Optimising the potential benefits of hybrid work, building a tech skill stack that boosts competitiveness and digital transformation remain top priorities for companies in Singapore. The 2021 Tech Talent Expectation Survey, commissioned by Randstad Singapore and independently conducted by YouGov, showed that only 48% of ICT respondents receive job interview requests at least once a month despite the high demand for tech talent in Singapore.
Cybersecurity with an emphasis on data collection and analysis and automation will be critical skill sets needed for the future of work. Businesses, as part of beefing up their cybersecurity resilience, are rethinking their ways of identifying and retaining talent, partnering with technology organisations like the SANS Institute or Cyber Talent Institute. Singapore’s Cyber Security Agency (CSA) and global consulting firm, Mercer, have unveiled an OT Cybersecurity Competency Framework to foster new ways of doing business with more agility, differentiation, and innovation fuelled by smarter decision-making.
Career preparation starts early at CFC
At the Centre for Cybersecurity (CFC), bridging the transition from classroom best practices to real-life career demands, is a key mission. CFC’s curriculum enables students to fill unique niches that align to business digital transformation priorities and make themselves as useful across organisations as possible. The CSA has recently launched toolkits for enterprise owners and business tech leaders to enhance cybersecurity investment. CFC places a strong emphasis on the cultivation of cybersecurity leadership and guidance for employee cybersecurity education, to align with national cybersecurity priorities.
Hands-on training that reflect employer and industry demands, is a paramount 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 levels of reasoning and cognitive intelligence, and CFC’s unique programme enables new professionals to most likely stand out from the talent pool and be effective from day one. CFC in its push of digital transformation, develops individuals who have a desire to innovate and problem-solve by looking at cybersecurity issues with new lenses and challenges.
Developing a balanced blend of technical and soft skills
General programming, Unix commands, and networking architecture are all essential tech skills that can be applied in cybersecurity. Those with domain IT knowledge such as computer science, cloud technology, regulatory compliance are also much sought after.
Soft skills, or critical core skills, such as communication, transdisciplinary thinking and creative thinking are highly coveted by cybersecurity firms as well. Relatability and the ability to engage across channels, is also instrumental in a cybersecurity career.
More often than cloud security or digital assets, it’s human mistakes due to miscommunication, a lack of suitable knowledge or oversight of data that lead to the largest cybersecurity incidents. At CFC, our focus is on ensuring students understand the link between IT and the business, and to 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.
Upskilling essentials or new knowledge to work in cybersecurity in any industry
Across healthcare, insurance and online payments, ransomware is a recurring threat to organisations, however, established or novel. Tokio Marine Insurance, Pine Labs and Eye Retina Surgeons all suffered from cybersecurity setbacks in 2021.
CFC prides itself in its approach to developing its alumni. They undergo rigorous training, advance to work with a variety of portfolios and immerse themselves in different industries. From interactive training programmes, curated intelligence through market reports, research and news, specialist diplomas and structured mentorship, CFC believes learning and education, regardless of format, are integral to a successful cybersecurity career.
Contemplating a switch to a dynamic and rewarding cybersecurity career or a more specialist role? Contact CFC to get started on your cybersecurity journey.
