15 Must-Have Cyber Security Skills in 2024

Cybersecurity protects computers, networks, and information from unauthorized access, damage, or theft. In simple terms, imagine you have a virtual castle that stores important things like your personal information, bank details, and sensitive documents. Cybersecurity is like building strong walls, installing locks, and setting up security guards to prevent hackers from breaking in and stealing or harming your valuable information. It includes measures like creating strong passwords, installing antivirus software, and using firewalls to block malicious activities. Cybersecurity professionals use various techniques and tools to defend against online threats and ensure the safety and privacy of digital resources.

With the growing number of cyber attacks, the need for skilled professionals in the field of cyber security is on the rise. In today's time, having ethical hacking skills has also become pertinent for cybersecurity professionals. Organizations of all sizes, from small businesses to multinational corporations, seek individuals with the expertise to save their systems and networks from potential threats. 

We have listed the top 15 cybersecurity skills required to work as a professional in this domain. These are the technical skills required for cyber security and have been divided into beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.
 

Top 5 Cybersecurity Skills: Beginner Level

If you have just completed your 12th grade and looking for skills to upgrade on how to become cyber security expert after 12th,  you’ll require the following beginner-level skills in cyber security:

• Networking Basics 
  Networking basics are essential skills for cybersecurity. First, we have IP addresses, like unique phone numbers, for each device. They help identify where data is sent and received. Then, we have routers, like traffic controllers, directing data to the right destination. You also need to grasp the concept of ports, which are like specific doors in a building. Each port has a specific purpose, like web browsing or email. Lastly, protocols are like languages spoken between devices, ensuring they understand each other. By understanding these networking basics, we can locate vulnerabilities, detect unusual activities, and safeguard the network against cyber threats.
   
• Operating Systems 
  An operating system is software that manages a computer's resources and allows users to interact with it. When it comes to cybersecurity, understanding operating systems helps in several ways. By understanding the inner workings of an operating system, cybersecurity experts can implement effective security measures to protect against these threats. Additionally, operating systems provide tools and features that can be used to monitor and detect suspicious activities, such as unauthorized access or malware infections. Proficiency in operating systems such as Windows, Linux, and macOS allows cybersecurity experts to identify vulnerabilities, implement security controls, and respond to threats.
   
• Web Security 
  Web security skills are important for cybersecurity because they help protect websites and online systems from harmful attacks and unauthorized access. These skills involve understanding how hackers might try to exploit vulnerabilities in a website or network and then implementing measures to prevent those attacks. Some important web security skills include knowledge of secure coding practices, such as avoiding common programming errors that can be exploited and using encryption to protect sensitive data. It's also crucial to stay updated on the latest security threats and techniques as hackers constantly evolve their methods.
   
• Programming 
  With programming, cybersecurity experts can write code to build strong firewalls that help keep data safe. By learning programming languages like Python, Java, or C++, cybersecurity professionals can analyze and understand how computer systems and networks work, identify vulnerabilities, and develop secure software applications. These skills help them detect and fix security weaknesses, build strong defenses, and develop tools to monitor and respond to cyber-attacks.
   
• Encryption 
  Encryption skills are important for cybersecurity because they help protect sensitive information from unauthorized access. Imagine you have a secret message you want to send to your friend, but you don't want anyone else to read it. Encryption is like putting your message in a locked box. Only your friend with the key can unlock the box and read the message. In cybersecurity, encryption is used to scramble data so that even if someone blocks it, they won't be able to understand it without the right key. By learning encryption skills, cybersecurity experts can ensure that personal and confidential information, like passwords or credit card numbers, stays safe and secure from hackers.
   

Top 5 Cybersecurity Skills: Intermediate Level

After acquiring the basic fundamental skills, the following intermediate-level skills will be essential in cybersecurity:

• Network Security 
  Network security skills for cybersecurity involve understanding and protecting computer networks from unauthorized access and threats. It's like building a strong fence around your house to keep out intruders. These skills include knowing how to set up and configure firewalls, which act as guards and filter incoming and outgoing network traffic. It also involves learning about encryption, which is like putting a secret code on your messages to prevent anyone from understanding them if they are intercepted. Additionally, network security skills include detecting and responding to network attacks, like identifying suspicious activities and taking action to stop them.
   
• Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing 
  Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT) are important skills in the field of cybersecurity. A vulnerability assessment involves scanning and examining the system to identify any weaknesses or vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit. It's like searching for unlocked doors or windows. Penetration testing, on the other hand, takes it a step further by attempting to break into the system using the same techniques as hackers. It helps find out if the system can withstand real attacks. With these skills, cybersecurity professionals can find and fix vulnerabilities before hackers can take advantage of them, making your computer system more secure.
   
