How to Hire an Information Security Professional: What Employers Should Look For

Cybersecurity Starts with the Right People

Cybersecurity has become a business priority rather than simply an IT responsibility.

Organisations of every size rely on digital systems to manage operations, protect sensitive information, and deliver services to customers. As technology environments become more connected, the risks associated with cyber threats continue to grow.

Hiring the right information security professional can help reduce those risks before they become costly incidents.

Finding the right candidate, however, requires employers to understand the challenges they need to solve rather than simply recruiting someone with the longest list of certifications.

Define Your Security Needs Before You Recruit

Many businesses advertise for an information security professional without first identifying what they actually need.

One organisation may require someone to strengthen governance and compliance. Another may need a security engineer to secure cloud infrastructure. Others might be looking for a Security Operations Centre analyst, a penetration tester, an Information Security Manager, or a Chief Information Security Officer to develop long-term strategy.

Each role addresses a different aspect of cybersecurity.

Understanding the business objectives before writing the job description helps employers attract candidates whose expertise aligns with their operational needs.

Look Beyond Technical Certifications

Professional certifications demonstrate knowledge, but they do not guarantee success.

An effective information security professional combines technical expertise with commercial awareness, communication skills, and sound judgement. They understand how security supports the wider business rather than viewing every challenge solely through a technical lens.

The strongest candidates communicate complex risks clearly, work collaboratively with colleagues across different departments, and recommend practical solutions that balance security, usability, and business priorities.

These qualities become increasingly valuable as organisations continue adopting cloud services, AI, automation, and interconnected digital platforms.

Security Is About Managing Risk

Many employers focus on preventing cyberattacks.

While prevention remains important, modern information security extends far beyond deploying technical controls.

Security professionals assess risk, develop governance frameworks, improve incident response, strengthen access management, advise on regulatory compliance, and help employees adopt safer working practices. Their work protects both the organisation and its reputation.

Candidates who understand business risk alongside cybersecurity often create greater long-term value than those whose experience focuses exclusively on technical implementation.

Hire for Today’s Environment

Cybersecurity continues to evolve alongside technology.

Cloud adoption, remote working, artificial intelligence, and increasingly sophisticated cyber threats have expanded the responsibilities of information security teams.

Research published by Deloitte in 2026 found that organisations creating the greatest value from AI are moving beyond productivity gains to redesign key business processes, reinvent core business models, and develop new products and services. The report also highlights that effective AI governance, trusted data strategies, and workforce readiness are essential for scaling AI successfully, with insufficient worker skills identified as the biggest barrier to integrating AI into existing workflows.

Research published by ISC2 in 2026 found that 95% of UK organisations reported at least one cybersecurity skills gap, while 58% described those shortages as significant or critical. The report identified AI skills as the most urgent capability gap, followed by cloud security, with risk management and governance, risk and compliance (GRC) also ranking among the most in-demand areas. These findings reinforce the importance of hiring information security professionals who combine technical expertise with strategic thinking, governance knowledge, and strong communication skills.

Assess Problem-Solving, Not Just Technical Knowledge

Technical interviews often focus on tools, frameworks, or certification content.

Although these areas remain important, they rarely reveal how candidates respond to real business challenges.

Employers should explore how applicants approach security incidents, prioritise competing risks, communicate with stakeholders, and balance security requirements against operational needs.

Practical discussions based on realistic scenarios frequently provide better insight into future performance than theoretical questions alone.

Build Security for the Future

Information security is not a one-time project.

Threats evolve continuously, regulations change, and technology environments become increasingly complex. Organisations therefore benefit from professionals who remain curious, continue learning, and adapt to new risks as they emerge.

Candidates who demonstrate continuous professional development, commercial awareness, and a commitment to improving organisational resilience often deliver greater long-term value than those focused solely on maintaining existing security controls.

The Right Information Security Hire Protects More Than Technology

Cybersecurity professionals protect much more than networks and devices.

Their work supports customer trust, regulatory compliance, operational resilience, business continuity, and long-term organisational growth. Every strategic technology initiative depends on effective security from the outset rather than as an afterthought.

Hiring the right information security professional means looking beyond certifications and technical experience alone.

Employers who prioritise communication, business understanding, governance, and problem-solving alongside technical capability place themselves in a stronger position to build resilient organisations that can respond confidently to an increasingly complex digital landscape.