Practical cybersecurity skills are in high demand but extremely hard to find

Soma Tah

A study conducted by ISC2 on Worldwide Cybersecurity Workforce highlighted that the need for additional cybersecurity professionals in the Asia Pacific region is the highest globally. With a rapidly evolving business economy, we will require close to 2.6 million additional cybersecurity experts shortly. These startling statistics expose the dire shortage of competent candidates. The only viable solution for organizations is to upskill their workforce in their current cybersecurity skills, says Apratim Purakayastha, Chief Technology Officer, Skillsoft. He talks in detail about the cybersecurity skills that businesses are looking for and the skills that a cybersecurity professional must acquire to be at the top of one's game. 

Excerpt:

How rewarding is the career of a cyber security professional compared to other tech skills? Is there any prerequisite?

Since the current business environment is continuously working towards a total digital transformation, accompanying cybersecurity needs also expand to keep all digital infrastructure secure. Cybersecurity is a gratifying and future-proof career right now and will continue to stay that way as security and privacy will always be key aspects of new technological innovations. 

From keeping computer systems safe to creating iron-clad protection for cloud data against malware and cyberattacks, cybersecurity professionals are invaluable for companies and will be treated accordingly. In terms of prerequisites, having a degree in any field related to Cybersecurity, such as computer science or engineering, software engineering, or another engineering area with added focus on computers and software—is an advantage. Moreover, it is imperative to stay updated with the current cybersecurity news and policies and understand cybersecurity glossary. Apart from adequate education and training, it is advisable to gain hands-on experience with labs and practice.

What kind of skill gaps do you see in the cyber security domain? Are cybersecurity skills at more risk of redundancy than any other tech skills? 

Cybersecurity incidents are becoming more sophisticated in our digital economy as industries rely on AI, IoT, analytics, and robotics. This threat will only get worse, but organizations need to be well prepared to deal with it as cybersecurity professionals are the critical element in this quest to protect systems and data every day. Cybersecurity skills will stay more crucial than ever in this scenario, and there's no looking back. 

We foresee a major skills gap in cloud and hybrid cloud security. We also foresee a gap in practical cybersecurity skills in being able to truly apply cybersecurity principles in real life. Upskilling in lab and practice environments that simulate real life events is important. Apart from core technical skills there are gaps in skills needed to be an effective cybersecurity professional. They include communications, time management, agile, and project management. 

What are some of the most sought-after skills in the cybersecurity domain?

With widespread digital transformation, IT has become an integral part of almost every growing business segment. This increases security threats, which can prove harmful for companies, at times costing them millions. Therefore, the cybersecurity domain is becoming extremely important in the present-day digital-driven business environment. 

Companies and organizations are earnest to keep their computer systems, cloud data, and end-point services protected against cyberattacks. However, given the increasing demand for cybersecurity experts, adding some basic and additional skill sets to your profile is crucial. Here are some of these skills you can build on: 

1. Industry certifications such as CISSP, CCSP 

2. Cloud security and hybrid cloud security skills

3. Cross-organizational literacy in assessing vulnerabilities and mitigating risks

4. DevSecOps fundamentals to integrate security responsibilities into every job role

5. Hands-on experience identifying security threats by industry and job role at a Cyber Range or practice lab

How is the interest in pursuing the ethical hacking courses? 

It is no exaggeration that the need and demands for ethical hackers is growing. Companies are trying to hire skilled, ethical hackers by offering them enticing salary packages and perks. We see moderate demand in this field with much potential for growth with highly publicized incidents in recent times.  

How Skillsoft is helping in bridging the skills gaps? What are some of the unique elements offered on your platform? 

Skillsoft's Percipio provides learners with over 200 hours of new security content, a library of thousands of books covering cybersecurity methods, practices, and techniques, 35 channels with security content, and 24 hands-on practice labs. Apart from security-oriented courses such as Cloud Security Fundamentals: Cloud Application Security, Cybersecurity Awareness: Exposure to Security Risks, learners can also follow curated, role-based, and skill-based learning paths — known as Aspire Journeys — that give learners a clear starting point to help them move from where they are now to where they want to be in their career. For instance, a security enthusiast can explore the steps required to go from a Network Security Specialist to CloudOps Security Architect with a series of video-based tracks, assessments and earn a badge at the end. 

Skillsoft offers several certifications from global leaders in information technology and sponsors of best practices in business processes. Certifications include CompTIA, (ISC)2, ISAC, Cisco, CEH, AWS, GCP, and Microsoft. Learners can also choose to consume Tech Bootcamps to access timely, real-world insights from leading experts and collaborate in scheduled virtual classrooms. We also provide CompTIA Boot Camps (live (virtual) and on-demand) designed explicitly for learners ready to take Security+ exam. Skillsoft also offers a rich array of labs and practice environments to help build real-world skills. 

What kind of momentum do you see in India in terms of upskilling and reskilling or new skilling?  

Post pandemic, organizations have realized the potential of learning. Working professionals today are far more conscious and sincere about the increasing competitiveness and limited opportunities. It's evident in the number of digital badges being earned and displayed on social media platforms. 

Due to the increasing competition and prevailing skills gap, organizations are investing in reskilling and upskilling of their workforce. From Skillsoft's point of view, there's a massive momentum post-pandemic as envisioned by our subscriber base and usage stats, indicating a 200% rise in usage.