Gatsby Benchmarks
1
Modest
Content to
do the
necessary
work in the
shadows, a
successful
cybersecurity
professional
tends to
avoid the
spotlight.
8
1
2
2
Programming and system
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.
EMPLOYABILITY
The global economy
is predicted to be
short of 1.8 million
cybersecurity
workers by 2022.
Hogan Assessments
pinpoints the traits
young people will
need to forge a
career in this
emerging field.
personality traits
to succeed in
cybersecurity
3
4 5
Composed
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.
7 8
Altruistic
The ability to stay cool in the
face of an attack is integral. A
cybersecurity professional
cannot be cowed or knocked
off balance by an urgent task.
Scientific
3 4 5 6
Inquisitive
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.
Responsive
Sceptical
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.
6
7
In the case of a breach, anyone in
cybersecurity must be able to
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.
8
Diligent
Employers
require many of
their staff to be
detail-orientated,
but in the
cybersecurity
profession it is
integral. One
small oversight
can lead to
breach.
FUTURE TALENTED // 25