Every year cyber attacks become more sophisticated and severe. So much so, that a recent study by Specops Software found that 54% of business owners from a range of sectors have experienced an increase in cyber threats this year.

To neutralise risk and protect key functions from being compromised by cyber attacks, more and more business leaders are realising the importance of cyber security positions (cyber security analyst, cyber security specialist etc.) within their organisations.

Interested in this, Specops Software analysed 843 cyber security job listings on Indeed to identify the most desired skills for cyber security roles in the current job market.

Cyber Security Jobs: The Most Desired Skills
Specops Software found that having a technical aptitude and mindset is the most coveted skill for cyber security roles with an astonishing 99% of job listings (831/843) looking for this necessary skill.

In second position, employers appreciate a cyber security applicant who can take responsibility for their actions, decisions and work with 663 out of 843 listings searching for a candidate with this attribute (79%).

Good written communication (51%) is in third place as 427 of the listed positions analysed, value this is an employee.

Whilst a candidate with passion (37%) for cyber security ranks fourth, seemingly considered an important characteristic by a significant number of firms.

Attention to detail (188/843) and a proactive approach (172/843) are among the other skills which companies look upon favourably for cyber security positions, as 22% and 20% of job listings respectively desire these traits.

Interestingly, 14% of organisations would like prospective applicants to have knowledge of and experience with penetration testing, meaning they are able to use the same tools and techniques as cyber criminals to expose and rectify security vulnerabilities within a network or system.

Surprisingly, skills such as good organisation (11%) and oral communication (10%) are less desired than expected.

On the other end, a willingness to self-learn is the least desired skill with just 4% of positions requiring it.