a cybersecurity expert: What is the cost of hiring?

Why recruit a cybersecurity expert?

Cybersecurity experts cover a broad range of professionals who work to detect and prevent cybercrime throughout a business’s supply chains, systems and workflows. They are also often responsible for researching cybersecurity trends and keeping business systems up-to-date with the latest security solutions.

Qualities of a great cybersecurity expert:

• Data protection for customers and employees
• Preserving the organisation’s reputation with employees, customers and the wider industry
• Meeting the UK’s cybersecurity regulation requirements
• Securing supply chains
• Safeguarding business assets

Deciding between a full-time vs freelance cybersecurity expert

When deciding between a full-time or a freelance cybersecurity expert, consider whether you need someone for long-term or short-term projects. If you are looking for someone to assist with setting up a new cybersecurity system, you may only need to hire a freelance cybersecurity expert. In this circumstance, it could be more cost-effective to pay on a project-by-project basis. However, if you require someone to regularly build security reports and provide ongoing cybersecurity strategy assistance, hiring one full-time may be the more financially viable solution.

What are the different types of cybersecurity experts?

When hiring a cybersecurity expert, the first step is to determine which type best suits your needs. Cybersecurity experts cover a broad range of different business solutions, as well as levels of expertise and seniority. Here are some of the most common cybersecurity expert job titles:

• Security analyst: typically manages an organisation’s data and systems. They may also keep system firewalls up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity prevention technology.
• Cybersecurity engineer: helps to develop new tools which prevent cybercrime. They may also be responsible for installing cybersecurity software and integrating them into a company’s systems.
• Penetration tester: finds vulnerabilities in a company’s systems and processes, using simulations of attacks. They may also provide reports and advice for possible solutions.
• Chief information security officer (CISO): Senior staff who oversees cybersecurity strategy within a business. They might also help to develop cybersecurity policies.

Where to find cybersecurity experts

To find the right cybersecurity expert for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

• Professional networking events: attend networking events in your industry with a focus on cybersecurity.

• Advertising on your company website: cybersecurity experts can apply directly via your company website.

• Online recruitment platforms: try posting your cybersecurity expert job on Indeed to help you reach the right candidates more quickly and efficiently.
• Cybersecurity industry forums: online forums specialising in cybersecurity may be another good platform when advertising for cybersecurity experts.
• Cybersecurity software products that have an in-house support team: some cybersecurity platforms come with an in-house support team which provide reports, solutions and advice.

Skills to look for in a great cybersecurity expert

A great candidate for a cybersecurity expert role will have the following skills and attributes as well as work experience that reflects:

• Helping clients to install and troubleshoot cybersecurity products
• Creating reports on security breaches
• Collaborating with clients to produce a cybersecurity budget
• Advising clients on best practices for data protection
• Cybersecurity training and coaching skills
• Attention to detail when testing security processes and ensuring they work efficiently

Writing a cybersecurity expert job description

A thoughtful description is important for finding qualified cybersecurity expert candidates. A cybersecurity expert job description includes a compelling summary of the role, a detailed list of duties and responsibilities and the required and preferred skills for the position.

When writing your job description for a cybersecurity expert, consider including some or all of the following keywords to strengthen the visibility of your job posting. These are the most popular search terms resulting in clicks on jobs for cybersecurity experts, according to Indeed data:

• Cyber security
• Cyber security apprenticeship
• Cyber security analyst
• IT
• Cyber security apprenticeships
• Apprenticeship
• Cyber security trainee
• Cyber
• Information security
• Trainee

Interviewing cybersecurity candidates

Strong candidates for cybersecurity expert positions will be confident answering questions regarding:

• Practical technical experience in implementing secure systems, monitoring for suspicious activity and building reports
• Real-world examples of how they would work to prevent and monitor any cybersecurity risks
• Academic background in cybersecurity
• Areas of specialisation
• How they keep up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity trends