Top 5 Cybersecurity Skills Every Beginner Should Know About

The need for cybersecurity has never been higher. As more organizations move online and store data in the cloud, cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated. Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting computers, systems, networks, and data from hacking attempts or unauthorized access, ensuring confidentiality and privacy.

The good news? You don’t need to be an expert to start. With the right skills and mindset, beginners can build a strong foundation for a career in this field. In this guide, Akitra’s experts share the top cybersecurity skills for beginners to help you break into the industry and explain where to start teaching them.

Why is Cybersecurity in Demand?

Sensitive data everywhere

Every business stores valuable information, such as financial records, personal details, and employee data. Cybercriminals target this data for identity theft, fraud, or resale on the dark web.

Compliance regulations

Laws like GDPR and CCPA require companies to safeguard personal data. This creates steady demand for professionals with top cybersecurity skills, particularly for beginners who can help meet legal requirements.

Preventing costly breaches

Data breaches cost millions in damages, fines, and reputational harm. With skilled talent in short supply, cybersecurity is a high-growth, high-reward career path.

Top 5 Cybersecurity Skills for Beginners

1. Coding

Understanding programming helps identify and prevent security vulnerabilities. Key languages include:

C/C++ – Low-level, foundational languages are still relevant for security.
Python – Widely used for vulnerability detection and automation.
JavaScript – Protects against cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks.
PHP – Common in web development; knowledge helps secure websites.
HTML – Basic web language every expert should know.
Go Lang – Useful for cryptography and scalable security solutions.
SQL – Often targeted in database attacks; knowing it helps prevent SQL injection.

2. Network Security

Network security involves controlling access and preventing intrusions.

Key elements include:

Firewalls to block unauthorized traffic.
Remote access, Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS).
Configuring and managing VPNs, LANs, and WANs for secure business operations.

3. Operating Systems

Understanding OS fundamentals is one of the top cybersecurity skills for beginners. Learn to:

Navigate Windows, Linux, macOS, and mobile systems.
Use Linux Terminal and Windows PowerShell for security tasks.
Practice safely using Virtual Machines (VMs).
Explore the basics of penetration testing and ethical hacking.

4. Cloud Security

As businesses migrate to cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, cloud security becomes increasingly essential.

Apply policies and technical safeguards to secure cloud data and apps.
Build secure systems from the ground up.
Cloud security experts are in high demand for hybrid and public cloud environments.

5. Artificial Intelligence & Blockchain Security

AI in Cybersecurity

Improves the detection of suspicious activities.
Provides automation and threat response capabilities.
Learns and adapts to evolving threats.

Blockchain in Cybersecurity

Offers tamper-resistant, decentralized data storage.
Relevant for mobile computing, supply chains, IoT, and network control.
Extremely difficult for hackers to compromise due to its distributed nature.

Additional Cybersecurity Skills

Risk Analysis – Identify, control, and reduce risks; vital for future demand.
Information Security – Protect data from unauthorized access.
Security Incident Handling & Response – Detect, record, and analyze threats in real-time using SIEM tools.
Security Audits – Conduct internal reviews to ensure compliance and prevent costly penalties.
Security Legislation Knowledge – Understand cybersecurity laws and regulations to avoid legal and operational risks.

Conclusion

Building the top cybersecurity skills for beginners opens doors to one of today’s most in-demand careers. Start with core areas, including coding, network security, operating systems, cloud security, and emerging technologies like AI and blockchain. Combine these technical abilities with knowledge of compliance requirements, and you’ll be ready to thrive in a growing, lucrative field.

Security, AI Risk Management, and Compliance with Akitra!

In the competitive landscape of SaaS businesses, trust is paramount amidst data breaches and privacy concerns. Akitra addresses this need with its leading AI-powered Compliance Automation platform. Our platform empowers customers to prevent sensitive data disclosure and mitigate risks, meeting the expectations of customers and partners in the rapidly evolving landscape of data security and compliance. Through automated evidence collection and continuous monitoring, paired with customizable policies, Akitra ensures organizations are compliance-ready for various frameworks such as SOC 1, SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, PCI DSS, ISO 27001, ISO 27701, ISO 27017, ISO 27018, ISO 9001, ISO 13485, ISO 42001, NIST 800-53, NIST 800-171, NIST AI RMF, FedRAMP, CCPA, CMMC, SOX ITGC, and more such as CIS AWS Foundations Benchmark, Australian ISM and Essential Eight etc. In addition, companies can use Akitra’s Risk Management product for overall risk management using quantitative methodologies such as Factorial Analysis of Information Risks (FAIR) and qualitative methods, including NIST-based for your company, Vulnerability Assessment and Pen Testing services, Third Party Vendor Risk Management, Trust Center, and AI-based Automated Questionnaire Response product to streamline and expedite security questionnaire response processes, delivering huge cost savings. Our compliance and security experts provide customized guidance to navigate the end-to-end compliance process confidently. Last but not least, we have also developed a resource hub called Akitra Academy, which offers easy-to-learn short video courses on security, compliance, and related topics of immense significance for today’s fast-growing companies.

Our solution offers substantial time and cost savings, including discounted audit fees, enabling fast and cost-effective compliance certification. Customers achieve continuous compliance as they grow, becoming certified under multiple frameworks through a single automation platform.

Build customer trust. Choose Akitra TODAY!‍ To book your FREE DEMO, contact us right here.