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Cyber security specialist skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted experts
Louis Bobelis,
Louis Bobelis
Below we've compiled a list of the most critical cyber security specialist skills. We ranked the top skills for cyber security specialists based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 16.6% of cyber security specialist resumes contained cyber security as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a cyber security specialist needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 cyber security specialist skills for your resume and career

1. Cyber Security

Here's how cyber security specialists use cyber security:
  • Recorded assessment results, conclusions and justifications, and transmitted documentation as required by the cyber security plan.
  • Read and review Cyber Security policies for new or updated procedures and implement change management concerning local policy.

2. Incident Response

Incident response is defined as the process by which a company or organization handles a cyber attack or a data breach. Along with dealing with the initial attack, this also deals with the possible consequences of the breach. The goal of incident response is to limit the damage caused by the attack.

Here's how cyber security specialists use incident response:
  • Utilize Virtual Environments to review and document suspicious files activity in incident response investigations.
  • Performed security investigations, incident response and security operational support (SOC).

3. NIST

Here's how cyber security specialists use nist:
  • Document the Enterprise Log Management Architecture using IAW NIST SP 800-53 Revision 4 and NIST SP 800-92.
  • Update IT security policies, procedures and standards according to NIST.

4. Security Operations

Here's how cyber security specialists use security operations:
  • Provide Security Operations and firewall architecture and principles to classified and unclassified networks.
  • Performed Active Monitoring and Compliance Validation on Canadian Information Security Operations.

5. Forensics

Forensics is the application of scientific techniques, tests, and knowledge to detect and analyze crime scenes and evidence. With the advent of technology, the scope of forensics has broadened.

Here's how cyber security specialists use forensics:
  • Utilize Network Intrusion Detection and Forensics to conduct performance analysis of Information Systems security incidents.
  • Performed network and systems monitoring and analysis, incident management/remediation and forensics activities.

6. DOD

Definition of Done (DoD) is a set of deliverables that are needed to devise software. These deliverables are valuable to the system and can be exemplified by writing code, coding comments, unit testing, integration testing, design documents, release notes, and so on.

Here's how cyber security specialists use dod:
  • Contracted to USMC to work on regional implementation of the DoD Risk Management Framework.
  • Prepare security documentation in accordance with DOD, Air Force, and USTRANSCOM instructions.

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7. RMF

RMF (the Risk Management Framework) refers to a set of criteria used by the federal government and its contractors to improve information security. To be proficient in RMF, in-depth technical experience with core technologies like Digital, Cloud, Data Protection, etc., along with knowledge of FISMA and FedRAMP regulatory compliance requirements.

Here's how cyber security specialists use rmf:
  • Utilize RMF six steps - Categorize, select, implement, assess, authorize & monitor.
  • Prepare security assessment package recommending system for or against authorization to operate using DIACAP and RMF process

8. SIEM

Here's how cyber security specialists use siem:
  • Evaluate, monitor and design firewall configurations, IDS analyses and set-up and SIEM activities.
  • Documented, supported and coordinated vendor support for SIEM software BlackStratus.

9. Network Security

Here's how cyber security specialists use network security:
  • Reduced vulnerabilities within the environment using Retina, network security scanner and application security protection.
  • Work with and train users and young Airman on Network security.

10. Windows

Windows is a chain of operating systems that controls a computer and is developed by Microsoft. Every version of Windows consists of GUI (graphical user interface), with a desktop that allows the user to open their files.

Here's how cyber security specialists use windows:
  • Trained junior soldiers in Active Directory Administration, IT Security Standards, Networking, and Windows Troubleshooting.
  • Installed, operated, and maintained Microsoft Windows LAN Server/Client Software and equipment.

11. Security Incidents

Here's how cyber security specialists use security incidents:
  • Respond and take action on classified computer security incidents.
  • Handle Information Systems security incidents.

12. Key Management

Here's how cyber security specialists use key management:
  • Install, configure and maintain Information Security services related to Public Key Infrastructure administrations and key management.
  • Lead Analyst for the Secure Shell software evaluation for the 3.5 million dollar Enterprise Key Management project at Wells Fargo.

13. Risk Assessments

The process of analyzing and identifying the acts or events that have the potential to negatively affect an individual, asset, or business is called risk assessment. Risk assessments are important because they form an integral part of an organization as well as occupational safety plans

Here's how cyber security specialists use risk assessments:
  • Completed ISSO duties including creation and modification of Risk Assessments, ST&E plans and modifications of Security Plans.
  • Consult with clients to determine hardware, software or system functional specifications, perform vulnerability and risk assessments, document recommendations.

