Divyanshi Kulkarni 
“Cybersecurity is not a tech thing; it is a culture thing”
Kevin Dawson, CEO of ISA, a Technology and Cybersecurity Organization
The year 2018 can be traced back in history, to validate renowned investor Warren Buffet stating that cyber is an uncharted territory, and it is going to get worse, not better. In 2025, around seven years later, the cybersecurity model has evolved and changed drastically, from the skin to the bones. With Larry Fink, CEO of BlackRock predicting that Bitcoin will be worth USD 700,000 in 2025; it opens gates to astounding opportunities for malicious threat actors to gain intrusion in cyberspace. This paves the way for staggering levels of crypto-native crimes in the years to follow as well.
Chainalysis (a globally renowned blockchain data platform) revealed the attackers range from nation-state actors to ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) operations, lone operators, and data theft extortion groups, such as those who extorted and stole data from Snowflake, a cloud service provider. With so much diversity being offered by the malicious threat actors (pun intended); it is critical for every cybersecurity professional to understand and counter these beforehand with strategically targeted skillsets.
Gain an edge over your professional competitors while safeguarding the virtual cyber frontiers of your organization with eth right mix of skill and expertise. Cybersecurity engineer could be your first starter role in this restless cybersecurity industry that targets nothing but securing vulnerable information at all costs. This task involves gauging the right options and aligning your strengths with the best-suited credentials. Let us look at them in detail.
Latest Addition to the Cybersecurity Skills List for 2025
- Proficiency in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
The most trending and concerning fact about 2025 has been the greater advancement of generative AI and chatbot technology that has driven the world crazy. DeepSeek needs no introduction as the world was shaken by its advent. The aftereffects are out in the sun as it renders sensitive information of the users to be misused by the malicious threat actors. Recent news on DeepSeek reveals a high risk for your data (excerpts from The Economic Times). This is why you as a seasoned cybersecurity engineer must master AI and ML skills to counter any emerging AI-driven threat attempts.
- Zero Trust Security Architecture
Implementing a security model where no user or device is inherently trusted, requires constant verification. Attain this competency to counter any discrepancy in the way data is used or shared.
- IoT and OT Security
Understanding the unique vulnerabilities of connected devices and industrial control systems. With the global market for wearables and connected devices exploding at a staggering rate, it is imperative to put a cap on them with top-notch cybersecurity engineer skills.
- Advanced Penetration Testing
Expertise in sophisticated techniques to identify vulnerabilities in complex systems.
- Cloud Security Expertise
Securely managing data and applications in cloud environments.
- Threat Intelligence and Analysis
Gathering and interpreting threat data to proactively identify potential attacks.
- Intrusion Detection
Educating employees on best practices to mitigate cyber risks.
Who is a Cybersecurity Engineer?
Charting out a career in cybersecurity engineering is a great way to enter the field with skills and informed precision. No doubt, the industry is set to evolve even further. Gain hands-on expertise at becoming a seasoned cybersecurity engineer, who can create and manage security systems to protect computers, networks, and sensitive data. They use their knowledge and core cybersecurity engineering skills to design and implement security solutions. Some of their critical responsibilities involve:
- Develop security plans
- Test and monitor systems
- Respond to incidents
- Troubleshoot
- Plan upgrades
- Analyze network activity
Along with these quintessential skills, you must be a problem-solver, a great communicator to facilitate smooth travel of information and updates across departments and teams, proficient at technicalities of the system, and pay attention to detail all the time. Being a forever learner is key to evolving and adapting to the newer and more nuanced skills and tactics that evolve; as the attack surface becomes more fragile and attack-prone.
Mastering the Art of Security
However, there are numerous ways to foster your understanding in the world of cybersecurity engineering. the listed options can help immensely and guarantee career success much faster.
- Always begin with formal education in STEM or related discipline
- Globally popular and most trusted cybersecurity certification programs such as the Certified Cybersecurity General Practitioner (CCGP™) from the United States Cybersecurity Institute (USCSI®); or picking the ones from CompTIA, GIAC, or any other brand can leverage greater career gains, higher salary structure, and massive employability opportunities.
- Hands-on practice via training platforms can come in handy to benefit your career progression
- Network with industry leaders and influencers and learn from their experience and what skills they have to offer and collaborate further
- Continuous learning is a crucial aspect of a seasoned industry professional today. Stay open to imbibing newer concepts, skills, tricks, and strategies to excel in your discipline
Finally, the decision to become a cybersecurity engineer will prove to be a great choice as you research your way through and keep the above-mentioned details and nuances in mind while gaining the most trending and emerging cybersecurity skills with the best! Your dream cybersecurity engineer job is just around the corner; provided you possess the most nuanced skills in the domain and are open to change; as it is the only constant. Start big now!
