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The cybersecurity job market has never been more competitive – or more confusing. With new certifications emerging every month and an ever-expanding list of “must-know” tools, many professionals find themselves stuck in a cycle of chasing credentials without understanding what employers truly value.
This article cuts through the noise to reveal the three foundational skills every cybersecurity role requires – regardless of specialisation. These are the non-negotiables…
1. Risk Assessment & Threat Modelling
Why it matters: Cyber threats evolve constantly, and businesses need professionals who can proactively identify weaknesses before attackers exploit them.
What employers want:
- The ability to analyse systems, applications, and networks for vulnerabilities.
- Experience with frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK for threat modelling.
- Translating technical risks into business terms.
2. Incident Response & Recovery
Why it matters: Breaches are inevitable – what matters is how fast and effectively you respond.
What employers want:
- Hands-on experience with SIEM (Splunk, Microsoft Sentinel) and EDR (CrowdStrike, SentinelOne).
- Knowledge of containment strategies.
- Post-incident analysis: Writing clear reports and recommending security improvements.
3. Communication & Stakeholder Management
Why it matters: Cybersecurity isn’t just a technical field – it’s about influencing behaviour and decision-making.
What employers want:
- Explaining risks to non-technical leaders.
- Writing concise security policies, incident reports, and audit documentation.
- Collaborating with IT, legal, and business teams to implement security controls.
More about Lorraine…
Lorraine O’Leary is Business Lead of the Infrastructure & Security division of Barden’s talent advisory and recruitment firm.
Connect with Lorraine on LinkedIn or via lorraine.oleary@barden.ie