Cybersecurity is a rapidly expanding field, with numerous job opportunities available in Singapore and worldwide. As businesses become dependent on data storage and digital technology, cybersecurity has become a vital component of protecting their valuable assets and information. For this reason, cybersecurity specialists have also become quite in demand in the job market. However, in order for one to become a cybersecurity specialist, there are different qualifications they need to possess and improve on.

Having these competencies can help you make sure that the security systems of the company you are working for are functioning properly and securely. Furthermore, understanding what capabilities companies may look for in a candidate and how to develop them will help you qualify for a position in the cybersecurity field. Read on to find out the three essential competencies you must have to demonstrate your mastery of cybersecurity.

1. Cybersecurity certifications

Many, if not all, companies prefer or require cybersecurity professionals who have certifications in their fields of practice. A cybersecurity certification is important because it provides employers with tangible evidence of an individual’s knowledge, skill, experience, and expertise in the area of cybersecurity. In other words, a cybersecurity certification can help you stand out from other candidates with no certification in the job market and can also aid you in advancing your career within your current organisation.

Aside from helping professionals secure a cybersecurity position and advance their careers, certifications are also necessary for companies that must comply with security standards or industry regulations. Many cybersecurity certifications are recognised by regulatory bodies and can help companies meet their compliance requirements. Moreover, obtaining these certifications is relatively easy since most programmes are available online, such as CISSP online training.

Here are some of the most common cybersecurity certifications you should consider earning:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professionals (CISSP)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Certified Information Security Auditor (CISA)
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
• Information Systems Security Engineering Professional (CISSP-ISSEP)
• Information Systems Security Management Professional (CISSP-ISSMP)
• GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)

2. Awareness of industry changes and trends

To become a master in cybersecurity, it is an indispensable requirement for you to stay informed and up-to-date about new technological trends, developments, best practices, and threat risks in the cybersecurity industry. Technology is a fast-moving field, and keeping yourself updated about the latest capabilities and systems can enable you to secure your company’s digital information. Keep in mind that modern changes in cybersecurity risk can present new vulnerabilities in existing technology and bring in new risks that arise with the adoption of new technologies.

Here are some simple ways in which you can keep yourself updated on changes and trends in the cybersecurity industry:

• Read industry publications and websites
• Attend workshops and conferences
• Follow big technology and development organisations on social media
• Subscribe to newsletters related to the IT industry

3. Soft skills

In addition to important technical capabilities and proficiencies, companies prefer employees who can fit in with their managers, colleagues, and organisational culture. As such, they want cybersecurity specialists who are not just technical experts in their fields but are also equipped with soft skills that can help them build and maintain professional relationships, navigate complicated situations, and attain their objectives. In other words, a good cybersecurity professional should possess both highly specialised technology expertise and appropriate soft skills.

Here are some critical soft skills that every cybersecurity professional should develop:

• Adaptability: Cybersecurity trends are constantly evolving, and as such, one of the toughest challenges that IT professionals face is the unknown. As a cybersecurity specialist, it is important for you to be responsive and aware of the rapid changes that are taking place in the industry and to continuously adapt your skills accordingly. 

• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Cybersecurity does not exist in isolation. There is quite a strong human factor involved in the cybersecurity environment. As a cybersecurity specialist, you need to be able to effectively interact with all departments and levels within your company and educate your colleagues and managers about cybersecurity threats and best practices. 

• Business Acumen: Cybersecurity is not anymore just an IT issue but already has the potential to impact the entire business. To be a good cybersecurity specialist, you must understand the integral interaction between IT and the business. As digital transformations continue to sweep through companies, it is necessary to keep updated on what roles different systems play in the business and how they affect cyber vulnerability.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that cybersecurity has become an essential component of business nowadays. As companies face increasing cybersecurity threats of varying degrees, it has become a necessity for them to hire cybersecurity professionals who are equipped with the technical expertise, experience, and soft skills necessary to be able to combat evolving risks and threats. If you wish to become a cybersecurity specialist, be sure to possess the competencies mentioned in this article, as they will provide you with a significant advantage over other professionals in the industry.

Secure a role in the cybersecurity industry now with the help of various training courses offered by BridgingMinds! As a premier education provider that is committed to helping professionals advance in their careers, we provide excellent courses that are sure to improve your skill sets and help you gain a competitive advantage in whatever industry you belong to. Some of the best courses we offer are CISSP training, funded CEH course, funded project management training, and agile training. For more information on our programmes, do not hesitate to contact us anytime.