Top 5 cybersecurity skills for 2021

One reason companies can’t find the experienced cybersecurity professionals they need: there just aren’t many tech pros who have mastered not only the necessary technical abilities, but also “soft skills” (such as clear communication) — and those who have, well, they’re already employed (often with hefty salaries and benefits designed to keep them in place for the long term).

With that in mind, if you want to plunge into a career in cybersecurity (and there’s no reason you shouldn’t, at least in terms of salary), here are some of the traits you’ll need to exhibit.

First, you’ll need some essential work habits, including the ability to work methodically (and in a detail-oriented way). The following abilities also come in useful:

• Eagerness to dig into technical questions and examine them from all sides.
• Enthusiasm and a high degree of adaptability.
• Strong analytical and diagnostic skills.
• A current understanding of common web vulnerabilities.
• Maintaining awareness and knowledge of contemporary standards, practices, procedures and methods.

Cybersecurity is a field that is constantly evolving requiring regular upskilling through advanced training programs. Cybersecurity professionals must keep optimizing real-time training modules to effectively restrain the extensive threat matrix. As companies increasingly embrace remote operations, confidential business data face an enhanced risk of cybersecurity threats. Here we have discussed the top 5 must-have cybersecurity skills for 2021.

1.Cloud security skills

Cloud computing security includes a range of policies, technologies, tools, and frameworks-based skills that safeguard confidential business data, infrastructure, and IPs related to cloud computing. Cloud security facilitates that the data stored on the cloud stays secure from potential theft or unauthorised access.

2. App development security skills

It requires the skill to identify numerous potential threats and attack types that are present in the current security landscape. Application security professionals require proficiency in the app development process, integrating and testing security features in the app to safeguard the app against malicious attacks.

3. Risk management skills

These skills are imperative in identifying, interpreting, and moderating a range of cybersecurity threats that have the possibility of damaging the business operations of the company. A risk management security professional should be aware of all the possible threat incidents that may arise from various sources such as accidents, legal obligations, financial insecurity, and others. This requires prudent application of resources to minimise, analyse, and manage the potential risks.

4. Threat intelligence skills

Cyber threat intelligence skills require a mix of creativity, technical as well as analytical skills, along with the ability to create reports showcasing the numerous evaluations and recommendations to minimise the effects of the potential threat.

5. Perimeter security skills

A cybersecurity professional should be aware of the importance of utilising optimum firewall protection to keep a check on the unauthorised access to companies’ databases. Also, it is important for the professionals to have in-depth knowledge of Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) and to be able to sync these with firewall protection. Moreover, a cybersecurity expert must be proficient at working with IDS tools that can help in the detection of malicious traffic.