How to Nurture a Career in Cybersecurity in 2023

Introduction

Cybersecurity is rapidly evolving, with new threats emerging every day. Cybersecurity professionals must have the right skills to succeed in the highly competitive job market in 2023. Organizations seek individuals with diverse technical expertise, critical thinking abilities, and a strong understanding of the latest cybersecurity trends. In this article, we will explore the must-have skills that can power your career in cybersecurity in 2023. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting, these skills will help you stand out and thrive in the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape.

Threat Intelligence and Analysis

In the digital age, threats are constantly evolving. A strong understanding of threat intelligence and analysis is crucial for identifying, preventing, and mitigating cyber threats. The ability to analyze and interpret threat intelligence data, identify patterns, and anticipate potential vulnerabilities is highly sought after by employers. Familiarity with threat intelligence platforms, advanced analytics tools, and knowledge of emerging threats and attack vectors will give you an edge in the job market.

Some of the most demanded Threat Intelligence and Analysis certifications in 2023 are:

• Certified Threat Intelligence Analyst (C|TIA) from EC-Council: This certification is for security professionals who want to demonstrate their ability to collect, analyze, and report on threat intelligence. https://www.eccouncil.org/train-certify/certified-threat-intelligence-analyst-ctia/
• GIAC Threat Intelligence Analyst (GCIA) from SANS: This certification is for security professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in threat intelligence.  https://www.giac.org/certifications/cyber-threat-intelligence-gcti/
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional – Threat Intelligence (CISSP-TI) from (ISC)²: This certification is for security professionals who want to demonstrate their ability to apply threat intelligence to security operations. https://www.isc2.org/Certifications/CISSP
• Threat Hunting Analyst Certification (THAC) from MITRE Engenuity: This certification is for security professionals who want to demonstrate their ability to hunt for threats in an organization’s environment. https://mad-certified.mitre-engenuity.org/

Cloud Security

As more organizations embrace cloud computing, the demand for professionals with expertise in cloud security continues to grow. Understanding cloud infrastructure, security controls, and best practices for securing cloud environments is essential. Skills in cloud security architecture, identity and access management, encryption, and data privacy regulations are highly valued. Additionally, familiarity with cloud service providers such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) will make you more marketable in 2023.

Some of the most demanded cloud security certifications in 2023 are:

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Expert: This certification is for cloud security engineers who want to demonstrate their ability to design, implement, and manage secure Azure environments.  https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/certifications/azure-security-engineer-expert/
• Google Cloud Certified – Professional Cloud Security Engineer: This certification is for cloud security engineers who want to demonstrate their ability to design, implement, and manage secure cloud environments. https://cloud.google.com/learn/certification/cloud-security-engineer

AWS Certified Security – Specialty – Cloud Architect: This certification is for cloud architects who want to demonstrate their ability to design and architect secure cloud solutions.   https://aws.amazon.com/certification/certified-security-specialty/

Incident Response and Forensics

Incident response and digital forensics are critical cybersecurity skills. Organizations need professionals who can effectively respond to and manage security incidents, conduct investigations, and gather evidence. Proficiency in incident response frameworks, threat-hunting techniques, and digital forensics tools is essential. The ability to analyze and interpret logs, identify indicators of compromise (IOCs), and understand threat actors’ tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) will set you apart in the job market.

Image source: https://www.infoguard.ch/en/blog/incident-response-and-digital-forensics

Some of the most demanded Incident Response and Forensics certifications in 2023 are:

• GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH): This certification is for security professionals who want to demonstrate their ability to respond to and manage security incidents.  https://www.giac.org/certifications/certified-incident-handler-gcih
• GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA): This certification is for security professionals who want to demonstrate their ability to collect, analyze, and preserve digital evidence. https://www.giac.org/certifications/certified-forensic-analyst-gcfa
• SANS FOR508: Advanced Incident Response, Threat Hunting, and Digital Forensics: This course covers the latest techniques for responding to and investigating security incidents.  https://www.sans.org/cyber-security-courses/advanced-incident-response-threat-hunting-training/
• SANS FOR610: Reverse-Engineering Malware: Malware Analysis Tools and Techniques: This course teaches how to analyze malware and identify its authors and motivations.  https://www.sans.org/cyber-security-courses/reverse-engineering-malware-malware-analysis-tools-techniques/

Secure Coding and Application Security

With the increasing number of cyber-attacks targeting applications, secure coding, and application security skills are in high demand. Organizations seek professionals who can develop secure code, perform vulnerability assessments, and implement robust security controls throughout the software development lifecycle. Proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Python, and C++ and knowledge of secure coding practices and common vulnerabilities will make you a valuable asset to any organization.

