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Introduction

Cybersecurity in 2023

INTRODUCTION 

Cybersecurity has been all the rage in 2022, with no signs of slowing down going into 2023. According to TechCrunch, funding for cyber startups increased 138% in 2021 to a high of US$29.5 billion. This surge of interest in cybersecurity and a cybersecurity career was sparked by increased cybercrime and conflict between nations in cyberspace. 

 

Cybersecurity Ventures expects cybercrime to cost the world US$10.5 trillion in 3 years by 2025. In perspective, that's about 30x the GDP of Singapore.

Cybersecurity Professionals

Cybersecurity in 2023

Cybersecurity has been and will continue to be an essential yet often invisible part of our everyday lives. 

 

The growth of the internet, digital services, online connectivity and the Internet of Things (IoT) has led to the exponential growth of the cybersecurity industry. Companies, government organisations and even individuals all rely on cybersecurity.

 

As hackers and threats online increase in sophistication and strength, the cybersecurity industry needs to keep evolving and growing to keep up with these changes.

 

As news of breaches and leaks continue to increase, communities have sprung up worldwide to discuss cybersecurity and the latest industry trends to keep up (join our Discord community here). 

 

Naturally, interest in cybersecurity as a career has grown; everyone, from fresh graduates to mid-career professionals, is now looking to ride the wave. 

 

According to a study by the Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore (IMDA), the cybersecurity industry will grow to US$889 million in 2022, with 70% comprising cybersecurity services.

Cybersecurity in Singapore

The Ultimate Guide To A Securing Cybersecurity Career in 2023

by Centre For Cybersecurity | 20 min read.

December 2, 2022 | Updated December 5, 2023

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Cybersecurity is a Vast & Blooming Industry

Trying to begin your career in cybersecurity can often take some work. 

 

Questions such as 'Where can I go to learn cybersecurity?' or 'What do I need to learn first?' are common for individuals looking to begin their cybersecurity education. 

 

Similar to software engineering, one can pick up cybersecurity skills in various ways – there are universities offering cybersecurity courses, online cybersecurity programmes, local training organisations and self-learning. 

 

Not only is deciding where to begin a daunting task but figuring out which area of cybersecurity to pursue first is also a feat.

 

There are many programmes in the market, all offering multiple configurations of cybersecurity education depending on job scope, industry roles, certifications, team colours and more. 

 

While this gives you more choices regarding what you can do in the industry, it also makes it hard to choose where to begin.

 

Cybersecurity is a highly dynamic and vast industry, with multiple specialisation options across different sectors and because of that, there are many options to pursue. 

 

Due to the nature of cybersecurity, there is no 'best path'. It depends on what area of cybersecurity you find yourself most interested in. 

 

For instance, being in the Red Team as a penetration tester or vulnerability assessor would be perfect for you if you're drawn towards hacking and malware. 

 

On the other hand, if you find defending against threats and different agents more enticing, sitting in the Security Operations Centre (SOC) as a Blue Team member is where you should be.

 

You may also find yourself playing management roles in the cybersecurity industry as a Purple, Yellow, Green or Orange Team member whose jobs are to manage stakeholders within the company regarding digital security in various ways. 

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Cybersecurity Job Shortage In Singapore

The cybersecurity job market in Singapore is currently facing a shortage of skilled professionals. 

 

One of the main reasons for the shortage is the rapid growth of the cybersecurity industry. In recent years, the demand for cybersecurity professionals has increased significantly as businesses and organisations increasingly rely on technology and the internet. 

 

However, the supply of skilled workers has yet to keep pace with this growth, leading to a shortage of qualified professionals.

 

In Singapore alone, there is an estimated shortage of 3,400 cybersecurity professionals, according to the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA). 

 

The shortage of cybersecurity professionals seriously affects businesses and organisations operating in Singapore. For one thing, it makes it more difficult for these organisations to protect themselves against cyber threats. Every government, company and organisation in the world will be or has already been impacted by cybercrime. 

