Most In-Demand Cybersecurity Skills To Learn In 2021

The risks of cybersecurity have rapidly advanced with the evolution of technology. With COVID-19 forcing companies to increase virtual experiences, there has been a rapid growth in the number of cyberattacks around the world.

As global organisations switch to Work From Home business models, more nodes from the secure office network are at risk. Secure corporate IPs are moving from high-security networks to shared wi-fi networks. This exposes new vulnerabilities and hence increases the need for more cybersecurity skills.

According to a report by Atlas VPN, application security is the fastest-growing cybersecurity skill in 2021. The demand for this skill is projected to grow by 164% in the next five years. At the same time, the need for cloud security professionals will grow by 115% in the same period.

If you’re looking to do a cyber security course soon, here are the top skills to train:

1. Hacking

Ethical hacking is a skill needed to secure important, confidential data from enemies. It safeguards data from being used in blackmail by people who would want to exploit your vulnerability. When you learn ethical hacking, you can keep your organisation from security vulnerability and risk.

2. Cloud Security

With more and more companies moving their data to cloud platforms, the need for cloud-based security providers is rising. These professionals are trained to protect data and keep it secure. This skill makes you cloud-savvy and provides you with the foundations you need to secure data in the cloud.

3. Computer Forensics Skills

A foundation in computer forensics can help you advance in your cybersecurity career as both often work hand-in-hand to promote information security. Both focus on the protection of digital assets and intelligence. While cybersecurity is focused on the prevention of attacks, computer forensics focuses on what happens after a cyber-attack occurs.

4. Blockchain Security

Blockchain is an evolving technology which is likely to become the foundation of various security systems like mobile, loT devices, supply chain integration, identity solutions and network control. The security offered by blockchain security is unprecedented because if someone wants to destroy or corrupt a blockchain, they would have to destroy the data stored on every user’s computer in the global network. Blockchain security results in a lower risk of getting attacked by hackers due to the complexity required to enter and penetrate such a network.

5. Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence is a tool to help security experts to understand and learn about the cyber environment and identify abnormal activity. Cybersecurity professionals use AI automated techniques and support whenever cyber threats are detected. It also provides security professionals with additional resources to defend vulnerable networks and data from cyber attackers.

6. Programming Skills

Every cybersecurity professional should have a basic understanding of programming languages like Java, PHP, C or C++. This can help them detect chances of attacks on the system and to develop concrete counter-plans accordingly.

7. IoT Security

IoT security safeguards devices and networks connected to the internet. A huge number of IoT devices have started marking their security a high priority and is important for the future well-being of the internet ecosystem. With this skill under your hat, you will be able to explore current security and privacy-related concerns in the IoT domain.

8. Communication Skills

Since cybersecurity is not confined to one department or team, you need to be able to communicate effectively to explain your issues, concerns and solutions to others. You should be able to convey even the most technical information to people of different levels in a comprehensible manner.

9. Problem-Solving Skills

As a cybersecurity professional, you may at times find yourself surrounded by problems.  A problem-solving approach can help you find innovative ways to solve even the most complex security challenges in the ever-evolving field of technology.

How To Build Cybersecurity Skills?

An online cyber security course is a good way to begin your journey. An online course will teach you all the basic as well advanced concepts of cybersecurity, thus, enhancing your cybersecurity skills and other related technical skills, all without having to give up your current job. However, cybersecurity is a phenomenally complex and fast-growing field. So you need to study using credible sources, read blogs, follow experts, and learn on the job to stay on top of your game.

Start a New Journey Today

After a turbulent 2020, organisations are realising the need for new skills and reprioritising their hiring needs. A KPMG survey in 2020 revealed that 35% of organisations said cybersecurity skills were their topmost priority. This means there will be an increase in the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals.

This industry has great growth potential and is set to grow exponentially over the next five years. Currently, there is a shortage of professionals and experts in the market. If you are looking to switch careers and boost your career, enroll in a cyber security online course today.