Top 6 must-have skills to advance your career in Cyber security
In today’s digital age, cybersecurity has become a top priority for organizations of all sizes. With the increase in cyber-attacks and data breaches, companies are realizing the importance of having a strong cybersecurity strategy in place to protect their assets and information. As a result, the demand for specialized cybersecurity professionals with advanced skills and knowledge is growing rapidly. In this blog, we will explore the top cybersecurity skills that are in high demand and the reasons behind their popularity. Whether you’re a cybersecurity professional looking to enhance your skillset or a student interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity, this blog will provide valuable insights into the skills that are essential for success in this dynamic field.
Let’s explore the Top 6 cybersecurity skills in demand in 2023:
1. Network and system administration skills
The first prerequisite for becoming a cybersecurity specialist is a solid understanding of networking, including data transmission protocols and services that protect an organization’s data. You should be familiar with network protocols such as TCP/UCP, HTTP, ICMP, DNS, and SMTP, as well as network security devices like firewalls and load balancers. Knowledge of other network technologies such as NDR/EDR/XDR, NAC, and SASE is also essential.
As a network security professional, you’ll need to create and implement secure network architectures, making skills in secure network architecture and IT infrastructure important. Additionally, knowledge of IoT security skills is becoming increasingly important as organizations connect more IoT devices to the Internet. Finally, you should be skilled in working with operating systems like Linux and Windows and have conceptual knowledge of Windows Active Directory and Kerberos cybersecurity protocol.
2. Risk Assessment
Performing a risk assessment is a crucial and top cybersecurity skill for cybersecurity professionals because it is impossible to defend against every possible method a hacker may use. A risk assessment allows you to identify and prioritize vulnerabilities in a system’s defenses that are most likely to be attacked. This skill enables you to be more effective and proactive in protecting the system.
3. Kerberos
Kerberos is a widely used authentication protocol in cybersecurity that uses cryptography to ensure secure communication over a network. The name Kerberos is derived from Greek mythology and refers to a three-headed dog that guards the gates of Hades.
In the context of cybersecurity, Kerberos is used for secure authentication between clients and servers in a network environment. It works by issuing tickets to clients that allow them to access specific resources on a network. The Kerberos protocol uses a trusted third-party server, called the Key Distribution Center (KDC), to verify the identity of clients and servers.
4. Digital Forensics
Digital forensics is a crucial aspect of cybersecurity as it involves investigating and recovering lost data after a cyber-attack has occurred. Cybersecurity specialists work to prevent hacks from happening, but when they do occur, digital forensics experts step in to identify the source of the attack and improve defenses for the future.
Specializing in digital forensics can be beneficial for those interested in the intersection of cybersecurity and law. While a basic understanding of digital forensics is essential for any cybersecurity professional, specializing in this field can lead to more in-depth knowledge and skill development in this critical area.
5. Programming language skills
It is very important to have the knowledge and skill of programming languages if you are looking to make a career in cybersecurity, as it enables cybersecurity specialists to analyze and understand the behavior of attackers, and to develop effective security measures and defenses against cyber threats. Employers typically require proficiency in one or more programming languages, such as C, C++, PHP, Python, GO, Ruby, HTML, MySQL, Javascript, Hadoop, and NET. These languages are used in different contexts, such as developing secure applications, analyzing system logs, and detecting and responding to security breaches.
6. Penetration Testing
Penetration testing, also known as pen testing or ethical hacking, is a cybersecurity skill that involves testing computer systems, networks, and applications to identify vulnerabilities and potential security weaknesses. The goal of penetration testing is to simulate an attack on a system or network to identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by real attackers. Deep understanding of networking and system administration, as well as proficiency in tools and techniques used to probe and exploit vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
Data is one of the most important things for companies at present. Companies give top priority to protecting their organization’s as well as partner and consumer data. It is the core responsibility of cybersecurity specialists to protect and preserve such important data. Therefore, top cybersecurity certifications are a must for aspirants and professionals who plan to establish themselves in the cybersecurity field. It is also recommended that students upgrade their cybersecurity skills to distinguish themselves in the highly competitive market. Earning a certification in cybersecurity and brushing up their skills and knowledge regularly will definitely prove to be an added advantage as well. So what’s the next skill you are working upon?
