One of the most important findings from the latest ISC2 research is that cybersecurity organizations are increasingly concerned about skills rather than simply headcount.
Nearly 95% of respondents reported at least one cybersecurity skills need, while 59% reported critical or significant skills needs. AI was identified as the most pressing skills need at 41%, followed by cloud security at 36%. Risk assessment, application security, security engineering and GRC also ranked highly.
This changes how aspiring professionals should think about their careers.
Having “cybersecurity” on your résumé is no longer enough.
Employers want evidence that you can solve a particular problem.
Can you secure AWS or Azure?
Can you investigate an identity compromise?
Can you engineer detections?
Can you conduct a meaningful risk assessment?
Can you secure an AI application?
Can you automate repetitive SOC workflows?
Can you explain cyber risk to an executive?
Can you design an incident response program?
Can you manage third-party cyber risk?
The professionals who can answer “yes” to those questions are much more valuable than someone who simply possesses a collection of cybersecurity certifications.