The global economy is predicted to be short of 1.8 million cybersecurity workers by 2022. Hogan Assessments pinpoint the traits young people will need to forge a career in this emerging field.
Content to do the necessary work in the shadows, a successful cybersecurity professional tends to avoid the spotlight.
Programming and systems work might seem to be a soloist’s calling, but keeping colleagues safe is integral to cybersecurity roles. A desire to help people is a must, and fighting threats will require co-operation and trust.
The ability to stay cool in the face of an attack is integral. A cybersecurity professional cannot be cowed of knocked off balance by an urgent task.
As you would expect, an ability to understand and analyse data is a core skill. Criminals are increasingly sophisticated in their attacks, requiring technical professionals to combat them.
Cybercriminals are constantly changing their methods. A young cybersecurity professional will be imaginative, curious and must show a willingness to learn new things all the time.
In a world of constant threats, you cannot afford to be naïve. A healthy amount of scepticism is a necessary trait for all prospective candidates.
In case of a breach, anyone in cybersecurity must take criticism and feedback from affected employees. While it would be easy to become passive-aggressive in the face of (possibly undeserved) criticism, a cybersecurity professional has to front up when things go wrong.
Employers require many of their staff to be detail-oriented, but in the cybersecurity profession it is integral. One small oversight can lead to breach.