Modernizing your business requires preparing it for possible cybersecurity threats. In the past few years, data security and privacy have become subjects of concern for both small and large businesses alike. This has caused massive investments not just in terms of equipment but also skills.
A robust cybersecurity strategy is only as good as the people implementing it. Without the right people in tow, your business’s vulnerabilities to cyber sabotage and data theft will only remain. Having “premium” anti-malware tools isn’t enough to protect your enterprise from costly attacks. Recruiting cybersecurity experts to your IT team is a must regardless of your industry and the size of your business. Here’s how to do it well:
1. Focus on experience
When it comes to writing job descriptions for the cybersecurity positions you need, it’s always good to include the type of college degree a candidate possesses. You shouldn’t treat academic credentials as the end-all and be-all of your choice. A person may have been at the top of their class in data science, but it’s real-world experience that lets you know of the person’s strengths. For this reason, highlighting experience in both corporate and non-corporate settings is a factor in the selection.
2. Look for certifications
Aside from real-world experiences, you should also check if a candidate has attended training and acquired certifications across different areas of cybersecurity. It would be a big plus if the person has had formal training in data forensics, penetration testing, and security architecture. These only prove that the person is a well-rounded professional who is serious about cybersecurity.
3. Look for the traits that matter
It’s not only skills and experience that define a person’s ability to assess data security infrastructure and make essential improvements. A positive work ethic is also required of an IT professional tasked with the enterprise’s protection.
Considering the value of the data your business is handling, you will want to tell candidates that you’re looking for a professional who takes cybersecurity seriously. With this, come up with a list of traits defining the best possible candidate for the job. A sense of teamwork, a proactive attitude, and impressive critical thinking skills should be at the top of your list.
4. Never overlook background screening
Since you’re hiring people tasked with improving the data security of your enterprise, it won’t make sense to recruit someone who has had existing criminal liabilities. Even if you’re hiring an ethical hacker to join your IT team, you still need to find out if the person is reliable. You can only do that by strengthening your screening process through an effective third-party provider. If your business is based in Toronto, candidates may reach out to Triton Canada for fast and accurate criminal record checks.
5. Get your IT team to weigh in
Cybersecurity, as a highly specialized field, requires inputs from experts who are already familiar with it. You may not have a full understanding of the sector and the trends it goes through. Consult with your IT team first and develop a detailed description of your business’s current security standing. From there, you and your team will be able to build job offers to onboard the right professionals.
Endnote
In defending your business from possible cyberattacks, you wouldn’t want people who lack the competence, experience, and diligence needed to handle your security assets. Use this recruitment guide and start looking for professionals in the truest sense.