Due to the sharp increase in security breaches, the demand for cybersecurity professionals has shot up. In Israel alone, only 28.4% of the demand is being met by qualified cybersecurity experts. This is making the hiring of such professionals more complex. If you are looking at hiring cybersecurity experts, we have put together a guide on how to attract the best possible talent.
Where to Find Cybersecurity Experts
It goes without saying that with so many vacancies and such hire demand, cybersecurity professionals with experience will already have employment. Traditional recruitment methods such as placing ads are only going to attract entry-level candidates. Granted, these are still valuable employees, but they aren’t going to be able to handle high levels of cyber defense. Social media sites are going to have a similar problem. Those with cybersecurity profiles will already be working, and on top of that, receive numerous offers. Here is where you could find qualified experts:
- Universities- Students in their last year of security or computer science degrees and building up their experience in preparation for employment. There is a surprising talent pool here that may start in entry-level roles but have all the potential for senior roles.
- Training courses- Excellent candidates are the ones who are determined to keep their skills up to date. You will be able to find qualified, experienced candidates from all fields of cybersecurity.
- Public events- Conference and hackathons provide immense networking opportunities that can lead to more formal talks about job opportunities.
Choosing the Right Candidate
Once you have sought out a good number of resumes and potential hires, it is time to begin the process of selecting a candidate. One common mistake to avoid is rushing the process for fear of not hiring a cybersecurity expert. Another mistake is assuming that anyone can interview a cybersecurity candidate. Cybersecurity is a highly specialized field and the interviewer will need a good grasp of common concepts. HR and recruitment specialists aren’t familiar with Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) certification or similar.
There are two solutions to this problem. First, you can include a member of your cybersecurity team in the hiring process. Alternatively, you can hire an external recruiter specializing in cybersecurity. Someone who understands the intricates of cybersecurity will know just what to look for in a skilled candidate.
There are three key areas that should be considered when screening cybersecurity candidates.
Academic degrees- Although not an obligation, a degree in computer science (or related) will show that a candidate has gained a general education in IT that will enable them to quickly pick up skills in cybersecurity. A degree in cybersecurity is the icing on the cake and there are various universities that now offer these degrees, both in presence and online. The degree comprises of information assurance, cyber intelligence, and digital forensics, among other topics.
Certifications- Certifications demonstrate two things. The candidate is dedicated to improving themselves and developing their career. They also go towards a candidate’s theoretical knowledge. Popular cybersecurity certifications include:
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- Certified Auditor (CISA)
Work Experience- A candidate with work experience shows that they are able to put their knowledge into practice. It’s one thing to know how to create a sophisticated cybersecurity system, it’s another to actually do it. For newly qualified candidates, it is important to see that they have made an effort to gain experience through DIY projects.
In Conclusion
Recruiting a cybersecurity expert can be a daunting experience and more so if you are not experienced in the field. Rather than risking your efforts and wasting the opportunity to hire the perfect candidate, reach out to those who are skilled to assist you.