14. IP

An IP - Internet Protocol is a unique number assigned to all devices connected to information technology, such as printers, routers, modems, etc. Each device or domain that connects to the Internet is assigned an IP address, and as packets are directed to the IP address attached to them, the data goes where it is needed. IP addresses are the identifier used to send information between devices on a network. They contain location information and make devices accessible for communication.

Here's how cyber security specialists use ip:
  • Approved requests to register domains with DNS and maintained log of all NIH registered IP's.
  • Conduct ACAS to scan IP addresses of specific zones of Marine Corps Base.

15. Intrusion Detection

Intrusion Detection is the job of an intrusion detection system which is a software application that maintains 24-hour surveillance on a system or network to detect an intrusion or breach of privacy. The system then reports the intrusion to its administrator who then takes necessary steps to prevent the intrusion by activating a firewall or blocking out the violator. They are used in the IT industry mostly and in areas where security is held in high esteem.

Here's how cyber security specialists use intrusion detection:
  • Provided expertise on intrusion detection/monitoring tools.
  • Provided real-time monitoring of system integrity of ASIM Intrusion Detection Systems at every US Air Force installation ensuring enhanced network security.
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What skills help Cyber Security Specialists find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on cyber security specialist resumes?

Louis Bobelis

Part-Time Faculty, The University of Tampa

Cybersecurity is emerging as one of the hottest and most desirable job industries globally, so I feel student graduates must stick out far beyond just what their degree provides them with. As an IT-based profession, Industry Standard Certificates play a crucial role in the hiring process because it assures the individual as the basic knowledge set required to fulfill a "base-level" qualification. In the current job market, I would say it is almost mandatory to have a CompTIA Security+ in order to be competitive. SSCP, CEH, OSCP, CCSP, and CySA+ are other great options but may be more difficult for graduates.

What soft skills should all cyber security specialists possess?

Louis Bobelis

Part-Time Faculty, The University of Tampa

I feel the most important soft skill is character. Being outspoken and able to explain technical cyber incidents decisively and clearly for non-IT-oriented people in your organization is especially important when you are in more senior-level positions.

What hard/technical skills are most important for cyber security specialists?

Louis Bobelis

Part-Time Faculty, The University of Tampa

An ability to triage events and understand a cyber investigation process. Understand how to sandbox a file and locate IOCs (Indicators of Compromise) within the file. Knowing and understanding the MITRE Kill Chain and other Cybersecurity standards.

What cyber security specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Kermit Burley M.Ed.

Program Coordinator of Information Technology and Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations, Pennsylvania State University - Lehigh Valley

In my fields of Cyber and Information Technology we truly need the abilities to be always learning and always preparing for the next great breakthrough or the next big threat. So, adaptability and a willingness to always be learning are essential for success. Of course, our greatest challenge now and certainly in the next 3-5 years will be AI. (Artificial Intelligence) It is already upon us and has the potential to revolutionize our field and the entire landscape of what we do. The ability to stay ahead of that very steep hill will require constant innovation and an ability to accurately anticipate what is coming just around the corner. What I also see is an increased need for "people" skills, the ability to lead a team of people to achieve goals and budgetary requirements. All too often graduates in Cyber and IT are stereotyped as not having any people skills at all and preferring to work alone. This stereotype must end and those graduates who possess people skills will be in great demand not only in the next 3-5 years, but for decades to come.

List of cyber security specialist skills to add to your resume

Cyber security specialist skills

The most important skills for a cyber security specialist resume and required skills for a cyber security specialist to have include:

  • Cyber Security
  • Incident Response
  • NIST
  • Security Operations
  • Forensics
  • DOD
  • RMF
  • SIEM
  • Network Security
  • Windows
  • Security Incidents
  • Key Management
  • Risk Assessments
  • IP
  • Intrusion Detection
  • Intrusion Prevention
  • Management System
  • IDS
  • ACAS
  • Security Systems
  • HBSS
  • Vulnerability Assessments
  • POA
  • Nessus
  • Firewall
  • National Security
  • Security Assessments
  • Security Issues
  • Disa
  • Key Infrastructure
  • PKI
  • Data Availability
  • Network Infrastructure
  • Vulnerability Testing
  • DLP
  • Configuration Management
  • Encryption
  • Technical Support
  • Security Standards
  • FISMA
  • Security Plan
  • Metasploit
  • STIG
  • Coop
  • Dr
  • Network Devices

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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