An interesting take-away from the (ISC)2 Cybersecurity Career Pursuers Study is what cybersecurity professionals told us were the most important technical skills for those looking for their first cybersecurity job.
When current jobholders were asked to rate the most important technical skills for aspiring cybersecurity professionals, there was little differentiation among the 20 technical concepts they were asked to rate.
|
Cyber Security Technical Skill or Concept |
Rating (1 – 5) |
|
Cloud Security |
4.46 |
|
Malware Analysis |
4.44 |
|
Data Analysis |
4.42 |
|
Threat Assessment |
4.42 |
|
Intrusion Detection |
4.42 |
|
Risk Assessment/Management |
4.37 |
|
Encryption |
4.37 |
|
Secure Software Development |
4.37 |
|
Networking |
4.34 |
|
Database |
4.32 |
|
Penetration Testing |
4.27 |
|
Backup and Storage |
4.26 |
|
Coding/Programming |
4.26 |
|
Access Management |
4.22 |
|
Alert and Event Management |
4.22 |
|
Hardware |
4.21 |
|
Compliance |
4.19 |
|
Forensics |
4.08 |
|
Administration |
4.03 |
|
Architecture |
3.97 |
Cloud security topped the list, followed closely by malware analysis, data analysis, threat assessment and intrusion detection. However, when asked to pick their top two technical concepts, there is real separation for which skills cybersecurity professionals say are most important for job pursuers.
Cloud Security is Top Cyber Security Skill
|
Cyber Security Technical Skill or Concept |
Top 2 Most Important Skill |
|
Cloud Security |
25% |
|
Data Analysis |
17% |
|
Coding/Programming |
14% |
|
Encryption |
13% |
|
Risk Assessment/Management |
12% |
|
Intrusion Detection |
12% |
|
Access Management |
11% |
|
Malware Analysis |
10% |
|
Administration |
9% |
|
Backup and Storage |
9% |
|
Database |
9% |
|
Alert and Event Management |
8% |
|
Threat Assessment |
8% |
|
Compliance |
8% |
|
Architecture |
7% |
|
Forensics |
6% |
|
Networking |
6% |
|
Secure Software Development |
6% |
|
Hardware |
5% |
|
Penetration Testing |
4% |
It’s not surprising that cloud security reigns supreme on both lists as organizations of all sizes continue to struggle with adequately securing their cloud-based services as they rapidly deploy new solutions to keep up with demand for remote workforces during the pandemic. It’s noteworthy, however, to see skills like malware analysis, penetration testing and threat assessment fall, while concepts like coding/programming, encryption, risk assessment/management and intrusion detection remain top of mind with professionals.
What do you think? Do you agree with study participants on the top skills cybersecurity job pursuers need to know?
Learn more by downloading the full report here: https://www.isc2.org/Research/CareerPursuers