If you’re looking to break into the cyber security field or advance your career, knowing which skills are in high demand can give you a competitive edge.
In this article, we’ll explore the top cyber security skills that employers are hiring for right now, and how the right combination of technical expertise and soft skills helps you stand out in the job market. From mastering penetration testing and threat intelligence to understanding cloud security and incident response, we’ll break down the most sought-after expertise in the industry.
Let’s dive in!
Why cyber security professionals need the right skillset
Organisations face an increasing number of complex and harder-to-detect cyber threats, making cyber security expertise more critical than ever.
Employers are no longer just looking for candidates with technical know-how; they also prioritise professionals who possess strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and communication skills. The ability to explain security risks to non-technical stakeholders and adapt to rapidly changing threats is just as crucial as proficiency in penetration testing or threat hunting.
However, the growing cyber skills gap means there are more job openings than qualified professionals, making it essential for individuals to upskill and stay competitive!
With that in mind, let’s explore the most in-demand cyber security skills that professionals need to succeed in this high-stakes industry.
Cyber security skills employers are looking for:
Technical skills required for cyber security
1. Threat Detection and Incident Response
Identifying and responding to cyber threats is critical in minimising damage and preventing breaches. Expertise in SIEM platforms, incident response playbooks, and forensic tools (e.g., Autopsy, Volatility) is essential for analysing threats and executing timely responses. A solid incident response strategy helps organisations mitigate risks and recover efficiently.
2. Network Security and Infrastructure
Securing networks is the backbone of cyber security. Professionals must understand firewall management, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and network protocols like TCP/IP, DNS, and HTTPS. Strong network security skills help organisations build resilient defences against attacks like DDoS, MITM, and ransomware.
3. Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Assessment
Ethical hacking is vital for uncovering security weaknesses before attackers do. Tools like Metasploit, Burp Suite, and Nmap enable professionals to simulate attacks and identify vulnerabilities!
4. Cloud Security
With the rise of AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, securing cloud environments is more important than ever. Employers value expertise in identity and access management (IAM), cloud security configurations, and container security to prevent misconfigurations and data breaches in cloud infrastructures.
5. Programming and Scripting
Knowledge of programming languages like Python, JavaScript, and Bash is essential for automating security tasks, analysing malware, and developing security tools. Writing scripts helps streamline incident response and vulnerability scanning processes.
6. Cyber Security Frameworks and Compliance
Understanding security frameworks such as NIST, ISO 27001, and GDPR is key to meeting regulatory and organisational requirements. Compliance expertise ensures businesses adhere to industry standards, reducing legal and financial risks associated with data breaches.
Soft skills required for cyber security
1. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
Cyber security is all about tackling complex challenges, from identifying security vulnerabilities to responding to cyber attacks. Strong analytical skills and the ability to think several steps ahead help professionals anticipate threats, evaluate risks, and develop innovative solutions to protect organisations from evolving cyber risks.
2. Communication Skills
Cyber security professionals often need to translate technical jargon into clear, actionable insights for executives, employees, and clients. The ability to explain security risks, recommend best practices, and collaborate with IT teams, legal departments, and management ensures that security strategies are effectively implemented across an organisation.
3. Ethics and Integrity
Handling sensitive data requires a high level of trust and ethical responsibility. Cyber security professionals must adhere to industry regulations, company policies, and ethical hacking guidelines while protecting confidential information. Maintaining integrity in security roles helps prevent insider threats and fosters a culture of security awareness.
4. Teamwork and Leadership
Working alongside IT teams, developers, compliance officers, and business leaders is crucial for maintaining a strong security posture. Professionals with leadership skills can guide teams during security incidents, mentor junior colleagues, and drive security initiatives that align with business objectives.
How to develop these skills
Building a successful cyber security career requires continuous learning and hands-on experience. Whether you're looking to strengthen technical skills or improve soft skills for cyber security, here are three actionable steps to help you get started:
Practice with hands-on labs and simulations
Practical experience is always the best way to develop cyber security skills! TryHackMe offers interactive, guided labs covering penetration testing, network security, threat detection, and cloud security. Our beginner-friendly and advanced rooms allow you to gain real-world experience. We also recommend checking out our 9 Ways to Gain Experience in Cyber Security!
Enroll in learning paths
TryHackMe provides structured learning paths designed to take you from beginner to job-ready in cyber security! Our curated paths cover hands-on exercises, real-world scenarios, and guided tutorials, helping you build both technical expertise and problem-solving skills.
Engage with the TryHackMe community
Cyber security is a team effort, and engaging with a community helps you develop essential communication and teamwork skills. Get involved by:
- Joining the TryHackMe Discord to connect with fellow learners and industry professionals
- Participating in Capture The Flag (CTF) challenges to test your skills in a fun and competitive environment
- Following our blog and social channels to stay updated on industry trends and security best practices
How over 4 million professionals use TryHackMe to advance their cyber security careers
With over 4 million users worldwide, TryHackMe has become a go-to platform for aspiring and experienced professionals looking to enhance their skills needed for cyber security. Our interactive, hands-on approach to learning helps individuals and teams develop real-world cyber security expertise in an engaging and accessible way.
Here are some examples of how our users have used TryHackMe to excel in their careers:
- Chrissy’s Story: From Nursing to Cyber Security
- From IT Support to Pentester: Tom's Transition to Cyber
- No Degree? No Problem! Suman’s Success Story
- From Pharmacist to Senior SOC Analyst: Konstantinos’ Success Story
- From Student to SOC Analyst: Hayden’s Success Story
- Becoming a Security Engineer: Richárd’s Success Story
Start building the cyber security skills that employers demand
To succeed in cyber security, professionals need a combination of technical expertise and strong soft skills. Employers are looking for individuals who can detect and respond to threats, secure networks, and navigate cyber security frameworks—all while effectively communicating, problem-solving, and working in teams.
The best way to develop these skills is through hands-on practice in real-world scenarios. TryHackMe provides an interactive learning platform where you can learn, practice, and advance your cyber security career at your own pace! To take the next step in your journey, sign up for TryHackMe and start building the skills that employers demand!
Ben Spring