 

The sobering reality is that cybercrime will continue to grow with the further digitalisation of our economies and societies. With this comes a greater need for cybersecurity skills and talent in every sector and country.

 

Without enough skilled workers to defend against cyber attacks, businesses and organisations are at a greater risk of being hacked, which can lead to the loss of sensitive data and financial losses.

 

In addition to the direct impact on businesses and organisations, the shortage of cybersecurity professionals also has broader implications for the economy. 

 

As the demand for these workers continues to grow, the cost of hiring them will likely increase, which could pressure businesses and organisations operating in the country. This, in turn, could harm the economy as a whole.

 

The CSA has implemented several measures to address the shortage of cybersecurity professionals. For example, the agency has launched several initiatives to train and develop the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. These initiatives include training programs for students and apprenticeship and internship programs for young professionals.

 

In addition, the CSA has also worked with educational institutions to develop curricula and programs focused on cybersecurity. This has helped to increase the number of qualified workers entering the job market.

 

Overall, the shortage of cybersecurity professionals in Singapore is a significant concern. The industry's rapid growth has outpaced the supply of skilled workers, putting businesses and organisations at risk and putting pressure on the economy. To address this issue, the CSA and other private training organisations, such as CFC, are working to develop the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

 

The cybersecurity industry is seeing massive growth, and with it comes an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to become cybersecurity professionals.

3 Reasons to Pursue A Cybersecurity Job In Singapore

 

1. Iron Rice Bowl
 

Why do we use the term 'iron rice bowl'? The demand and need for technically skilled cybersecurity professionals are high and will remain that way for a long time. 

As stated above, the floodgate of cybercrime has been breached, resulting in a scramble to hire individuals who can defend against these cyber attacks.

In Singapore, we're familiar with the notion of stable careers such as doctors and lawyers, the new form of that is cybersecurity.

A cybersecurity career is a safe choice with huge upsides as long as you have the necessary skills and continue upskilling.

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2. Competitive Salary For All Levels

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A career in cybersecurity has the potential for high salaries. Cybersecurity professionals are in high demand, and as a result, they are often well-compensated for their skills and expertise.

 

The average starting salary for an entry-level cybersecurity professional in Singapore is SGD$51,000, while a senior position that requires 3-5 years of experience pays roughly SGD$88,000.


Individuals who excel in the industry and reach positions such as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) can expect an average salary of over SGD$200,000 (Source). Of course, the pay varies depending on factors such as skill level, industry, working hours, etc.

 

At Centre For Cybersecurity (CFC), our students enter their careers with a higher than average starting salary of SGD$57,600 due to the highly technical & relevant skills that are acquired during the course. Graduates leave our courses with well-documented portfolios displaying the technical abilities that hiring managers and companies demand in cybersecurity professionals. 

Additionally, CFC sends students' resumes to partner companies for their consideration towards the end of their course.

 

3. Quick Career Progression

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As highlighted above, the cybersecurity industry will explode in the coming years, resulting in huge demand for cybersecurity professionals at all levels. 

 

Information technology systems will also become increasingly complicated, requiring cybersecurity personnel to continue upskilling to defend against sophisticated attacks from cyber criminals. 

 

This results in individuals needing to progress quickly throughout their career as their job becomes more complex. There will be no stagnation for an individual who operates in the cybersecurity industry. As long as they grow their skill sets, they will have plenty of opportunities to progress quickly. 

 

Referencing the Skills Future Framework For Infocomm Technology chart, there are many paths that one can take to advance in their cybersecurity career in Singapore. 

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Watch 'The 3 Reasons Why You Should (And Shouldn't) Consider A Cybersecurity Career' Below

Types of Cybersecurity Roles & Job Scopes

 

Researching each job scope and certificate may be challenging and cumbersome if you're new to cybersecurity. Hence, we recommend contacting our Student Success Representative, who is dedicated to guiding you through each step from Career to Curriculum to Certification. We also host a free 1-hour 'Entering Cybersecurity' information session where we share more about the industry and how we help individuals secure a cybersecurity career in 6 months.

