Cybersecurity Manager Hiring Handbook: Expert Advice for Securing Top Talent

Common Job Titles

Common job titles for "Cybersecurity Manager" include:

• Information Security Manager

• IT Security Manager

• Director of Cyber Security

• Cybersecurity Program Manager

• Cybersecurity Project Manager

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Education and Top Certifications

Based on the last 12 months data (reference: cyberseek.org), the percentage of online job listings requiring a bachelor's degree was roughly 47%, and those requiring a graduate degree made up 50% of the job postings.

The top requested certifications are:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

• Certified Information System Auditor (CISA)

• GIAC Certifications

• Certified In Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)

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Average Salary  

The average salary for a Cybersecurity Manager is $162K, based on the average advertised salary listed in online job openings from May 2023 through April 2024 (source: cyberseek.org). According to CompTIA, most salaries fall between $99K - $157K.

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Key Responsibilities  

A Cybersecurity Manager is essential for protecting an organization’s information. Their main duties include creating security plans, leading security teams, reducing risks, handling security incidents, and making sure the organization follows all regulations.

1. Developing and Implementing Cybersecurity Strategies: Creating comprehensive cybersecurity plans that align with organizational goals and regulatory requirements, ensuring robust protection against cyber threats.

2. Managing Security Teams: Leading, mentoring, and overseeing the performance of cybersecurity professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.

3. Risk Management and Mitigation: Identifying potential security risks, vulnerabilities, and threats, and implementing appropriate measures to minimize impact and protect information assets.

4. Incident Response Coordination: Overseeing the response to security incidents, conducting thorough investigations, and applying lessons learned to strengthen future defenses and prevent recurrence.

5. Ensuring Compliance: Ensuring that the organization adheres to relevant laws, regulations, and standards, conducting regular security audits, and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of compliance requirements.

Here are a few of the emerging skills (reference: cyberseek.org) that are becoming increasingly sought after in this occupation. These are mostly recent additions to the infosec domain. Please note, this is just a selection of skills and does not cover the entire spectrum of cybersecurity expertise.

• Cloud Security

• Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) Management

• Enterprise Mission Assurance Support Service

• Cybersecurity Strategy

• Security Insider Threat Management

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Job Description Template  

A good job description effectively communicates the expectations, qualifications, and benefits of a position, attracting suitable candidates while providing a clear understanding of the role.  

Below is a good starting point job description template for a Cybersecurity Manager position.  

It can be further optimized and tailored to the needs of your organization by using the tool here. Of course, be sure to include the following information specific to your position in the description:

• Job Title

• Location  

• Company Overview

• Compensation and Benefits

• Career Development

• Application Instructions

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--- template starts here ---

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Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead all facets of day-to-day cybersecurity operations

• Provide subject matter expertise in designing and implementing security safeguards to cloud, on-premises, endpoint, edge and mobile infrastructure

• Manage cybersecurity budget and create metrics to track performance

• Maintain security protocols and policies, build awareness and ensure adherence

• Manage teams and projects

• Liaise between security teams, IT, and non-technical management

Requirements and Qualifications:

Essential Technical Skills

• Security operations, including advanced threat management, vulnerability management, risk mitigation, compliance and related

• Security architecture principles, including zero trust

• Modern security tools in areas such as SIEM, IDS, IPS, IAM and related

• Response and recovery to security incidents

Essential Professional Skills

• Ability to anticipate problems, communicate them, and resolve appropriately

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

• Ability to manage multiple concurrent objectives or activities, and effectively make judgments

• Ability to take ownership of issues and responsibility for customer satisfaction and overall success of services provided

Additional Skills that are a Plus

• Experience working with security audit and related frameworks, e.g. NIST frameworks

• Experience with the principles of governance, risk, and compliance

• Ability to relate to non-technical users in user-friendly language

• Ability to adapt to a changing environment and having an always-learning mindset

• Project management experience

Qualifications and Experience

• 6-8 years of experience as a cyber security manager

• 0-2 years of experience in a job role such as a cyber security analyst, penetration tester, network administrator, IT support specialist or related

• Applicable industry-recognized certifications and training, such as CISSP, CISM or CompTIA CASP+

• Applicable education, including 2-year, 4-year or higher degree, or equivalent

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Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate for the Cybersecurity Manager role is a highly skilled and experienced professional with a strong technical background and proven leadership abilities. They possess the necessary qualifications and certifications, have a strategic vision for cybersecurity, and demonstrate key characteristics such as analytical thinking, excellent communication, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field. A master’s degree is a plus.

Certifications

• CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)

• CISM (Certified Information Security Manager)

• CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)

• Other relevant certifications such as CompTIA Security+, GIAC, or OSCP.

Experience

• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in cybersecurity roles.

• At least 2-3 years in a managerial or leadership position within cybersecurity.

• Proven track record of developing and implementing security policies and strategies.

• Hands-on experience with security technologies, risk management, incident response, and compliance.

Leadership Skills

Team Management:  

• Strong leadership and managerial skills to effectively lead a team of cybersecurity professionals.

• Experience in mentoring, training, and developing team members.

• Ability to foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment.

Strategic Vision:

• Capable of developing and executing long-term cybersecurity strategies aligned with organizational goals.

• Strong decision-making skills to prioritize and address security risks and incidents.

Key Characteristics

Technical Expertise:  

• In-depth knowledge of cybersecurity principles, practices, and technologies.

• Proficiency in network security, endpoint security, vulnerability management, and incident response.

