Cyber Security Professionals: The biggest skill gap – SOFT SKILLS

Cybersecurity is a rapidly growing field that is essential for the protection of personal and business information in the digital age. As technology continues to advance, the need for skilled cybersecurity professionals is on the rise. However, while technical skills are crucial in this field, many professionals lack the soft skills necessary to effectively protect against cyber threats.

Effective communication

One of the most important soft skills that is often missing in cybersecurity professionals is effective communication. Cybersecurity is a complex field, and it is essential for professionals to be able to explain technical concepts in a way that is understandable to non-technical stakeholders. This includes being able to communicate the risks and potential impacts of a cyber-attack to management and other decision-makers, as well as working with other teams to implement security measures.

Teamwork

Another soft skill that is often lacking in cybersecurity professionals is the ability to work well in a team. Cybersecurity is a highly collaborative field, and professionals need to be able to work effectively with others to identify and resolve security issues. This includes being able to share information and work together to develop and implement security strategies.

Critical thinking and problem-solving 

In addition, critical thinking and problem-solving skills are often missing in cybersecurity professionals. These skills are essential for identifying and resolving security issues, as well as for developing effective security strategies. Professionals need to be able to think creatively and analytically to identify and mitigate potential security threats.

Learn and adapt 

Furthermore, the ability to learn and adapt is also a key soft skill that is often missing in cybersecurity professionals. The field is constantly changing, and professionals need to be able to keep up with the latest developments and technologies in order to effectively protect against cyber threats.

According to the State of Cybersecurity 2022, ICASA highlighted that the #1 skill gap amongst cyber professionals is Soft Skills, ahead of Cloud, Security Controls and Coding Skills.

Sadly, most cyber security training programs focus on developing technical capabilities and neglect the importance of non-technical skills, highlighted by RMIT Research.

Considering the global demand for Cyber talent, how do you improve the soft skills capability of cyber professionals? One approach is to identify the unique, innate Strengths each person has using Gallup’s CliftonStrengths® assessment.  Then to use these insights to improve soft skills. 

When each team member knows their own strengths and their teammates Strengths, this insight helps to improve collaboration and reduces potential misunderstandings and conflict.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while technical skills are essential for cybersecurity professionals, it is also important for them to possess a strong set of soft skills. Effective communication, teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability are all key soft skills that are often missing in cybersecurity professionals. By developing these skills, professionals can become more effective in protecting against cyber threats and better able to collaborate with others to develop and implement security strategies.

Next Steps:

• Connect with a Gallup Certified Coach to show you how individuals and teams can discover and understand their Strengths. 
• Purchase a Strengths code and try the assessment for yourself: Understand your Strengths
• Connect with us to find out more about how a Strengths-Based approach can help your Cyber teams improve their Soft Skills : deon.rademeyer@teamdiagnostics.com.au