How to Hire a Cybersecurity Expert?

A cybersecurity expert can take up a variety of jobs, including security consultants, vulnerability tester, security analyst, ethical hacker, cryptographer, security engineer, and more.

Data security is crucial in any organization because the moment you let unauthorized people access your clients’ data, your reliability will be questionable, with the result that you’ll lose clients.

When hiring a cybersecurity expert, these are the factors you need to consider: 

1.      Educational and Professional Background

Many universities nowadays offer degrees in cybersecurity. Some courses offered include Network Security, Information Security, Cyber Investigations and Digital Forensics, Cybersecurity Policy and Management, and Cybersecurity.

Before you hire any expert, find out what they studied and whether it is in line with the position you want to fill. Some people pose as security experts, but they don’t have any training. Avoid such people as they may bring your company down.

2.      Look for Specific Skills

Since you want to hire a cybersecurity expert, look for the specific skills in the candidate you want to hire. Remember that an individual may have academic qualifications, but they can still lack the skills needed at the workplace.

A perfect candidate is one who can think out of the box and has demonstrable skills in cybersecurity. For example, the individual should know how to detect unauthorized data access, physical threats, or unusual activities, and put measures to prevent these.

The expert should provide both cybersecurity and networking service, and should have the ability to diagnose and analyze security risks and provide solutions. Not to mention knowing network architecture.

3.      Have a Flexible Job Description

Few people have trained in cybersecurity, so, as you search for an expert, don’t be too strict with your requirements. For example, if you insist on several years of experience and particular degrees, you may reduce your chances of getting the best experts.

The best time to determine whether an individual is the best fit for the job is during an interview. So, you need to come up with a recruitment procedure that can help you identify the best experts.

4.      Offer Attractive Benefits and Salaries

You should give data security the priority it deserves. For you to attract the most qualified and experienced cybersecurity experts, you must offer them a lucrative package.

Remember, the integrity of your company will be in their hands, so you need them to feel comfortable while working.

Even if you can’t offer a good salary, consider offering some benefits that can make them stick with you. For example, you can offer them healthcare, saving schemes, retirement contribution schemes, generous leaves, and a flexible working environment.

Conclusion

Hiring experienced experts has its advantages. However, if you can’t get the experts you need, you can train some of your employees. In-house training can seem expensive, but it is a good investment.

You can identify some smart employees from your IT department then sponsor them for cybersecurity training. In-house training will prove to be more beneficial to you in the long run.