 

We have listed the six most commonly identified teams below with the corresponding job scope and associated certifications. 

 

1. Red Team
 

Red teams in cybersecurity are groups of individuals who specialise in simulating cyber attacks against an organisation to test the effectiveness of its security measures. The purpose of a red team is to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in an organisation's defences and to provide recommendations for how those weaknesses can be addressed.

 

The job scope of a red team member in cybersecurity can vary depending on the organisation and its specific needs. A red team member will typically be responsible for developing and executing complex cyber-attack simulations. This may include creating custom malware, phishing campaigns, and other tactics to test the organisation's defences.

 

In addition to conducting attack simulations, a red team member may also be responsible for tracking and analysing the results of the tests. This can involve analysing logs, conducting forensic investigations, and providing detailed reports on the findings.

 

The typical job titles for individuals on a red team in cybersecurity can vary, but some standard titles include "red team analyst," "red team specialist," and "red team lead." These titles typically reflect the individual's level of experience and responsibility within the team.

 

Red teams in cybersecurity play a crucial role in helping organisations stay ahead of potential cyber threats. Red teams can identify and fix vulnerabilities by simulating real-world attacks before malicious actors can exploit them. This allows organisations to improve their security posture and protect themselves and their customers from cyber-attacks.

 

In addition to identifying vulnerabilities, red teams can also help organisations develop and improve their security incident response plans. This can include testing the plan's effectiveness through simulated attacks and providing recommendations for improving the approach.

 

Red teams can also provide valuable training and development opportunities for other members of an organisation's security team. By exposing team members to realistic attack scenarios, red teams can help them develop their skills and better prepare for real-world threats.

 

Overall, the role of red teams in cybersecurity is essential for any organisation that wants to stay one step ahead of potential cyber threats. 

 

By simulating attacks and providing valuable insights and recommendations, red teams can help organisations improve their security posture and better protect themselves and their customers from cyber-attacks.
 

Summarised Red Team Job Scope 

  • Offensive Security

  • Ethical Hacking

  • Exploiting Vulnerabilities

  • Penetration Tests

  • Black Box Testing

  • Social Engineering

  • Web App Scanning
     

Associated Certificates For Red Team

  • Security+

  • SSCP

  • KLCP

  • GSEC+

  • CEH (Master only)

  • Crest CPSA

  • Crest CWAT

  • GWAPT

  • CREST CWS

  • CREST CMRE

  • GPEN

  • GPYC

  • GMOB

  • CREST CTIM

  • OSWP

  • GCIH

  • OSCP

  • Crest CRT

  • Crest CCT

  • CREST CCSAS

  • CREST CSAM

  • GAWN

  • GXPN

  • CISSP

  • OSWE

  • OSEP

  • OSEE

  • GSE


2. Blue Team
 

Blue team professionals typically focus on preventative measures, such as implementing security protocols and policies. These roles often involve monitoring and analysing network traffic to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities and developing and implementing security controls to prevent cyber attacks. 

 

Examples of blue team roles include security analyst, security consultant, and security engineer.

 

Security analysts monitor and analyse network traffic to identify potential security threats and vulnerabilities. This may involve using specialised software and tools to monitor network activity and reviewing logs and other data to identify potential security issues. 

 

Security analysts may also develop and implement security controls to prevent cyber attacks, such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems.

Security consultants are responsible for providing expert advice and guidance on security-related matters. 

 

This may involve working with clients to assess their security needs and vulnerabilities and recommending appropriate security controls and protocols. 

 

Security consultants may also be involved with implementing and managing security systems and providing training and support to clients on security-related issues.

