Must-Have Cyber Security Management Skills

With all industries embracing digital transformation and hybrid work becoming the norm, there’s a need for businesses to protect themselves with robust cyber security practices. This means that there is an increased demand for skilled cyber security management experts who can strengthen digital defences in the face of a fast-moving landscape. Cyber security soft skills are especially important, as they complement technical skills and allow individuals to problem-solve and communicate effectively across teams. If you want to become a leader in cyber security, here are some of the top cyber security management skills. 

What is cyber security management?  

Cyber security management is part of the wider IT department that works to protect the business’s digital operations. Cyber security and management must go hand in hand to protect against both internal and external threats, from poor username-and-password policies to ensuring hackers can’t access sensitive company data. 

As cyber threats are ever-evolving, cyber security leaders must take a sophisticated approach to developing strong cyber defences. While this requires significant technical skills to develop and roll out company-wide protections, individuals must also possess cyber security soft skills to ensure everyone in the business understands the role they play in keeping data secure. 

How cyber security soft skills complement technical skills 

Cyber attacks rose by an incredible 600% due to the pandemic. As a result, nearly three in four organisations now view cyber security as their top priority, while 69% have shifted their cyber security response plan. 

This has created an opportunity for professionals to position themselves as cyber security leaders who can design, deploy and implement robust cyber defences. Soft skills are of critical importance, especially in terms of cyber security management. So, to further develop your cyber security career and rise to more senior roles, you need to look beyond your technical skill set. 

5 skills needed for a cyber security career 

While not a complete cyber security skills list, here are five key strengths that organisations expect of tomorrow’s cyber security leaders: 

1.      Interpersonal and communication skills 

2.      Passion for continual learning 

3.      Adaptability 

4.      Curiosity 

5.      Presentation skills 

Let’s delve into each of these in more detail. 

1. Interpersonal and communication skills 

 With recent dataI revealing that 82% of data breaches are due to human error, cyber security communication skills are essential to ensure best practice is always followed. As a digital professional, your interpersonal skills and ability to communicate across departments will be required every day, especially in terms of educating staff about the most relevant cyber threats. 

2. Passion for continual learning 

Beyond the external focus on communication in cyber security, the most successful leaders in this space understand how important it is to look inward. Having a passion for learning will enable you to acquire useful knowledge, new methodologies and modern cyber-defence strategies. You can then apply these learnings before your company’s defences can be breached. 

3. Adaptability 

The reality for cyber security managers is that the digital landscape is constantly changing, which means new cyber threat opportunities are always brewing. Being adaptable will allow you to be more aware of, and responsive to, changes within the industry. You will also be flexible enough to adapt to the changing priorities of senior decision-makers – a valuable trait that can support your growth within the company. 

4. Curiosity 

An inquisitive mind is highly sought after across all industries, but particularly in a sector like cyber security that still has so much room for change. Curious cyber security leaders are unafraid of asking questions, seeking answers to challenging problems, and figuring out better strategies that can be implemented within the company’s existing cyber defences. 

5. Presentation skills 

Whether it’s the intricacies of a phishing scam or the inner workings of a robust cyber-defence policy, as you progress in your cyber security career, you will be required to break down complex subject matter for the layperson. Those in cyber security management will also be expected to deliver presentations for the C-suite and other stakeholders. 

How to develop your cyber security skill set for a rewarding career 

For any budding cyber security leader who wants to future-proof their career, upskilling in IT through further learning will put you in the best position to aim for higher-level roles. With demand for cyber security specialists in Australia growing, now is the time to focus on the skills that will help you achieve greater career success. 

If you are ready to develop your cyber security soft skills and set yourself up for an exciting career in cyber security management, the University of Adelaide has study options to meet your needs: 

• Aspiring cyber security specialists can formalise their existing skills and master real-world cyber security tools by undertaking an undergraduate degree or a Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security Online. 
• Experienced cyber security managers can hone their digital defence skills with a Master of Cyber Security Online as well as broaden their cyber security skill set and learn how to protect any digital environment. 

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Want to know more about the skills needed to excel in a cyber security management career? Start undertaking cyber security training with the University of Adelaide and gain cyber skills to succeed.