• Familiarity with compliance standards and regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS).

• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills:  

• Strong analytical abilities to identify and assess security threats and vulnerabilities.

• Creative problem-solving skills to develop effective security solutions.

Communication Skills:  

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to convey complex security concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

• Ability to create clear and comprehensive security policies, reports, and presentations.

Attention to Detail:  

• Meticulous attention to detail to ensure all aspects of security are addressed and monitored.

• Vigilance in identifying potential security risks and implementing preventive measures.

Adaptability:  

• Ability to stay updated with the latest cybersecurity trends, technologies, and threats.

• Willingness to continuously learn and adapt to new challenges in the cybersecurity landscape.

• Integrity and Ethical Standards:  

• High level of integrity and ethical conduct.

• Commitment to maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the organization’s information assets.

Techniques and Tools to Assess Candidates

Technical Skills Assessment

• Incident Response Simulation: Present a simulated security incident, such as a data breach or ransomware attack. Ask the candidate to walk through their immediate response steps, containment strategies, and recovery plans.

• Vulnerability Assessment Exercise: Provide a network diagram and a list of potential vulnerabilities. Ask the candidate to identify and prioritize the vulnerabilities and outline a remediation plan.

• Network Security Configuration: Give the candidate a scenario where they need to configure firewall rules, VPN settings, or IDS/IPS systems. Evaluate their ability to secure the network effectively.

Tools

• Cyber Range Platforms: Use platforms like Cyberbit or RangeForce to simulate real-world cybersecurity scenarios in a controlled environment.

• Virtual Labs: Set up virtual environments using tools like VirtualBox or VMware, where candidates can demonstrate their skills in a hands-on manner.

Certifications Verification

• Verify the candidate’s professional certifications, such as CISSP, CISM, CEH, or others. These certifications can provide a baseline of their technical knowledge and commitment to the field.

Strategic Planning Scenarios

• Developing a Cybersecurity Strategy: Present a hypothetical organization with specific security needs and challenges. Ask the candidate to outline a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, including risk management, policy development, and incident response planning.

• Risk Management Scenario: Provide a scenario with identified risks and ask the candidate to develop a risk mitigation plan. Evaluate their ability to assess risks, prioritize them, and implement effective controls.

• Compliance and Regulatory Scenario: Present a scenario where the organization needs to comply with a specific regulation (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA). Ask the candidate to outline the steps they would take to ensure compliance.

Behavioral Assessments

• Leadership and Team Management: Ask questions about their experience leading cybersecurity teams, handling conflicts, and fostering a collaborative environment. Examples include, "Can you describe a time when you had to resolve a conflict within your team?" or "How do you motivate your team during high-pressure situations?”

• Communication Skills: Evaluate their ability to communicate complex security concepts to non-technical stakeholders. Questions might include, "How do you explain technical security issues to senior management?" or "Can you give an example of a time when you had to persuade executives to invest in a cybersecurity initiative?"

Tools

• 360-Degree Feedback: Collect feedback from the candidate’s peers, subordinates, and supervisors to gain insights into their leadership style and interpersonal skills.

• Personality Assessments: Use tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or DiSC profile to understand the candidate’s personality traits and how they align with the organization’s culture and the demands of the role.

Case Studies and Presentations

• Present the candidate with a real-world case study related to cybersecurity incidents, strategy development, or risk management. Ask them to analyze the situation, identify key issues, and propose solutions.

• Evaluate their ability to think critically, apply their knowledge, and communicate their findings effectively.

• Ask the candidate to prepare a presentation on a relevant cybersecurity topic, such as the latest threat landscape, a new security technology, or a recent high-profile security breach.

• Assess their ability to research the topic, organize their thoughts, and deliver a clear and engaging presentation.

Tailoring the Hiring Process  

Adapting the hiring process based on company size or project type will help ensure that you bring on board a Cybersecurity Manager who not only meets the technical demands of the role but also complements the operational dynamics and strategic goals of your organization.

Small Companies

Focus Areas:

1. Versatility: Broad skill set to handle various tasks.

2. Resourcefulness: Implement cost-effective security measures.

3. Hands-On Experience: Practical skills for day-to-day operations.

Hiring Tips:

1. Broad Technical Assessments: Cover various cybersecurity topics.

2. Versatile Responsibilities: Assess multi-tasking and policy implementation skills.

3. Cost-Effective Solutions: Evaluate creativity with limited budgets.

4. Cultural Fit: Ensure adaptability and alignment with company values.

Large Enterprises

Focus Areas:

1. Specialization: Deep expertise in specific cybersecurity areas.

2. Leadership: Strong team management and coordination skills.

3. Strategic Vision: Ability to develop long-term cybersecurity strategies.

Hiring Tips:

1. Specialized Technical Assessments: Focus on key areas like cloud security or IAM.

2. Leadership Skills: Include questions on managing large teams and conflict resolution.

3. Strategic Planning: Discuss enterprise-wide strategy development and alignment.

4. Stakeholder Communication: Assess ability to explain security concepts to executives.

Project-Based Roles

Focus Areas:

1. Project Management: Ensure timely and budget-friendly project completion.

2. Flexibility: Adapt to varying project scopes and requirements.

3. Collaboration: Work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.

Hiring Tips:

1. Project Management Experience: Focus on past project roles and outcomes.

2. Adaptability: Use scenario questions to assess flexibility.

3. Collaboration Skills: Evaluate teamwork and communication abilities.

4. Technical Proficiency: Tailor assessments to project-specific technologies.

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