The cyber security field is booming, with demand for cyber security professionals far outpacing supply. This talent shortage has created an industry where pay is high and the options for job seekers are plentiful.

Yet there is also a shortage of cyber talent caused by a confluence of factors, including employers demanding too many required skills for job applicants.

“It can be difficult to find employees who possess all of the skills, experience and intangibles the job requires,” Keri Christman, manager of talent and culture for Rook Security, told TechRepublic.

This skills gap is compounded by the fact that the industry and threat landscape change and evolve so quickly that it can be difficult even for talented professionals to keep pace with new skills and demands. It’s without question a job seeker’s market, but it remains competitive because the requirements for the job are constantly increasing.

So, while job opportunities abound in the cyber security field, employers have set a high bar for applicants as they seek the right combination of skills, education and experience.

If you are considering a career in cyber security, it can be hard to know where to begin. First of all, how do you know if the field is right for you? What skills matter most to employers? How will you gain the skills necessary to compete in the job market?

To help you determine where to begin and what skill matters most, we decided to turn to the experts. We asked a handful of cyber security leaders with decades of experience in the field what they believed to be the most critical skills for cyber security professionals practicing today. Here is what they said.

Top Skills for Cyber Security Professionals

1. Critical Thinking

Richard Bejtlich, senior director at SplunkCIRT, and Jill Knesek, (Read more...)