“Cyber security” is an umbrella term for the tools, technologies, and IT strategies used to ensure thorough, long-term protection of digital data. With much of our information now accessible online, the right skills and awareness are critical to curb common (and constantly emerging) cyber threats to our private data. These include small-scale cyber crimes instigated by single actors or groups (typically for financial gain or to cause disruption), politically-motivated cyber-attacks, and large-scale incidents of cyber-terrorism.

The field can be broken down into a multitude of areas, including but not limited to:

Mobile security: This type of cyber security refers to the protection of mobile devices, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and remote systems or hardware. Such practices are especially critical among businesses currently implementing or pursuing work-from-home practices.

Network security: This comprises all processes, policies, and practices used to secure one’s network systems and network-related resources, both hardware and software.

Cloud security: With the cloud becoming an increasingly popular tool in modern business – allowing for ease of remote work and communication – the ability to encrypt and secure such data in motion, in use, and in storage has grown ever-more crucial.

Application security: This type of security focuses on protecting the data of on-premise or cloud-based applications, Typically, such a measures are integrated during the design process of the application itself.

Storage security: These security practices focus on protecting the integrity of data while in storage, ensuring that it is also easily restorable in the case of a cyber attack (usually done through secured data copies).

Cyber security specialists typically launch their careers through recognised professional training, with vocational education and industry certification among the most popular pathways. These formal qualifications will typically offer a thorough, comprehensive understanding of fundamental concepts, while exercising their practical application in a workplace context. Additionally, they help verify one’s skills for the job market, ensuring potential employers that they’re up-to-date and competitive in the current landscape.

Certifications are also a recommended option for those who wish to specialise. The cyber security industry is comprised of many niche roles, positions, and specialities catering to varying skill levels and interests. By getting qualified under an industry-recognised qualification such as CompTIA Network+, for example, you get to hone your security knowledge in the specific area of network systems – helping further your chances of landing a role in this specialty.

Of course, the more practical experience you’ve got under your belt, the better. Pursuing an internship, a personal project, or collaborating with other like-minded professionals are all effective ways of putting your knowledge to practice, helping you build a more hands-on understanding of the field (and equipping you with the job-ready experience to land high-paying jobs on the market).

The most critical asset of any reliable cyber security professional is, of course, their technical knowledge of the latest industry trends, tools, and tactics. They not only need to know the various types of cyber security measures (i.e. ethical hacking, penetration testing, network configuration, etc.), but also of the varying threats common in today’s landscape. These can range from traditional malware attacks such as viruses, worms, and spyware – to more complex methods such as phishing, social engineering, and advanced persistent threats (APTs).

Cyber security pros must also have excellent foresight and risk management skills, having the ability to view systems holistically and plan for potential threats, pinpoint weaknesses, and design new strategies based on past incidents. This comes with skills in general management and organisation, as security specialists must be able to schedule and conduct the necessary vulnerability assessments; automate security functions as required; and implement new infrastructure solutions when needed.