6 Questions To Ask Cybersecurity Experts Before Hiring One

Jan, 2023 - by CMI

6 Questions To Ask Cybersecurity Experts Before Hiring One

Running a business nowadays requires juggling several tasks, and one is no other than cybersecurity. Your business may be at risk as cyberattacks, such as phishing and malware, continue to grow in recent years. Becoming a victim of a malicious attack or data breach can negatively affect operations and client trust, putting your company on the sidelines indefinitely. Sadly, some companies can no longer recover. With this in mind, avoid overlooking the importance of cybersecurity.

Businesses of all sizes should ramp up their security efforts to minimize the likelihood of damage. The security of your company should be a priority. Whether you intend on hiring an independent cybersecurity expert or a team from a reliable managed cybersecurity service provider, it pays to choose the right one capable of catering to the specific needs of your business. 

Employing the services of a cybersecurity expert should be a priority. Due to the number of choices available nowadays, the selection process can be challenging. Luckily, there are several key considerations to keep in mind to guide you in finding the right one. Here are some questions to ask a cybersecurity expert before hiring one.  

1.      How Long Have You Been In The Industry?

The years of experience of a cybersecurity expert are an essential consideration for your advantage. It can serve as a basis for how well they know the industry, especially regarding current trends and how to handle an array of cybersecurity threats that may arise.

2.      Do You Follow The Current Industry Trends? 

When it comes to cybersecurity, it's a constantly evolving field. Cybercriminals keep up with the latest security solutions. They continuously look for any susceptible points they can use to infiltrate a company and obtain sensitive data, such as in cloud computing or artificial intelligence (AI).  

If you're going to hire a cybersecurity expert to ensure your company's security, make sure you hire one who's always up-to-date with the current threats. With this in mind, you should ask a potential cybersecurity expert you plan on hiring what they think about the current industry trends. Doing so will give you a clue as to how well they know the industry and if they make an effort to understand the current trends. Remember that you need to work with a professional who can maximize the industry trends while also planning ways to protect your company best.

3.      What Security Measures Did You Implement In Your Previous Job?

The question mainly expands on the experience of the cybersecurity expert. The inquiry aims to know what the professional could implement in their previous job, such as configuring security protocols. Ask for specific examples to gain an overview of how they can solve issues and handle troubleshooting tasks.  

4.      What Do You Specialize In?

It's crucial to note that not all cybersecurity experts have the same skills or expertise, especially when it comes to training and certifications. Everybody has different areas of expertise, including, for example, the financial, healthcare, and government sectors. With this in mind, consider hiring a professional with expertise in your company's industry and the specific computers or systems used. 

5.      Do You Undergo Ongoing Training And Education?

Ongoing education and training are crucial considerations when hiring a cybersecurity expert for your company. Like any industry, cybersecurity undergoes constant change and evolves due to the growing number of threats. Working with a professional who prioritizes ongoing training is an advantage to keeping up with the latest trends and delivering the best security solutions to mitigate the risk. 

6.      What Are The Security Measures You Expect To Do For The Company?

It's a reality that most professionals settle for delivering one-size-fits-all solutions. Every business has specific needs when it comes to cybersecurity, and an expert should be able to provide tailored security solutions.  

Asking the question will give you an overview of what specific security measures they will implement that work best for your company, such as protocols to lower the risk of phishing or ransomware. You'll also know if potential candidates could research what your company is all about. It's a good sign of a candidate's commitment to the industry and interest in the position. When potential candidates can do their research and adeptly showcase solutions that best suit your company, it makes them ideal for the job. 

Final Thoughts 

Security should always be the priority for any business. In this digital age, where cyber threats continue to evolve and target unsuspecting companies that lack adequate security protocols, it's best to take a proactive approach before a breach happens. Hiring the right cybersecurity expert is one of the critical decisions you'll make for your company. Hiring someone with the right experience, skills, and attitude is crucial to ensure your company's safety from cybersecurity threats.