Why soft skills are just as important as technical skills in cybersecurity

The cybersecurity industry is filled with dedicated and skilled professionals in the workforce. The value of the technical skills they need to protect the network, infrastructure and data from cyber attacks are often highly prioritized.  

Equally important as the technical skills that enable you to safeguard organizations, there lie the soft skills that help cybersecurity professionals navigate the human component of the job. Soft skills have been known to increase workplace productivity, job satisfaction, employee adaptability and team dynamics. However, they are often overlooked or undervalued. According to the ISACA State of Cybersecurity report, soft skills were rated as the greatest skills gap by 54% of cybersecurity professionals. The industry is ready for an increase in soft skills training and all the benefits that come with it.  

Here are just a few reasons that soft skills training for cybersecurity professionals is vital for your career:  

• Developing the necessary skills to collaborate and communicate with key stakeholders with different levels of cybersecurity awareness
• Showing behaviors that build credibility and trust with clients and stakeholders 
• Increasing team resilience and adaptability in the face of disruption  

Developing the necessary skills to collaborate and communicate with key stakeholders with different levels of cybersecurity awareness 

It is often necessary to explain and promote your cybersecurity programs in order to get buy-ins from the leadership and the board. These stakeholders may have varying levels of experience and understanding of cyber tactics. Effectively communicating your vision and providing clear instructions on how to implement it is crucial for achieving the desired outcome. By demonstrating patience and making technical language digestible for diverse audiences, you can effectively engage everyone in your organization and ensure their commitment to maintaining cyber safety. 

With the Cybersecurity Soft Skills learning path on Infosec Skills, you will learn the Security, Trust, Stability (STS) Model and develop soft skills that will help align your security program with your organization’s strategy.  

Showing behaviors that build credibility and trust with clients and stakeholders

In a zero-trust cybersecurity environment, the responsibility of keeping the organization and its data secure falls upon all employees. Cybersecurity leaders also have a crucial role in empowering individuals within their organizations to fulfill this responsibility effectively. Fostering transparency and clarity through company-wide sharing of best practices and incidents can solidify employees’ commitment in maintaining the safety of the organization. Additionally, exhibiting soft skills like active listening and empathy, cybersecurity teams can establish trust with clients, colleagues, and other stakeholders. 

The Cybersecurity Soft Skills learning path walks learners through relationship building and skills that garner trust. By the end of the course, security professionals at all levels will learn how to build confidence and gain credibility with regulators, stakeholders and employees. 

Increasing team resilience and adaptability in the face of disruption 

Defending an organization against cyber threats is a never-ending job that requires continuous effort and vigilance. Technology is constantly evolving, as are hackers’ tactics. To ensure the continuous protection of an organization, it is imperative to consistently cultivate growth and development. Resilience is crucial when confronted with consistent changes and attacks. Soft skills such as stress management, effective communication and empathy can help you build resiliency and adaptability and create a supportive environment for your team to feel comfortable and at ease to navigate changes or challenging situations.  

By completing the Cybersecurity Soft Skills learning path, you will have the tools and knowledge to enhance resiliency, foster team adaptability, and gain insights to achieve operational stability and effective team responses. 

 

While technical skills are undeniably essential in cybersecurity, it is also important to recognize the significance of soft skills. With the Cybersecurity Soft Skills learning path, you can become a more confident and competent leader, enabling you to build a team with increased adaptability, achieve higher staff morale and improve retention. Integrate norms of transparency and trust around cybersecurity into your organization’s culture. This learning path equips you with the necessary soft skills to effectively communicate, collaborate and ensure the safety and security of your organization. 

 

It’s time to develop your Cybersecurity Soft Skills and take control over your career with Infosec Skills. 

 

Need to find the right training for the whole team? Try Infosec Skills Teams. 

 

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