Top 10 Soft Skills to Screen for Cybersecurity Jobs By: Alana Walker January 22, 2024 Estimated reading time: 5 minutes. We've all seen the movies where an under-the-radar student or unsuspecting janitor solves the unsolvable equation left on the chalkboard. It's clear that this character has whatever technical genius it takes to find the problem's solution. However, when it comes to hiring bright minds in the real world, those finely-tuned technical abilities must be accompanied by the right soft skills. While knowing how to best defend a company's digital walls is an obvious requirement in cybersecurity, so too is the ability to communicate crucial safety information to non-technical colleagues or convince a client to implement necessary security measures when the client is worried about costs. With that in mind, let's look at the top 10 soft skills every potential cybersecurity professional should possess. 1. Communication skills Ability to convey technical information to non-technical stakeholders Not everyone is a tech expert, and many don't even know what "implementing a firewall" means. At the end of the day, what matters is that employees can convey the importance of undertaking certain security protocols to those without technical expertise. Strong written and verbal communication skills Documenting and reporting is a primary component of cybersecurity. Whether it's keeping a running tally of cyber issues that need fixing and their urgency or communicating the next steps during a breach, those in cybersecurity need to write and communicate effectively. 2. Problem-solving Analytical thinking Cybersecurity professionals need to take a proactive approach to identifying and solving security issues. To achieve this, their analytical skills must be finely tuned to sniff out anomalies and potential threats before they occur. Ability to troubleshoot and resolve security incidents efficiently In the event of a security incident, time is of the essence. With the clock ticking, cybersecurity employees need to be quick thinkers to secure the network before more damage is done. 3. Teamwork Collaboration Digital defence isn't a one-person job, and cybersecurity workers need to interact amicably with other cyber colleagues, IT professionals and even marketing and human resource (HR) departments to address security challenges. Willingness to share knowledge There's no gatekeeping in cybersecurity. Working with other colleagues and departments will enhance security posture; keeping cyber tips and strategies to yourself makes your organization more vulnerable to outside threats. 4. Adaptability Flexibility to adapt to evolving cybersecurity threats and technologies Cyber criminals and threats are becoming more sophisticated, especially with malicious actors leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for their own gain. Ensure your employees are adaptable and show their capacity to think innovatively about solutions to new threats. Openness to learning new tools, techniques, and procedures Those in cybersecurity should demonstrate a curiosity for developments in cyber tools and the ability to integrate them into their everyday work. 5. Attention to Detail Diligence in analyzing logs, alerts, and system behaviour for potential security incidents Meticulously scrutinizing these elements enables swift identification of potential security incidents, facilitating a proactive defence against threats. This vigilance is crucial in safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining the integrity of systems. Thoroughness in implementing security policies and protocols The ideal candidate will meticulously adhere to established guidelines, ensuring a comprehensive security framework. This diligence fortifies organizational resilience against evolving cyber threats. 6. Ethical Judgement A strong sense of ethics and integrity A cybersecurity's job revolves around handling sensitive information. Worse than an attack from the outside is a lack of integrity on the inside. An employee who upholds ethical standards fosters a secure environment where stakeholders can rely on the integrity of their cyber defence strategies. Ability to make ethical decisions when faced with complex cybersecurity dilemmas Often, the possible solutions to security concerns are multi-faceted and need to be spearheaded by a team that can make difficult decisions with moral discernment, ensuring that security measures align with ethical principles. This capability instills confidence in stakeholders, assuring them that cybersecurity initiatives prioritize both protection and ethical considerations. 7. Time Management Effective prioritization and time management skills The dynamic nature of the field demands adept handling of multiple tasks and deadlines. Hiring someone who can efficiently allocate resources and ensure that critical security initiatives receive the attention they deserve within specified timeframes will strengthen the team and the trust of stakeholders. Ability to respond promptly to security incidents and address vulnerabilities This one goes without saying. Employees need to have a split-second reaction when firewalls go down and vulnerabilities are exposed. 