Some of the most demanded secure coding and application security certifications in 2023 are:

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) from EC-Council: This certification is for IT security professionals who want to demonstrate their knowledge of ethical hacking techniques and tools. https://www.eccouncil.org/train-certify/certified-ethical-hacker-ceh/

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) from (ISC)²: This certification is for experienced security professionals who want to demonstrate their knowledge of a broad range of security topics.

Certified Application Security Engineer (C|ASE) from ISACA: This certification is for application security engineers who want to demonstrate their knowledge of application security principles and best practices.

DevSecOps Engineer Certification from Intigriti: This certification is for DevSecOps engineers who want to demonstrate their knowledge of the DevSecOps methodology.

Network Security and Penetration Testing

Network security remains a critical aspect of cybersecurity. Understanding network protocols, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and secure network architecture is essential. Additionally, proficiency in penetration testing techniques and tools is highly valued. Organizations need professionals who can identify weaknesses in their networks and systems, simulate real-world attacks, and provide recommendations for improvement. Certifications like Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) can boost your credibility in this domain.

• Network Security Engineer (NSE) from CompTIA: This certification is for network security professionals who want to demonstrate their skills in designing, implementing, and managing secure networks. https://www.comptia.org/certifications/network-security-engineer

• Security+ from CompTIA: This certification is for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their basic knowledge of security concepts and technologies.   https://www.comptia.org/certifications/security
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Security: This certification is for network engineers who want to demonstrate their skills in securing Cisco networks.  https://www.pearsonvue.com/en-us/certification/cisco/certification-exams/200-201.aspx

Risk Management and Compliance

Risk management and compliance skills are vital in an era of increasing regulations and data privacy concerns. Understanding risk assessment methodologies and compliance frameworks such as GDPR and CCPA and developing and implementing effective security policies are highly valued skills. Organizations seek professionals who can assess and mitigate risks, ensure compliance with relevant regulations, and effectively communicate security requirements to stakeholders.

Some of the most demanded risk management and compliance certifications in 2023 are:

Certified Risk Manager (CRM) from the Risk Management Society (RIMS): This certification is for experienced risk managers who want to demonstrate their knowledge of risk management principles and best practices.  https://www.grmi.org/exams/crm/

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) from the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA): This certification is for information systems auditors who want to demonstrate their ability to assess and manage information security risks.  https://www.isaca.org/credentialing/cisa/cisa-exam

Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) from ISACA is for risk and information systems control professionals who want to demonstrate their ability to design, implement, and manage effective risk and control frameworks. https://www.isaca.org/credentialing/crisc/take-the-exam

Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management (CPHRM) from the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE): This certification is for healthcare risk managers who want to demonstrate their knowledge of healthcare risk management principles and best practices.  https://www.aha.org/career-resources/certification-center/cphrm

Conclusion

To thrive in the 2023 job market, cybersecurity professionals must continuously update their skills in threat intelligence, cloud security, incident response, secure coding, network security, and risk management. Engage in professional development, gain practical experience, build a network, develop soft skills, and stay informed about industry trends and emerging technologies; if you want to explore any of these certifications CloudThat can be your right training partner. You can explore a plethora of security courses offered by us. Doing so can position you as a valuable asset in the competitive cybersecurity job market of 2023 and beyond.

About CloudThat

CloudThat, incepted in 2012, is the first Indian organization to offer Cloud training and consultancy for mid-market and enterprise clients. Our business aims to provide global services on Cloud Engineering, Training, and Expert Line. Our expertise in all major cloud platforms, including Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), VMware, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP), positions us as pioneers.