Careers In Cloud Security

A new study has revealed that professionals see cloud security as the most important technical skill that those entering a cyber security career should possess. 

Recruiters should think outside the box when looking for new talent, advises a study released today by cyber security association (ISC)².

Problem solving was rated the most important soft skill.

Key findings include:

• Just over half of cyber security pros have degrees in computer and information services.

• Four in 10 said a dedicated security education is critical for a role in cybersecurity. 

• Half of cyber security professionals who are new to the sector (with less than three years of experience) had an existing IT background before moving into cyber, compared to 63% of those with between three and seven years of experience. Some 46% of those surveyed do not consider an IT background to be a critical requirement to work in cyber security.

• Ex-military and law enforcement personnel made up 31% of the respondents, reinforcing the opportunities for career changing from these sectors into cyber security.

(ISC)² the world’s largest non-profit association of certified cyber security professionals has released the findings of its 2021 Cybersecurity Career Pursuers Study.

And this report provides insights on how to successfully create a balanced and diverse cyber security team with a broad range of skills. The report focuses on the workplace realities and skills of over 2,000 individuals working in in cyber security.

“One of the biggest challenges we have in cyber security is an acute lack of market awareness about what cyber security jobs entail,” said Clar Rosso, CEO of (ISC)². “There are wide variations in the kinds of tasks entry-level and junior staff can expect. Hiring organisations and their cyber security leadership need to adopt more mature strategies for building teams.

Many organisations still default to job descriptions that rely on cyber security ‘all stars’ who can do it all. The reality is that there are not enough of those individuals to go around, and the smart bet is to hire and invest in people with an ability to learn, who fit your culture and who can be a catalyst for robust, resilient teams for years to come.

Additional highlighted findings include:

• While cyber security professionals tend to be highly educated, just 51% have degrees in computer and information services. Less than half (42%) of the professionals who responded said a dedicated security education is critical for a role in cyber security.

• While IT jobs are the leading gateway to cybersecurity roles, that entry pathway is shifting. Half of those newer to the field (with less than three years of experience) came from an IT background, compared to 63% of those with between three and seven years of experience in the field.

• By a wide margin, fewer professionals who are relatively new to the field (less than three years) consider IT experience to be critical (46%) than do their more senior colleagues (69%)

• Military veterans and those with law enforcement experience make up 31% of the cybersecurity professional respondents, affirming these backgrounds as ripe areas for recruitment

• Cloud security was rated by professionals as the most important technical skill new entrants to the field should learn, while problem solving was the top-rated “soft skill” they should have. Both areas were simultaneously the top-rated responses by career pursuers too.

(ISC)² :

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