Welcome!

Welcome to the very first edition of Avidity Recruitment’s newsletter! I’m thrilled to have you here as we embark on this journey together. Whether you’re looking to boost your career, nail your next interview, or stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity, this newsletter is here to help you succeed.

In this issue, we’ll dive into the top skills you need to master in 2024, tackle some common interview challenges, and explore the latest trends in cybersecurity. Let’s get started!

Best regards,

Luke Gough

CEO/Founder

Career Advice Corner: Top 5 Skills Every Cybersecurity Professional Should Master in 2024

As cybersecurity continues to grow and evolve, professionals must stay ahead by mastering the most in-demand skills. Here are the top five skills that every cybersecurity professional should focus on in 2024:

1. Cloud Security

• Why It Matters: Securing these environments has become a top priority as more organisations migrate their data and applications to the cloud. Cloud security protects data, applications, and infrastructures from threats in cloud environments such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.

• What to Learn: Gain a deep understanding of cloud security principles, including Identity and Access Management (IAM), encryption techniques, and how to configure and secure cloud resources. Certifications like AWS Certified Security Specialty or Google Professional Cloud Security Engineer can be valuable.

2. Threat Intelligence

• Why It Matters: The ability to anticipate, identify, and respond to cybersecurity threats is crucial for protecting an organisation’s assets. Threat intelligence involves collecting and analysing data on current and emerging threats to inform proactive defence strategies.

• What to Learn: Learn how to gather and analyse threat data, understand the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used by threat actors, and apply this knowledge to improve security postures. Familiarity with tools like SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) systems and platforms like MITRE ATT&CK will be beneficial.

3. Automation and Scripting

• Why It Matters: Automating repetitive tasks can save time and reduce human error in cybersecurity operations. Scripting skills allow professionals to write custom scripts to automate vulnerability scanning, log analysis, and incident response.

• What to Learn: Master scripting languages like Python, which is widely used in cybersecurity for automation. Learn how to write scripts for tasks like automating security testing, creating custom tools, and integrating different security systems. Understanding basic concepts of DevSecOps (Development, Security, and Operations) can also be an asset.

4. Zero Trust Architecture

• Why It Matters: Zero Trust is a security framework that assumes threats could be inside or outside the network. Therefore, no user or device should be trusted by default. This approach requires rigorous verification of every access request.

• What to Learn: Develop expertise in implementing Zero Trust principles, such as least privilege access, continuous verification, and micro-segmentation. Learn about tools and technologies that support Zero Trust, including multi-factor authentication (MFA), network segmentation, and identity and access management (IAM) solutions.

5. Soft Skills

• Why It Matters: Technical skills are critical in cybersecurity, but soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are equally important. Cybersecurity professionals must often explain complex concepts to non-technical stakeholders and work collaboratively across departments.

• What to Learn: Focus on improving your ability to communicate technical information clearly and concisely. Develop leadership skills, especially if you aim for management roles, and practice conflict resolution and negotiation. These skills will help you effectively advocate for security measures and collaborate on projects across your organisation.

Conclusion: By focusing on these five key areas—cloud security, threat intelligence, automation and scripting, Zero Trust architecture, and soft skills—you can ensure that you stay competitive and continue to advance your career in the dynamic field of cybersecurity.

Interview Tips & Tricks: How to Answer Behavioral Questions in a Cybersecurity Interview

Behavioural questions are a key component of many cybersecurity interviews. These questions are designed to assess how you handle real-world situations and challenges. Employers use them to gauge your problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and how you apply your technical skills in practical scenarios.

One of the most effective ways to answer behavioural questions is by using the STAR Method. This method helps you structure your responses clearly and compellingly. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to use the STAR Method:

Situation

• What It Is: Begin by setting the scene. Describe the context within which you had to take action. This part of your response should provide enough background for the interviewer to understand your challenge.

• Example: In my previous role as a cybersecurity analyst at [Company Name], we faced a situation where several employees reported receiving suspicious emails that seemed to be phishing attempts. These emails were cleverly designed and appeared to come from internal sources, making them particularly dangerous.”

Task

• What It Is: Next, explain the task you were responsible for in this situation. What was your role? What were you expected to accomplish? This part should highlight the specific challenge or responsibility that was placed on you.

• Example: “As the lead on our incident response team, it was my responsibility to quickly assess the situation, determine the scope of the threat, and implement measures to protect our network from any potential breaches.”

Action

• What It Is: Here’s where you dive into your actions to address the task. Describe what you did, how you did it, and why you chose that particular approach. This part of your answer should demonstrate your thought process and problem-solving skills.

• Example: I immediately initiated our incident response protocol, starting with isolating the affected systems to prevent any potential spread of malware. I then worked with the IT department to identify the source of the phishing emails. Using our threat intelligence tools, I analysed the email headers and body to trace the attacker’s origin. Simultaneously, I communicated with all employees, advising them on recognising and reporting phishing attempts, and conducted a quick refresher training on email security.

Result

• What It Is: Finally, explain the outcome of your actions. This is your chance to highlight the impact of your work. Quantify the results, if possible, and explain how your actions led to a positive resolution of the situation.

• Example: Due to our swift action, we could contain the threat before any sensitive data was compromised. The phishing attempt was successfully thwarted, and our attack vector analysis improved our email filtering systems. Additionally, the incident raised awareness across the company, significantly reducing the number of phishing attempts reported in the following months.

Putting It All Together

Using the STAR Method, your answer to the behavioural question “Tell me about a time when you had to handle a security breach” would look something like this:

“In my previous role as a cybersecurity analyst at [Company Name], we faced a situation where several employees reported receiving suspicious emails that seemed to be phishing attempts. As the lead of our incident response team, it was my responsibility to quickly assess the situation, determine the scope of the threat, and implement measures to protect our network from any potential breaches. I immediately initiated our incident response protocol, starting with isolating the affected systems to prevent any potential spread of malware. I then worked with the IT department to identify the source of the phishing emails. Using our threat intelligence tools, I analysed the email headers and body to trace the attacker’s origin. Simultaneously, I communicated with all employees, advising them on recognising and reporting phishing attempts, and conducted a quick refresher training on email security. As a result of our swift action, we could contain the threat before any sensitive data was compromised. The phishing attempt was successfully thwarted, and our attack vector analysis improved our email filtering systems. Additionally, the incident raised awareness across the company, significantly reducing the number of phishing attempts reported in the following months.”

By following the STAR Method, you can provide a structured, comprehensive, and impactful answer to behavioural questions in your cybersecurity interviews. This method not only helps you stay organised in your responses but also ensures that you highlight your problem-solving skills and the positive outcomes of your actions.

Featured YouTube Video: – Do You Need A Degree for Cybersecurity?

In a recent YouTube video, I explored many aspiring cybersecurity professionals' questions: Do you really need a degree to succeed in this field? I explain the pros and cons of having a formal education versus gaining experience through certifications, self-study, and hands-on practice. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to make a career switch, this video will help you decide the best path forward. Don’t miss it!

If you found this newsletter helpful, please share it with your friends and colleagues. And don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel for more tips and insights on career growth and cybersecurity. See you in the next issue!