Technology meets talent: hiring within cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is one of the most pressing issues that businesses across industries must focus on. From cyber attacks to data privacy, ensuring that businesses are protected from cyber risks is essential for successful operations. Finding skilled cybersecurity professionals to address these needs can be a big challenge due to the specific skillsets and required experience. Below are a few tips for your next cybersecurity hiring process from experts.

What to look for in your next cybersecurity professional

Along with basic education and experience requirements, there are certain skills and abilities that you can seek out when looking for a technology professional. Look for a candidate who:

Has the ability to speak business
Look for the ability to communicate with the business. An ideal professional will be able to communicate from the perspective of the business and quantify IT solutions in terms of business impact. In this age of digital transformation, professionals have to be able to manage change, resistance and negotiation.

Is tech-audit ready
With cybersecurity being more closely monitored, there is a stronger need for those with regulatory experience outside of their qualifications.

Showcases work outside of qualifications
With the rate of change in technology, professionals should be well-versed in platforms like GitHub, hackathons and certifications and should demonstrate a genuine interest in developing skills further.

Grasps job opportunities
Due to the lack of talent in the extremely niche area of cybersecurity, performing professionals at the middle to senior management level may enjoy a faster career growth when compared to traditional roles. They should be eager to learn and progress within their career.

Pursues professional certification

Look for those with industry-recognised GIAC gold certification, where a good quality technical paper will have to be completed, or other function-specific certifications that ensure expert knowledge.

Advice for companies searching for professionals on the market

Educate yourself and your business

When reviewing potential hires in cybersecurity, consider thinking beyond technology. The cybersecurity professional of the future will need to bridge the gap between the function and the rest of the business units. This may also require strong stakeholder management, asserting influence and communications skills. It is important for employers to embrace the fact that cyber security is a business partnering function and not a cost function.

Stay ahead of technology

Competition for top cybersecurity experts in Singapore is fierce. One of the key talent attraction factors is the opportunity for professionals to work with cutting-edge technologies. By constantly updating your technology stack or platforms, you increase IT efficiency and create an ideal work environment to attract top technology talent.

Business continuity is key

A cyberattack could bring day to day operations to a halt. Maintaining safe practices can prevent such occurrences. Cybersecurity should be included in all considerations around operational efficiency. To accomplish this, professionals require upskilling and training programs to keep on top of industry advancements.

Speak to us to find out more about how to find the right cybersecurity professionals for your needs.