss the required Skills for Cyber Security experts. We shall dissect the issue of CyberSecurity Skills on the basis of Cyber Security Technical Skills and Soft Skills needed for Cyber Security. Consequently, we shall also consider Cyber Security Analyst Skills as well as Cyber Security Engineer Skills. Let us look at this Cyber Security Skills List.
Cyber Security Skills Roadmap
Cyber Security Technical Skills
1.Knowledge of Operating Systems
A Cyber Security expert is largely comfortable working with all kinds of Operating Systems (OS).
Thus, they should be well versed with operating environments like Mac, Linux, Windows OS. As an aspiring Cyber Security professional, you should equip yourself with every possible piece of knowledge on mobile and desktop systems.
You should be comfortable navigating with command-line interfaces such as Windows’ Powershell and Linux’s Terminal. It will be equally important to familiarize yourself with threats associated with mobile OS like Android and iOS.
2.Proficiency in Coding
Acquiring coding skills can have several benefits for you and as such is one of the important Cyber Security Skills.
When you do have knowledge of the fundamentals of coding in languages such as JavaScript or HTML, it will only help you in developing a better understanding of how they are vulnerable to security breaches.
You must remember that while proficiency in coding might not be one of the important entry level Cyber Security Skills, but it is definitely one of the skills needed for Cyber Security experts at the mid and senior level positions. Accordingly, you can opt for learning the following important coding languages.
- Python
- PHP
- C and C++
- SQL
- JavaScript
- Assembly Language
- HTML
- Go lang
3.Blockchain Security
The issue of Blockchain Security is definitely an innovative technology and a thing of the future. It is considered to be the basis of different security systems such as network control, IoT devices, identity solutions and supply chain integration.
Given the level of data security offered by blockchain technology, it is definitely considered to be an extremely robust security mechanism as any attempt at data leakage can only be the result of destruction of data on every computer on a global network.
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4.Networking and System Administration
This is considered to be one of the critical Skills for CyberSecurity professionals as they step into this domain. Knowledge of networking equips you with the understanding of technical aspects of data transmission.
Such understanding invariably helps in sharpening one’s expertise in securing data. Moreover, different business organizations use different kinds of networks and as a Cyber Security expert, it will be vital to become well versed with maintenance of Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Local Area Networks (LAN) and Wide Area Networks (WAN).
Similarly knowledge of system administration pertains to knowledge of managing of systems which run on those networks.
5.Artificial Intelligence
Expertise in AI is considered to be yet another futuristic Cyber Security required skills. It helps experts in detecting possible threats and attacks.
One of the greatest advantages of Artificial Intelligence within the field of Cyber Security is its contribution in the form of automated response techniques in the event of Cyber attacks. Moreover, AI can also be useful in identifying potentials threats which might otherwise have gone unnoticed.

6.Cloud Security
It is quite evident that more and more business organizations are moving to cloud environment in order to store and protect data as well as run applications. Consequently, Cyber Security Specialist Skills like expertise in cloud security, is naturally in high demand. So what skills do you need for Cyber Security when it comes to Cloud Security? The answer to this lies in being well versed with the implementation of policies which protect cloud based systems as well as proficiency in system configuration as user misconfiguration is an important cloud security risk.
7.Computer Forensics Skills
Pulling together the ideas of Cyber Security and Computer Forensics is considered to be essential in providing for a complete understanding of Information Security. Both, simultaneously emphasize upon protection of digital intelligence and assets. Moreover, this can only be achieved through a deep rooted understanding of possible ways of recovering data as well as backup strategies for failed security measures.
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8.Internet of Things (IoT) Security
The number of IoT devices is only likely to increase in future. Moreover, a vast majority of these IoT devices comes with sensors which result in collection of sensitive personal information. This implies that the stakes in securing data security and consumer confidence, are high. Moreover, the overwhelming number of devices implies greater security vulnerability. Therefore, as one of the crucial Cyber Security Skills, it will be vital to institute mechanisms in place which could help in safeguarding IoT devices from malicious intrusion without regular human inspection.
9.Intrusion Detection
Cyber Security Technical Skills in this respect, shall include expertise in usage of different kinds of Intrusion Detection Software, such as Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS), Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), as well as Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) products. Moreover, this knowledge helps in sharpening skills for detection of security violations and suspicious activities.
10.Expertise in Analytics and Intelligence
This pertains to skills in Cyber Security Analytics. Cyber Security Analytics make use of the processes of data gathering, aggregation, attribution and analysis; for extracting valuable insights. These insights in turn help in performing crucial security functions which help in detecting and mitigating cyber attacks and threats. Data is collected from multiple sources like OS event logs, business applications, behavior data, virus scanners and so on. This data is then used by security experts for the application of algorithms and searches for prior identification of indicators of cyber threats.

11.Incident Response
While the ability to initiate precautionary measures for preventing Cyber attacks is one of the important skills for Cyber Security; being able to effectively respond in situation where security incidents might have had already taken place, is equally important. This refers to Incident Response Management and involves a close observation of security event from the start to the finish. Thus, as an expert with IR Cyber Security Skills, you will able to investigate security incidents, oversee response efforts and restore data and systems to regular operation.
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