 

Security engineers are responsible for designing and implementing security systems and controls. This may involve working with other teams and departments to identify security requirements and develop appropriate solutions. Another aspect of a security engineer's role is maintaining and updating existing security systems and conducting regular security audits and assessments to ensure that the organisation's security defences are adequate.
 

Summarised Blue Team Job Scope 

  • Defensive Security

  • Infrastructure protection

  • Damage Control

  • Incident Response (IR)

  • Operational Security

  • Threat Hunters

  • Digital Forensics
     

Associated Certificates For Blue Team

  • Security+

  • SSCP

  • CSX-PA

  • Crest CPIA

  • Crest CPTIA

  • GSEC+

  • CSA

  • GOSI

  • CHFI

  • ECIH

  • CSX-P

  • GBFA

  • Crest CRIA

  • GCIH

  • GCFE

  • GNFA

  • GCFA

  • GCTI

  • CISSP

  • GREM

  • GSE
     

3. Green Team

Green roles, also known as "green teams," are focused on developing and implementing security policies and procedures. These roles often involve working with other teams and departments to ensure that all employees know and follow the appropriate security protocols. 

 

Examples of green team roles include security awareness trainer and security manager.

 

Security awareness trainers are responsible for educating and training employees on the importance of cybersecurity and the appropriate security protocols to follow. 

 

This may involve delivering training sessions and workshops and developing and distributing educational materials and resources. Security managers are responsible for overseeing an organisation's security policies and procedures. Security awareness trainers may also conduct regular assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of the organisation's security awareness efforts.

 

This would involve working with other teams and departments to develop and implement appropriate security controls and protocols and monitoring and evaluating their effectiveness. They are also tasked with conducting regular risk assessments to identify potential security vulnerabilities and develop mitigation strategies.
 

Summarised Green Team Job Scope 

  • Improved logging capability, working to standardise and prioritise important events

  • Better data for digital forensics and incident response cases

  • Safer Change Management, including integrity monitoring

  • Complete coverage monitoring, including improved Anti-Virus and End Point Protection on systems

  • Anti-Virus and End Point Protection on systems
     

Associated Certificates For Green Team

  • Blue Team Certifications

  • Network+

  • CREST CNIA

  • CCNA

  • CCNP

  • CCDE

  • CISSP

  • GSE
     

4. Purple Team

 

Purple roles, also known as "purple teams," are a relatively new type of cybersecurity role that combines the responsibilities of red and blue roles.

 

Purple roles focus on actively testing and evaluating an organisation's security defences and developing and implementing preventative measures to protect against cyber attacks. 

 

Examples of purple team roles include purple team penetration tester, purple team security architect and purple team analyst.

 

Purple team leaders oversee the purple team's activities, which may involve coordinating with other teams and departments within an organisation. Purple team leaders are involved in developing and implementing strategies and protocols for conducting red team operations and monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the purple team's efforts.

 

Purple team analysts conduct red team operations and evaluate an organisation's security defences. This involves simulating cyber attacks and attempting to breach the organisation's security systems to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses. Purple team analysts are also tasked with developing and implementing security controls and protocols to prevent cyber attacks within the organisation.

 

In conclusion, purple roles, or "purple teams," are a relatively new type of cybersecurity role that combines the responsibilities of red and blue roles. These professionals are responsible for conducting red team operations, evaluating an organisation's security defences, and developing and implementing preventative measures to protect against cyber attacks. 
 

Summarised Purple Team Job Scope 

  • Facilitate improvements in detection and defence

  • Sharpened the skills of blue and red team members

  • Effective for spot-checking systems in a larger organisation
     

Associated Certificates For Green Team

  • Combination of Red and Blue team

  • GCIA

  • CSSLP

  • CISA

  • GMON

  • GCCC

  • GSNA

  • CISSP

  • GSE
     

5. Orange Team
 

An orange team cybersecurity professional, also known as a red teamer or ethical hacker, is responsible for simulating the actions of a malicious attacker to test and improve an organisation's cybersecurity defences.

