A notable weakness in most organizations’ security program is a lack of trained, experienced, and available security resources; to protect their assets, organizations require talented professionals with both technical and soft skills to create, define, and implement these programs. While the need is growing, the bar is set high. To work among the elite in the field in a career that allows for expansive professional growth, consider what it takes to get there. The need for talented cyber security analysts will continue to grow, and choosing to work in the industry is not only a timely career choice that allows for professional growth, but it is also a rewarding one that allows for personal growth and directly benefits companies and their stakeholders.
THE SKILLS OF A QUALIFIED SECURITY PROFESSIONAL
Security specialists, like ISE, are searching for college graduates coming out of strong cyber security, computer science, and computer engineering programs. Graduates are more likely to attract attention from elite security organizations if they can demonstrate an understanding of the following concepts:
- Source Code Analysis - Using the source code of an application to discover possible security vulnerabilities, either manually or using automated tools.
- Network and System Design Assessment - Evaluating the security posture of a computer network, or the architecture of a complex software system, against sound design principles: least privilege, trust modeling, secure by default, audit, defense and depth, etc.
- Penetration Testing - The process of attacking a computer system with the intention of finding security vulnerabilities.
- Programming Languages and Proficiency - Native languages like C, C++ and Objective C; managed languages like C# and Java; scripting languages, like Perl/Python; and anything Web-centric, like JavaScript, jQuery and Node.js.
- Applied Cryptography - Cryptographic implementations, as well as cryptographic algorithm design and review.
In addition to technical knowledge, soft skills and innate abilities—like critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills—are traits that security firms are looking for to contribute to an applicant’s ability to become a successful cyber-security professional.
Round out the above skills for yourself though extracurricular activities such as participation in campus hacking and security clubs, competing in collegiate cyber events, and internships with security firms.
Whether you’re graduating this May and looking for a job; you’re looking for a summer internship; or you’re deciding on a major in undergraduate/graduate schools, and cyber security sounds like the career for you, make sure you have the proper tools in place:
- Develop your technical skillset (think about an internship to learn more about the field).
- Network and System Design Assessment - Evaluating the security posture of a computer network, or the architecture of a complex software system, against sound design principles: least privilege, trust modeling, secure by default, audit, defense and depth, etc.
- Hone in on your strengths and weaknesses in your soft skills and mature them.
- Continue learning about and researching advances in the industry (utilize as many resources as you can--teachers, professionals, blogs, etc.).
Additional Information
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