Have you ever met someone who works in cybersecurity and immediately thought that they must know how to hack or code? That’s a common misconception, and it’s time to set the record straight!

This assumption leads many ’non-techies’ to believe that one must be highly technical to be a cybersecurity analyst. However the truth remains that cybersecurity encompasses much more than just hacking or technical expertise. As a matter of fact, there are over 52 roles in cybersecurity that don’t require you to hack, or be technical in any way, shape or form.

For these roles, all you need are the soft skills you’ve been able to hone throughout all of your corporate life.

Let’s look at some of these skills and how they apply to modern day cybersecurity:

1. Communication

Roles:Security Awareness Trainer, Incident Response Coordinator, Communications Specialist.

Application: Effective communication is key to educating employees about security practices, crafting clear policies, and managing communications during a security incident. Trainers need to convey complex security concepts in an understandable way, while incident response coordinators must communicate with both technical teams and non-technical stakeholders during a crisis.

2. Critical Thinking

Roles: Risk Analyst, Compliance Officer, Privacy Officer.

Application: Critical thinking is essential for analyzing potential threats, assessing compliance with regulations, and developing strategies to protect sensitive information. Risk analysts evaluate the likelihood and impact of threats, while compliance officers interpret and apply regulatory requirements.

3. Leadership

Roles: Cybersecurity Project Manager, Security Awareness Trainer.

Application: Leadership skills help guide teams, manage projects, and ensure that security initiatives are effectively implemented. Project managers lead cross-functional teams to achieve security goals, and trainers often lead educational programs and initiatives.

4. Attention to Detail

Roles: Security Auditor, Compliance Officer, Incident Response Coordinator.

Application: Attention to detail is vital for identifying potential security gaps, ensuring compliance with detailed regulations, and accurately documenting incident responses. Security auditors thoroughly review systems and processes, while compliance officers ensure all aspects of regulations are met.

5. Problem-Solving

Roles: Risk Analyst, Incident Response Coordinator.

Application: Problem-solving skills are crucial for identifying and mitigating security risks, as well as managing responses to security incidents. Risk analysts develop effective strategies to address vulnerabilities, and incident response coordinators quickly and efficiently resolve security breaches.

6. Project Management

Roles: Cybersecurity Project Manager, Risk Analyst.

Application: Project management skills help organize and oversee cybersecurity projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget. Project managers coordinate resources and schedules, while risk analysts manage projects related to risk mitigation strategies.

7. Collaboration

Roles: Compliance Officer, Cybersecurity Policy Analyst, Security Awareness Trainer.

Application: Collaboration is key in working with various departments to develop and enforce security policies, ensure compliance, and deliver training programs. Compliance officers work with legal, IT, and HR departments, while trainers collaborate with different teams to ensure everyone understands security practices.

8. Empathy

Roles: Security Awareness Trainer, Privacy Officer.

Application: Empathy helps understand the concerns and behaviors of employees, making it easier to design effective training programs and policies that resonate with them. Trainers who understand their audience can create more engaging and impactful sessions, and privacy officers can better address concerns about personal data.

9. Adaptability:

Roles: Cybersecurity Policy Analyst, Incident Response Coordinator.

Application: Adaptability is important in responding to the constantly evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats and regulations. Policy analysts update and adapt policies based on new information, while incident response coordinators quickly adjust strategies during security incidents.

10. Ethical Judgment

Roles: Legal and Regulatory Advisor, Compliance Officer.

Application: Ethical judgment is crucial in ensuring that cybersecurity practices comply with legal and ethical standards. Legal advisors and compliance officers navigate complex ethical dilemmas and ensure that their organizations uphold integrity and trust.

These soft skills are essential for various non-technical roles in cybersecurity, demonstrating that individuals from diverse backgrounds can significantly contribute to the field.

Don’t let the misconception that only technical experts can get into cybersecurity hold you back. If you possess these valuable soft skills, there’s a place for you in cybersecurity! However, these roles do not happen automatically.

Although your skill is the starting point, you’d have to undergo training to become an expert — a technical expert. We offer a fundamental Cybersecurity Foundation Program that helps beginners like you get started, gain confidence and build a thriving, robust career in tech. If this sounds like you, register for the July Cohort here to begin.