In other words, they are tasked with finding vulnerabilities and weaknesses in a company's network and systems before an actual attacker can exploit them.
 

One of the primary roles of an orange teamer is to perform penetration testing, also known as "pen testing," regularly. This involves using various tools and techniques to try and breach the organisation's security measures, such as attempting to gain unauthorised access to sensitive data or systems.

 

The goal of pen testing is to identify and fix any vulnerabilities that could be exploited by an actual hacker and to help the organisation improve its overall security posture.

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In addition to performing regular pen tests, orange teamers are responsible for staying up-to-date on the latest cybersecurity threats and trends. This involves staying current on the latest tools and techniques used by malicious hackers and understanding the motivations and tactics of different attackers. By staying informed about the latest threats, orange teamers can better anticipate and prepare for potential attacks.

 

Another essential responsibility of an orange teamer is to provide training and guidance to other organisation members on improving their cybersecurity practices. This might involve teaching employees the importance of strong passwords and secure online habits or giving advice on identifying and avoiding phishing attacks. 

 

By educating the rest of the organisation, orange teamers can help ensure everyone is doing their part to secure the company's network and systems.

 

Overall, the role of an orange team cybersecurity professional is crucial to any organisation's security. By simulating the actions of an actual attacker, they can help identify and fix vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. They also play a crucial role in educating and training the rest of the organisation on staying safe online.

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Summarised Purple Team Job Scope 

  • Inspire coders and architects to be more security conscious

  • Benefit from current exposure to evolving security threats

  • Offensive critical thinking is included in the builder's intrinsic thought pattern

  • Decrease in overall security bug count over time
     

Associated Certificates For Purple Team

  • Either Red or Blue team

  • A+

  • Cloud+

  • Server+

  • GICSP

  • GSEC

  • Azure SEA

  • AWS CSS

  • GCSA

  • GCWN

  • GRID

  • GPPA

  • GDSA

  • PCSA

  • AWS SAP

  • GDAT

  • CISSP

  • GIAC ICS:612

  • Crest CRTSA

  • GSE
     

6. Yellow Team
 

A yellow team cybersecurity professional, also known as a security administrator or system administrator, is responsible for managing and maintaining an organisation's security systems and controls. They are crucial in keeping an organisation's network and systems secure and are often the first point of contact for other security team members.

 

One of the primary roles of a yellow teamer is to configure and manage the organisation's security systems, such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention strategies, and access controls. This might involve setting up and maintaining rules and policies to control access to the organisation's network and systems and configuring and managing security tools and software. 

 

By ensuring that the organisation's security systems are correctly configured and maintained, yellow teamers can help prevent security breaches and attacks.

 

In addition to managing security systems, yellow teamers monitor the organisation's network for potential security threats. This might involve reviewing logs and alerts from security systems and conducting regular security audits to identify and address any vulnerabilities or weaknesses. By constantly keeping an eye on the organisation's network, yellow teamers can help ensure that it remains secure.

 

Another critical responsibility of a yellow teamer is providing technical support and guidance to other security team members. This might involve troubleshooting security systems issues or advice on using security tools and software. Yellow teamers may also train other organisation members to stay safe online and avoid security threats.

 

Overall, a yellow team cybersecurity professional's role is essential to any organisation's security. By configuring and maintaining security systems, monitoring the network for threats, and providing technical support to the rest of the security team, they play a crucial role in keeping the organisation's network and systems secure.
 

Summarised Yellow Team Job Scope 

  • Develop the security system of an organisation

  • Provide technical support in a cybersecurity context

  • Maintenance of internal cybersecurity systems
     

Associated Certificates For Yellow Team

  • (NEED INPUT FROM TEAM)
     

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How Important Are Degrees In Cybersecurity?


While a degree may benefit those looking to enter cybersecurity, it is not always necessary. Many employers are willing to hire individuals with relevant experience and certifications, even if they do not have a degree. This means that plenty of opportunities are still available for those without a degree to enter cybersecurity.