• Intrusion Detection 
  Intrusion detection skills for cybersecurity help identify and stop any suspicious activity in the system or network. It involves using special tools and techniques to monitor the network traffic and spot any signs of unauthorized access or malicious behavior. Intrusion detection professionals are proficient in using specialized tools and techniques to monitor network traffic, analyze log files, and detect any signs of abnormal behavior. They possess knowledge of various cyber attacks, such as malware, phishing, and social engineering, allowing them to recognize and investigate potential threats.
   
• Incident Response 
  Incident Response skills in cybersecurity refer to the abilities and knowledge required to handle and manage security incidents effectively. When a security incident occurs, such as a data breach or a cyber-attack, it is crucial to have skilled professionals who can respond promptly and efficiently to minimize the damage and protect the organization's systems and data. These skills involve understanding various types of threats, knowing how to detect and investigate incidents, and having the technical expertise to contain and mitigate the impact. Incident responders should also possess strong communication and teamwork skills to collaborate with different stakeholders and coordinate a response. Overall, incident response skills are vital for quickly identifying and resolving security incidents to keep organizations secure.
   
• Ethical Hacking 
  Cybersecurity professionals use ethical hacking skills to preserve computer systems and networks from cyber threats. Ethical hackers identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in computer systems, just like malicious hackers do. However, unlike malicious hackers, ethical hackers work with the permission of the system owners to find and repair these weaknesses before they can be exploited by cybercriminals. By understanding how hackers think and operate, individuals with ethical hacking skills can help organizations strengthen their security measures and safeguard sensitive information from unauthorized access or misuse.
   

Top 5 Cybersecurity Skills: Advanced Level

At the advanced level of cybersecurity, you’ll require the following skills:

• Threat Intelligence and Analysis
  Threat intelligence and cybersecurity analysis skills involve understanding and predicting potential dangers and attacks on computer systems and networks. It's like being a detective in the digital world! Professionals with these skills gather information about threats like viruses or hackers and analyze them to identify patterns and potential risks. They use special tools and techniques to stay ahead of cybercriminals and protect computer systems from attacks. By continuously monitoring and analyzing threats, they can develop strategies to prevent or mitigate potential risks and keep their systems safe.
   
• Cloud Deployment and Management 
  Cloud deployment and management skills for cybersecurity involve understanding how to securely utilize and protect information stored and processed in the cloud. It's like having a secure virtual storage space where data and applications are stored and accessed online instead of on physical devices. To be proficient in this area, you need to know how to set up and manage cloud infrastructure, such as servers and networks while considering security measures like encryption and access controls. It also involves monitoring potential threats and vulnerabilities, addressing any issues, and ensuring data privacy and compliance with regulations.
   
• DevOps 
  DevOps (Development and Operations) combines software development (Dev) and IT operations (Ops) into a single, combined process. DevOps principles can be used to strengthen cybersecurity measures. By integrating security practices early in the development lifecycle, DevOps teams can identify vulnerabilities, conduct regular security testing, and implement security controls throughout the software development pipeline. Automation tools can execute security policies, monitor suspicious activities, and quickly respond to security incidents.
   
• Risk Management 
  Risk management skills involve identifying, assessing, and minimizing potential threats to computer systems and networks. You need to understand what could go wrong, such as hackers gaining unauthorized access or malware infecting the system. Then, you evaluate the likelihood and impact of these risks. Risk Management helps to prioritize and decide which risks need immediate attention. Once you know the risks, you can develop strategies to reduce them. This might involve implementing security measures like firewalls and antivirus software, training employees on best practices, or creating backup systems.
   
• Computer Forensics 
  Computer forensics skills are an essential part of cybersecurity, and they involve investigating and analyzing digital information to uncover evidence of cybercrimes or security breaches. Think of it as being like a detective for computers. Computer forensic experts collect and preserve electronic data, such as files, emails, or internet history, and then examine them closely to find clues left by hackers or other cybercriminals. They work to understand how an attack happened, identify the culprits, and gather evidence for legal proceedings. These skills are crucial in helping organizations protect their digital assets and catch cybercriminals.

In conclusion, the changing landscape of cyber threats demands that professionals have cybersecurity skills to protect against these risks. By developing these skills, individuals can enhance their ability to safeguard digital assets, identify vulnerabilities, and respond effectively to emerging cyber threats. One way of building these skills is by enrolling in cybersecurity courses. As technology advances, staying updated and acquiring these skills will be crucial in maintaining a secure and resilient digital environment.