Cybersecurity Professional

WHAT IT IS

Key Role Dimensions

Acting as a subject matter expert: Have specialized expertise in areas such as computer programming and engineering, math, statistics and data mining.

Monitoring online threats: Work with advanced tools and systems while attempting to minimize the impact of successful cyber-attacks.

Developing best-practice methods for protecting information systems and networks: Engage in software development, testing, industry risk management, and asset and identity protection.

Advising stakeholders on threats and potential remedies: Convey findings and recommended courses of action to team members and management.

Focus Areas

Cybersecurity Professionals can apply their talents in the following ways in the banking, insurance, and finance and asset management sectors:

• Prevention: Verify stability and integrity of networks to ensure protection of finances and corporate and personal data from cyber-attacks.
• Damage Control: Mitigate damage from successful cyber-attacks.
• Forensic Response: Conduct cyber-forensics investigations into network breaches.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure security policies comply with regulations.

WHAT IT TAKES TO SUCCEED

Key Job Accountabilities

Cybersecurity Professionals generally engage in:

Cybersecurity Environmental Awareness:

• Oversee usage of programs and applications on the company’s network and prevent usage of unapproved software.
• Update application and operating system software with the most current releases.
• Stay current on industry cybersecurity threats, including the latest viruses and malware.

Intrusion Detection:

• Use an intrusion detection system (usually a device or software application) to monitor networks for breaches.
• Lead or contribute to investigations into security breaches.

Development of Secure Software:

• Develop secure coding (developing software in-house may have advantages in terms of cost and flexibility).
• Test risk assessment procedures.

Penetration Testing:

• Run real-time simulations and scenarios across complex data sets in both structured and unstructured form.
• Conduct ethical hacking exercises to determine network vulnerabilities.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Must-haves:

• Exceptional proficiency in analysis, forensics and reverse engineering to monitor and diagnose malware events and vulnerability issues
• Ability to design firewalls, monitor use of data files, and regulate access to safeguard information and network
• Data Interpretation, Sense-making & Communication Skills: Clearly convey complex findings and recommended courses of action to team members and management
• Knowledge of investigative procedures and documentation
• Specific understanding of quality assurance and control practices
• Understanding of risk forecasting and mitigation techniques
• Highly detail-oriented by nature
• Analytical Thinking: Problem-solving and reasoning skills

Nice-to-haves:

• Previous experience as a Security Analyst or Security Administrator

Education & Credentials

Entry-level positions typically require:

• College diploma
• Undergraduate university degree

In the fields of:

• Computer Science
• Cybersecurity
• Network and System Security
• Information Technology

 More senior positions require:

• Master’s degree

In the fields of:

• Applied Computing
• Information Technology