When we think Cyber Security, we think of a workstation with two black screens and hundreds of codes raining down on this two monitors.
As cool as it may seem, cyber security is more then just typing a bunch of commands into the terminal to penetrate a server or two track down the bad guys.
Cyber security is more then just knowing how to operate penetration testing tools or using the SIEM or applying firewall rules. In order to be a good cyber security analysts, one must have other skills, which will be listed below.
Technical skills are not enough
As the title suggests, merely having the technical skills, is not enough to be good in this industry, there are many skills and soft skills needed inorder to be successful.
An ideal candidate, will have soft skills and it is highly prized by an organization, it is also the topmost priority for an organization.
Soft skills needed in cyber security
Some of the soft skills needed in cyber security are
- Strong Aptitude & Problem-Solving skills
- Quick Decision-making abilities
- Ability to work under high pressures
- Excellent Observation
- Leadership skills
- Excellent Communication
Just as soft skills are important, technical “on the job” skills carry as much weight for people wanting to join the cyber security industry. Here are some skills that good cyber security analysts must have;
Technical skills needed in Cyber Security
Programming
As for programming, expertise in the following languages are needed; C, C++, Java Python, PHP, HTML
Mathematics
Strong mathematical and statistical background, is a good combination have in this field. Since cyber security comes with it’s complexity, a more calculative approach is needed to take problems.
Networking
Good understanding of networking is essential, as technicalities of networking are involved in cyber security, these includes; proxy servers, email filtering, web filtering, VPN (Virtual Private Network), LAN, and WAN.
Incident handling and response
Knowledge of the type of risks and the responses to take are critical in this type of work as they need to be on their toes and will be able to handle a technical problem as it occurs.