What Skills Do You Need for Cyber Security?

A successful career in cyber security requires a certain set of skills, many of which are technical skills. Cybersecurity professionals have to be able to identify and fix vulnerabilities in networks and systems.

Cyber security specialists “need broad technical knowledge since security is an important consideration across most parts of a modern computer system” according to Mallory Careers.

While the cybersecurity profession also calls for general qualities and soft skills, such as communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team, here is a list of essential, defining skills for cyber security.

Networking and System Administration

A strong understanding of networking is required to work in the field of cybersecurity. Possessing a keen knowledge of network protocols will give you insights into security issues. Obtaining certifications such as the CompTIA Certified Security Analyst and the Cisco Certified Network Associate is sensible.

A related skill you’ll find useful is system administration. Managing and configuring computer systems is central to the job. Curiosity in this area is also necessary as it will help you to explore and understand all the facets of networks and systems.

Knowledge of Operating Systems and Virtual Machines

Knowledge of operating systems such as Linux and Mac OS is essential to a cybersecurity professional’s skill set. However, If you’re a cyber-security professional, you should be able to deal with any operating system. Also, Virtual machines (VMs) give you the freedom to practice and conduct research in a completely virtualized setting.

The next factor to bear in mind is familiarity with Kali Linux, which is widely used for conducting ethical hacking and penetration testing. Also, It comes with several hundred tools related to Testing, Bug Hunting, Security Study, Computer Forensics, etc.

Technology Management

Technology management is a skill that any cyber security specialist should have. Also, Technology management and cyber security are highly inter-related fields and you can’t really have one without the other. Effective cyber security starts with decisions around the technologies a company will employ, the design of network systems, how data is stored and made accessible, who is hired, the duties of IT professionals, and so forth.

At university or college, you can major in Technology Management as part of a cyber security master’s degree. Likewise, Cyber Security is available as a major within a Masters in Technology Management program. Cybersecurity professionals often inclined to move into technology manager roles as they gain experience and move up the corporate hierarchy. 

Network Security Control

Network Security Control refers to the various measures used to enhance the security of a network. You must understand how network devices work – how routers, firewalls, and other instruments work – so you can develop network security measures that will raise protection.

A firewall is a hardware device or a piece of software elements that block outgoing or incoming network connections from your computer. However, As a computer security expert, it is important to use a firewall to filter and prevent unauthorized traffic on the network.

An intrusion detection system (IDS), intrusion prevention system (IPS), a virtual private network (VPN), and remote desktop access are some of the other information you should know. For example, you should undergo the IDS and observe the security policy and network traffic.

Coding

Cybersecurity chances may be limited if you lack coding knowledge now. As a result, it’s a good idea to learn a few programming languages.

The need for coding is growing in cyber security because previously the threat was mainly external. But now its well known that you can’t trust anyone since the danger could come from within. In cyber security, you must know how to use common programming languages such as Python and Visual Basic. Knowing C and C++ will enable you to write low-level code to create strong protection.

Cloud Security

Companies are looking for security experts who can apply their knowledge of public and hybrid cloud platforms such as AWS and Azure to their work. Cloud computing increases the amount of information companies store as its applied to run applications. This may involve the use of policies and technologies to monitor cloud-based systems and devices.

Information Security

Information security is the security of information in any form. It involves keeping systems and applications from used by unauthorized users. The information at risk could include medical records, financial data, intellectual property, etc.

Information security professionals must know much about information technology (IT) as a whole. Security awareness training is essential as it teaches employees that they should not share private or confidential information with unauthorized personnel.

Laws and Regulations

The legal and regulatory aspects of cybersecurity often overlooked. There are numerous cybersecurity laws and regulations that you have to know. These laws define what actions you can do on the internet, what illegal activities to look for, and how you are to avoid privacy breaches and cybercrimes yourself in carrying out your duties.