Which Cybersecurity Professionals Should You Hire?

Digital transformation is in full swing as the modern workplace is becoming more reliant on cloud services that can support remote teams. However, with this quick expansion, cybersecurity has become even more critical.

This is why organizations in all industries are fighting for the attention of highly qualified cybersecurity professionals who can help keep sensitive information and systems safe from rising online threats.

Yet, cybersecurity professionals are not a monolith as there are different kinds of experts you can hire to improve your cybersecurity framework.

Here are some of the most in-demand professionals you should consider hiring.

1. Systems Security Manager

By recruiting a systems security manager, you’re introducing a true cybersecurity powerhouse into your ranks. These professionals are usually tasked with organizing your security measures and their day-to-day operations include:

1. Managing the creation of IT infrastructures

2. Implementing security policies

3. Overseeing security audits and threat assessments

4. Detecting and stopping intrusions

5. Creating and implementing security strategies to improve the reliability of different IT projects

Since this is a role brimming with responsibility, you need to hire a candidate with an extensive technical background in the fields of network and system security. Naturally, this isn’t an entry-level position and it will require no less than five years of experience.

Apart from the credentials, these types of cybersecurity professionals also need plenty of rare soft skills. After all, they have to manage teams that include a variety of IT professionals such as security engineers, analysts, and others.

Don’t settle for less than someone with stellar communication skills and a strong knack for leadership. Also, don’t forget about analytical and problem-solving skills which are a must when having to deal with processes like disaster recovery.

2. Systems Security Administrator

Depending on the size of the enterprise, the job description for this role may be different. In small or midsize companies, system security administrators may pull double duty of managing networking systems and filling a system administrator role.

On the other hand, in larger organizations the system security administrator role is more focused. It covers:

1. Establishing the best IT security practices

2. Identifying vulnerabilities through penetration testing

3. Installing and maintaining solutions for virus protection and other security measures

When hiring these cybersecurity professionals, look for applicants with a plethora of experience in networking. For instance, your systems security administrator needs to be familiar with things such as intrusion prevention, different network protocols, routing and switching, firewalls, and most importantly, a deep understanding of TCP/IP protocols.

3. Network Security Engineer

When putting together a solid IT security infrastructure, a network security engineer should come in handy. These cybersecurity professionals have all the necessary skills with designing brand-new infrastructures or if needed, modifying existing networks to improve their security standards.

Additionally, a network security engineer does the following:

1. Analyzing security events

2. Monitoring detections and response activities

3. Managing penetration testing 

A perfect candidate for this role is a virtuoso in security technology who is also experienced with different types of cybersecurity threats. When interviewing someone for this position, make sure they have experience in creating and documenting security policies.

4. Security Architect

Prevention is the best cure, and the same applies to your network infrastructure. A security architect can help you avoid all digital threats from malware to pesky hackers. 

How?

Simple - they will audit your IT staff and your existing infrastructure. They’ll then pinpoint any weaknesses and make recommendations on possible security improvements that don’t impact your system’s performance.

These cybersecurity professionals may also:

1. Perform tests to detect suspicious activity

2. Analyze threats to minimize the risk of future breaches

3. Inform your staff on regulations of IT security

Since a security architect pretty much supervises teams and works hand in hand with other staff to help implement different IT strategies, you need someone with a wealth of experience, along with strong leadership and communication skills. Keep a lookout for an individual that has a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certificate.

5. Data security Analyst

Think of the data security analyst as your cybersecurity vanguard. These cybersecurity professionals are the ones who will get their hands dirty protecting your networks and systems from threats that can compromise critical infrastructures and company data. 

Their role is important as they handle everything from firewall administration to the implementation of encryption technologies and new network protocols. 

By hiring a data security analyst, you can cover the following processes:

1. Development of new and improved IT security procedures and policies

2. Researching the current IT security incidents to address any security weaknesses in your organization

3. Analysis and risk assessment

Ideally, aim for someone with at least three years of experience. A perfect candidate will also have a high level of self-motivation, strong interpersonal skills, as well as critical problem-solving skills.

We can’t stress this enough - a data security analyst needs to be familiar with the security industry trends including recent developments. Check how ‘’up-to-date’’ they are during your interview.

The Best Way To Track Down Cybersecurity Professionals

At the moment, everyone is facing a cybersecurity talent shortage. All of the roles outlined above are in high demand and many employers are struggling to fill their cybersecurity gaps. In fact, there are more than 760k job openings for cybersecurity professionals. 

To overcome this challenge, you’ll either have to redesign your hiring process from the ground up and educate your staff about the niche areas of the cybersecurity fields or go through a staffing agency. 

That way, you can gain access to a broad pool of ready-to-work professionals. This includes hidden talent, aka the employees who aren’t currently looking for new work. 

Additionally, you can save a lot of time and money by going through a tech staffing agency like Griffin Global, as we will complete the hardest parts of the hiring process, including finding the employees, conducting pre-screening, and completing preliminary interviews. 

A Bulletproof Network Infrastructure

Just one cybersecurity catastrophe could spell financial trouble for your company. To avoid this, you have to make your network infrastructure bulletproof by leveraging the help of different types of security professionals.

But it’s not just about the modernization and optimization of your IT infrastructure. Cybersecurity professionals can also help you plan for the worst-case scenario so you can recover with minimal damage and minimal downtime.

Start hiring now, and plan for the future.