 

In our conversations with cybersecurity hiring managers, their primary focus is on the technical skills and competency of the candidate. They hone in on whether the candidate can perform the role competently through technical interviews.

 

Students in CFC undergo technical interview training towards the end of their course to prepare them for actual interview scenarios. 

 

According to a survey conducted by (ISC)², a nonprofit organisation for information security professionals, only about 44% of respondents said that a bachelor's degree was the minimum education requirement for cybersecurity positions at their organisation. Most organisations are willing to consider candidates without a degree for cybersecurity roles.

 

In addition, the (ISC)² survey found that experience and certifications were essential factors in hiring decisions for cybersecurity positions. About 84% of respondents said that relevant work experience was a top factor in their hiring decisions, and 81% said certifications were also necessary.

 

This suggests that many employers are willing to hire individuals with a combination of experience and certifications, even if they do not have a degree. 

 

Many graduates who have completed CFC's Career Kickstart course managed to secure a well-paid cybersecurity career without having a degree or having degrees in non-IT sectors.

 

Furthermore, (ISC)² survey found that professionals without a degree were just as likely to hold management positions as those with a degree. 25% of respondents without a degree reported being in a management role, compared to 36% of those with a degree. This suggests that a lack of a degree does not necessarily hinder one's ability to advance in cybersecurity.

 

In addition to the (ISC)² survey, other research has also found that a degree is not always necessary for a successful career in cybersecurity. 

 

A study by Cybersecurity Ventures, a market research firm, predicted that there will be 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs by 2025. This suggests a significant demand for cybersecurity professionals, and employers are willing to consider candidates without degrees.

 

Furthermore, pursuing a degree in cybersecurity or a related field can be time-consuming and expensive. A traditional four-year degree program can take several years to complete, costing tens of thousands of dollars in tuition and other expenses. 

 

In contrast, gaining relevant experience through hands-on training, such as on CFC's Cyberium Arena cybersecurity simulator that trains students with practical cybersecurity skills based on real-world scenarios, can often be done more quickly and cost-effectively.
 

Technical Skills Needed For Cybersecurity

It is crucial for cybersecurity professionals to have strong technical skills because they are responsible for protecting networks, systems, and data from various threats and vulnerabilities. 

 

To do this effectively, they must deeply understand different technologies, protocols, and security measures. They must also be familiar with a wide range of tools and technologies used to protect networks and systems and be able to write and understand code. 

 

With these technical skills, a cybersecurity professional may be able to effectively identify and mitigate potential risks to an organisation's networks and systems.

 

Here are the top 5 technical skills that every cybersecurity professional should have:
 

1. Networking and Information Security

 

​A strong understanding of networking and information security is essential for cybersecurity professionals. This includes knowledge of networking technologies, protocols, and security measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption. Specific areas of knowledge include: 

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  • TCP/IP

  • DNS

  • HTTP & HTTPS

  • SSL/TLS 

  • VPN

  • NAT

  • Firewalls

  • Intrusion detection systems

  • Encryption algorithms
     

2. Operating Systems

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Cybersecurity professionals need knowledge of different operating systems, such as Windows, Linux, and macOS. This includes understanding how these systems work, their vulnerabilities, and how to secure them. Specific areas of knowledge include: ​​
 

  • Windows

  • Linux

  • macOS

  • Unix

  • Mobile operating systems

  • System Administration

  • System Security

  • Patch management
     

3. Programming and Scripting
 

The ability to write and understand code is essential for cybersecurity professionals. This includes proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, and C++, as well as the ability to write and use scripts to automate tasks and analyse data. Specific areas of knowledge include: ​​​

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  • Python

  • Java

  • C++

  • JavaScript

  • HTML

  • CSS

  • SQL

  • Shell scripting

  • Regular expressions

  • API development
     

4. Cybersecurity Tools and Technologies

 

