CYBER SCAPE AFRICA | Q2
2019
What soft skills are needed to work in the
cybersecurity industry as a newcomer?
One of the important is analytical skills coupled with
writing and presenting, as you will need to write a
compromise report from an analysis of an incident,
e.g. ransomware attack.
A very vital task is delivering analysis results to a
different level of technical and management teams.
A newbie needs to have strong analytical skills and
communication acumen to tell their case and
encourage teams to apply their recommendations
Often-
Overlooked
Soft Skills
Another skill is adaptability; working in cybersecurity
requires having a passion for learning. You will need
to be a lifelong student. In addition, you should be
comfortable to work with diverse backgrounds and
cultures.
However, everyday challenges will let you get better
at diagnosing problems, modeling and analyzing
data. This requires attention to detail with innovative
approaches. You will think smartly not hard which
means you will be a problem solver.
of Information Security
Last but not least, team playing skill may be
challenging for newcomers. It needed to work
closely with colleagues throughout the organization
in achieving set goals. From my perspective; it helps
you to develop other skills including adaptability,
problem-solving and leadership. That’s why I title it
“Pirate Queen Skill”. My question now, what soft
skills do you have and how do you develop them?
It's been years since I decided to develop my
skills manifesto published on "page 16" of the
1st issue - Cyberscape Africa Magazine". I use
it to develop skills as a successful security
professional with good soft skills as well as
strong technical skills.
The World Economic Forum Future of Jobs
report, indicates that by 2020, complex
problem-solving, analytical thinking, initiative,
leadership, and social influence would be
among the most important “soft” skills
required in the workplace.
Soft skills are personality traits and behaviors
in different situations. The security industry
has a new challenge on a daily basis, such as
ransomware-encrypted patient’s data and It
needs you to handle the case with minimum
time and save patients from any
inconveniences. The real challenge is to use
both sets of skills; technical and soft.
Amgad Magdy.
Founder, BSides Cairo
Twitter: @Bluzron
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