Survey says! These are the hottest security certifications, most in-demand skills

Network and Application Security, GRC/Information Assurance, and Malware and Threat Intel were cited as the most important jobs in a new survey of cyber security job trends announced today by Cybrary, a provider of free online cybersecurity courses.

While the cyber security skills shortage is a well-worn topic, Cybrary’s survey of 435 senior-level technology professionals, conducted from October to December, 2015, offers some interesting insights.

“Companies and the public at large should be concerned with these data, which call attention to the continuing impact of the cyber security talent gap,” said Ryan Corey, co-founder, Cybrary. “Companies with pressing cyber security needs are finding that there’s a major lack of qualified professionals to fill their positions, which makes them vulnerable to cyber attacks.

From the survey:

• More than 80 percent of respondents indicated that they always or sometimes have trouble recruiting skilled cyber security professionals. The top reasons given were lack of skilled cyber security talent in general (40%), lack of resources to properly find and attract talent (18%), and location of talent (14%).
• Recruiting remains a challenge, with some positions taking nearly 4 months to fill. “With respect to cyber security talent in their specific geographic area, most respondents indicated there is some talent, but it’s difficult to find,” said Cybrary co-founder Ryan Corey.
• The most in demand cyber security certifications were Security+, Ethical Hacking, Network+, CISSP, and A+.
• The most in demand skills were Ethical Hacking, Computer Forensics, CISSP, Malware Analysis, and Advanced Penetration Testing.

See the infographic below for more notable numbers.