Cybersecurity professionals must be familiar with various tools and technologies to protect networks and systems. This includes knowledge of security software, such as antivirus and anti-malware programs, and experience with security appliances, such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems. Specific areas of knowledge include: ​​​​

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  • Antivirus and anti-malware software

  • Vulnerability scanners

  • Penetration testing tools

  • Security information and event management (SIEM) systems

 

5. Risk Management and Compliance

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Cybersecurity professionals must understand risk management and compliance to identify and mitigate potential risks to an organisation's networks and systems. This includes knowledge of industry-specific regulations and standards, such as the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), Public Sector (Governance) Act ("PSGA") and Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), and the ability to develop and implement effective security policies and procedures. Specific areas of knowledge include: ​​​

​​

  • Risk assessment and analysis,

  • Security policies and procedures,

  • Industry-specific regulations and standards

  • Data privacy and protection laws

  • Business continuity and disaster recovery planning
     

These technical skills are essential for cybersecurity professionals to effectively protect networks, systems, and data from potential threats and vulnerabilities. By staying up-to-date on the latest technologies and best practices, cybersecurity professionals can help ensure the safety and security of their organisations. However, soft skills are equally important to excel and operate effectively as a cybersecurity professional.
 

Non-technical Skills Needed In Cybersecurity


In addition to possessing a solid set of technical skills, several non-technical skills are essential for cybersecurity professionals. These skills are vital because they help cybersecurity professionals communicate and collaborate effectively with others and manage and prioritise their workload. 

 

More often than cloud security or digital assets, human mistakes due to miscommunication, a lack of proper knowledge or oversight of data lead to the most significant cybersecurity incidents. 

 

At CFC, we focus on ensuring students understand the link between IT and business and equip them with business acumen and communication skills. This helps them effectively interact with all departments and levels of any organisation they become part of.

 

Here are the top 5 non-technical skills that every cybersecurity professional should have:
 

1. Effective Communication

The ability to communicate effectively is crucial for cybersecurity professionals. This includes explaining complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences and collaborating with others to develop and implement adequate security measures. 
 

2. Problem-Solving Abilities

Cybersecurity professionals must be able to think critically and creatively to solve complex problems. This includes analysing information, identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities, and developing solutions to mitigate risks.
 

3. Organisational Skills

Organisational Skills: Cybersecurity professionals must manage and prioritise their workload effectively to ensure that all security tasks and responsibilities are completed promptly. This includes the ability to plan and organise work, as well as the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
 

4. Leadership Skills

Leadership: Cybersecurity professionals may be required to lead teams or projects and must have strong leadership skills. This includes the ability to motivate and inspire others, as well as the ability to delegate tasks and responsibilities effectively.

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5. Adaptability 

Adaptability: The field of cybersecurity is constantly changing, and therefore cybersecurity professionals must be able to adapt to new technologies, threats, and challenges. This includes learning quickly, staying up-to-date on the latest developments in the field, and adapting to changing environments and situations.
 

These non-technical skills are essential for cybersecurity professionals to succeed in their careers. Cybersecurity professionals can effectively communicate, collaborate, manage their workload, and adapt to changing environments and situations by developing and refining these skills.
 

Prerequisites For Entering Cybersecurity

Another common question for those looking to enter the cybersecurity industry is, 'What skills do I require before learning cybersecurity?' or 'Do I need to know to program?'.

 

The short answer is: it depends. Depending on your career destination and the programme you are applying for, some curriculums may offer introductory courses in Python, Linux and Windows fundamentals as part of their training.

 

At Centre For Cybersecurity, our XE Basics Course (also known as Beginners' Course) equips all beginners with the necessary skillsets that will allow them to advance to more complex cybersecurity training. 

 

This allows people with no background in programming or cybersecurity to have a leg up in entering the cybersecurity market.

 

Learning the fundamentals of networking, Linux and Windows will help build a solid foundation for your cybersecurity education if you are looking for more information to get a better footing in cybersecurity.

