Top 6 Skills You Must Have to be a Cybersecurity Expert in 2024
Cybersecurity is the technology to protect devices, secure networking, and data from unauthorized access to maintain confidentiality. Almost all businesses carried out online need cybersecurity experts to secure their data from hackers.
With increasing cyber threats targeting individuals, businesses, and governments, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals is rising. To fight against these threats, companies are in dire need of cybersecurity professionals.
According to the latest report by Ani Petrosyn, cybercrime caused a loss of 18.37 million $ annually. If you are learning Cybersecurity, these top 6 skills will help you to be an expert in your field. Let’s discuss together all of them briefly.
Controls and Frameworks:
A cybersecurity framework provides a group of the best policies tools, practices, and security protocols designed to assist a business’s data and operations. A control is a precaution your business or company uses to protect itself from attacks. The framework varies from business to business, but most similar elements of frameworks of any company are as mentioned:
- Center of Information Security
- System and Organization Controls
- International Organization of Standardization
- National Institute of Standards and Technology
Coding and Scripting:
Coding is a computer language used to develop software. Understanding the fundamentals of coding in languages such as Javascript and HTML will provide you with deep insight into why they are security backbones.
The best programming languages for cybersecurity are as follows:
- C and C++
- Python
- SQL
- PHP
- Jave
- PowerShell
Scripting is a type of coding in which you make a program to do something. It is like a command to the program. Building a tool with languages like Powershell empowers you to become an expert analyst.
A survey by Stack Overflow in 2020 found that Python is the third most popular language among developers, reflecting its widespread use and importance in cybersecurity.
Cloud Security:
Businesses are using cloud computing to enhance accessibility and cost-saving purposes. They are storing their data and applications in the cloud, so it is beneficial to understand its process and system, including monitoring access and making sure that sharing is secure within the common cloud. Because of their enhancing eminence, cloud systems are much more attractive for hackers to target ploy. Also, the security risk in the cloud is user misconfiguration, so you must learn how to operate the system correctly without leaving any loopholes for checkers.
Network Security Control:
Network security skill is a critical skill for cybersecurity. By using it you can detect and prevent any unauthorized or harmful network access, identifying and diminishing potential security risks. To keep the network safe, it is necessary to know about wired and wireless networks, and how to secure them.
For professionals, understanding how to safeguard data and control network security is vital. Some of the best security controls include:
- Firewall
- Antivirus Software
- LifeLock
- Delemteme
- Cyber Protect
- Bitdefender
Experts can create a sturdy defense against cyberattacks by using these and more cybersecurity tools. One of the best methods for security analysts to learn network security control skills is by attending a cybersecurity training program.
According to a survey by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC)², 83% of organizations believe that network security skills are essential for cybersecurity roles.
Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing:
Ethical hacking and penetration testing are vital components of cybersecurity. They also known as white-hat hackers, identify and use vulnerabilities in systems to see how an attacker might get in. This proactive method helps fix these weaknesses before someone can misuse them.
Penetration testing involves using specialized tools and techniques to simulate cyberattacks, providing a detailed assessment of an organization’s security posture. Some tools like Metasploit, Nmap, and Burp Suite are necessary for conducting penetration tests effectively.
By regularly conducting these tests, businesses can stay ahead of potential threats, ensuring the safety of their digital assets and maintaining the trust of their clients and stakeholders.
Risk Management:
Identifying Threats: Recognize and understand the threats that can harm an organization. This includes malware, phishing, ransomware, and DDoS attacks.
Risk Assessment: Conduct thorough risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities within the system. According to a report by the Ponemon Institute, 59% of companies have experienced a data breach due to a third party, highlighting the importance of comprehensive risk assessments.
Mitigation Strategies: Develop and implement strategies to mitigate identified risks. This might involve updating software, changing network configurations, or enhancing user training.
Conclusion:
Becoming a cybersecurity expert requires multiple technical skills, risk management abilities, and effective communication. Mastering these skills is necessary for anyone aspiring to be a cybersecurity expert in 2024. Controls and frameworks, encompassing standards like the Center of Information Security and System and Organization Controls, lay the foundation for robust data protection.
Proficiency in coding and scripting languages, including C++, Python, and PowerShell, enables a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity’s intricacies. With the cybersecurity field projected to grow by 31% from 2019 to 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, honing these skills can open up numerous opportunities. By focusing on these top six skills, you can position yourself as a valuable asset in the fight against cyber threats.