8. Customer Service Orientation: Understanding the needs of end-users and communicating security measures The ability to tailor security communications to resonate with diverse audiences fosters a culture of cyber awareness and communicates a passion for cybersecurity across the company and with customers. Approachability and patience Approachability ensures end-users feel comfortable seeking guidance, fostering a proactive and cooperative security culture. Patience in explaining and reinforcing best practices contributes to the overall resilience of an organization against cyber threats, creating a more secure digital environment. 9. Curiosity and Continuous Learning: A desire to stay informed about the latest cybersecurity trends, threats, and technologies Staying up-to-date on industry developments enables professionals to effectively anticipate and counter emerging threats. This curiosity ensures organizations benefit from the most up-to-date security measures, creating a resilient defence against ever-evolving cyber challenges. Proactive engagement in ongoing professional development and training Proactive engagement in ongoing professional development and training is crucial in the cybersecurity domain. Actively participating in training programs and seeking new certifications enhances a professional's expertise and contributes to the overall advancement of the organization's security capabilities. 10. Stress Management: The ability to stay calm and focused under pressure High-value individuals who can maintain composure during security incidents or high-stress situations ensure effective decision-making and problem-solving, minimizing the impact of security incidents. Professionals who remain cool under pressure also contribute to a stable and secure cyber environment. Developing resilience to handle the demanding nature of cybersecurity work and maintaining composure during crises Building resilience enables professionals to bounce back from setbacks, learn from experiences, and continuously improve their cyber defence strategies. This quality is a critical asset in the dynamic and ever-evolving world of cybersecurity. Whether you're an employer looking for your next cyber talent or a recent graduate applying for your dream cybersecurity career, these soft skills are needed to ensure a safe, secure, collaborative environment thrives within your organization. Lighthouse Labs' commitment to quality online education and career matching Over the last 10 years, we have launched new products, iterated our curriculums to ensure industry alignment and have worked hard at making tech more accessible to all. We have done this by partnering with the government to provide funded courses and programs, introducing Flex programs (part-time, 25 hours per week over 18 to 20 weeks versions of our intensive, full-time Bootcamp), accessibility initiatives, and more. Communication Skills: Ability to convey technical information to non-technical stakeholders. Strong written and verbal communication skills for documentation and reporting. Problem-Solving: Analytical thinking and a proactive approach to identifying and solving security issues. Ability to troubleshoot and resolve security incidents efficiently. Teamwork: Collaboration with colleagues, IT professionals, and other departments to address security challenges. Willingness to share knowledge and work collectively to enhance overall security posture. Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to evolving cybersecurity threats and technologies. Openness to learning new tools, techniques, and procedures. Attention to Detail: Diligence in analyzing logs, alerts, and system behavior for potential security incidents. Thoroughness in implementing security policies and protocols. Ethical Judgement: A strong sense of ethics and integrity in handling sensitive information. Ability to make ethical decisions when faced with complex cybersecurity dilemmas. Time Management: Effective prioritization and time management skills to handle multiple tasks and deadlines. Ability to respond promptly to security incidents and address vulnerabilities. Customer Service Orientation: Understanding the needs of end-users and communicating security measures in a user-friendly manner. Approachability and patience in providing support and guidance on security best practices. Curiosity and Continuous Learning: A desire to stay informed about the latest cybersecurity trends, threats, and technologies. Proactive engagement in ongoing professional development and training. Stress Management: The ability to stay calm and focused under pressure, especially during security incidents or when dealing with high-stress situations. Developing resilience to handle the demanding nature of cybersecurity work and maintaining composure during crises. Over the last 10 years, we have launched new products, iterated our curriculums to ensure industry alignment and have worked hard at making tech more accessible to all. We have done this by partnering with the government to provide funded courses and programs, introduced Flex programs (part-time, ~25 hours per week of studying over 18 or 20 weeks instead of the intensive, full-time Bootcamp), introduced accessibility initiatives, and more.