 

Below are some relevant resources that we have found:

Cybersecurity Foundation Resources

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1. Networking Fundamentals 

2. Linux Fundamentals

Learning with a Linux system by your side is always best to be familiar with and explore commands and their piping.

3. Windows Fundamentals

 

--[CYBERSECURITY COURSES]--

When choosing a cybersecurity course, there are several essential things to look out for to ensure you get the best education and training possible.

 

Here are the top 5 things to consider when selecting a cybersecurity training provider:

  1. Course Curriculum: It is crucial to choose a cybersecurity course that has a comprehensive and up-to-date curriculum. This should include various topics, such as networking and information security, operating systems, programming and scripting, cybersecurity tools and technologies, and risk management and compliance. Cybersecurity evolves constantly, and training providers must keep up to date with changes and build these new findings into their curricula for students. At CFC, both our theoretical and practical components are subjected to review every month. Students are guaranteed to be learning the latest skills and knowledge in cybersecurity.
     

  2. Instructor Experience: The instructor of a cybersecurity course should have a strong background in the field, with experience in both theoretical and practical aspects of cybersecurity. This will ensure that the system is taught by someone knowledgeable and experienced and can provide valuable insights and real-world examples. 
     

  3. Course Format: The format of a cybersecurity course should be suitable for your learning style and schedule. Online courses may be a good option for individuals considering a mid-career switch, as they offer flexibility and convenience. It is important to consider the duration and intensity of the course, as well as any additional resources, such as study materials and support, that may be provided. The majority of our students are adult learners with full-time careers or caretakers. We considered these and built a training system that best supports them while studying with us. Students have access to course notes, class recordings, 24/7 access to practice labs, study sessions and 1-to-1 consultations.
     

  4. Practical Skills: A cybersecurity course should focus on providing practical skills and hands-on experience. This may include hands-on labs, case studies, and projects that allow you to apply what you have learned to real-world scenarios. Students at CFC get hands-on experience with the world-renowned Cyberium Arena Cybersecurity Simulator. Additionally, there are capstone projects that help build their portfolios, which are used to showcase their technical abilities during cybersecurity job interviews. 
     

  5. Certification: Most entry-level certifications such as CEH & CISSP are unfortunately entirely useless in employment. This is because these certifications are earned through multiple-choice questions that do not reflect a candidate's technical skills. It is important not to select a cybersecurity course solely to attain these entry-level certifications that will not help secure a cybersecurity career. Read more about why certifications do not help with employment here. 
     

Overall, choosing a cybersecurity course with a comprehensive and up-to-date curriculum is vital, is taught by experienced instructors, and has a format suitable for your learning style and schedule. You can get the best education and training possible by considering these factors and looking for a course that provides the practical skills employers look for.

 

Securing A Cybersecurity Career With CFC

At the Centre for Cybersecurity, bridging the transition from classroom best practices to real-life career demands is a crucial mission. CFC's curriculum enables students to fill unique niches that align with business digital transformation priorities and make themselves as applicable across organisations as possible. The CSA has recently launched toolkits to enhance cybersecurity investment for enterprise owners and business tech leaders. CFC strongly emphasises the cultivation of cybersecurity leadership and guidance for employee cybersecurity education to align with national cybersecurity priorities.

 

Hands-on training that reflects employer and industry demands is a central area of focus. Covering cyber fundamentals (Windows and Linux), Security Operations Centre (SOC) and Python as well as exposure to learning simulators such as the Cyberium Arena, students develop insight into cybersecurity trends and vulnerabilities so they can quickly adapt and apply skills gained in new contexts. 

 

To succeed in a cybersecurity career requires high reasoning and cognitive intelligence levels. CFC's unique programme enables new professionals to stand out from the talent pool and be effective from day one. CFC, in its push for digital transformation, develops individuals who desire to innovate and problem-solve by looking at cybersecurity issues with new lenses and challenges.

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