6 answers
2
Questions
Asked
855 views
What are your strongest security skills?
what do you value in most?
Login to comment
6 answers
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Martin all security guard jobs are not created equally. The role of a security guard varies on a number of factors such as the nature of business your a security guard at, whether you are armed or unarmed, and the location of a job. That being said, working in this field requires a high level of accountability, and these additional skills I think a security guard should have.
👁️ ALERTNESS: Alertness and possessing strong attention to detail are key to being a successful security guard. This involves being vigilant and identifying weak spots ahead of time, while also being able to quickly recognize and handle threats as they play out in real time. Whether it be catching someone that’s trying to sneak into an event, or stopping a thief from stealing merchandise, it takes a hawk’s eye to prevent danger.
💪 PHYSICALITY: Physical fitness, strong reflexes, and having the wherewithal to disarm a threat is what most businesses are looking for in a security officer. The use of physical force should always be the last resort; however, on the occasions where it is needed, it is imperative that a security guard understands how to wield their power while keeping everyone safe.
☎️ COMMUNICATION: Security guards do not work in a vacuum. They often work in tandem with a business’ internal security team, law enforcement agencies, operations managers, and a team of other watchmen. Therefore, being able to keep the lines of communication clear and open could make or break a guard’s career. Whether it’s quickly relaying information about an active threat to teammates, reporting a situation to law enforcement, or writing a monthly report for your employer, effectively communicating what you have observed is imperative to securing an area.
🛑 DISCRETION: Not all suspicions are legitimate threats. While a security guard must be vigilant when surveilling an area or patrolling, they must also possess solid judgment skills. Being able to discern the size of a threat and the level of danger in a given situation is crucial. Discretion is one of the most important skills a guard can possess. Otherwise, someone could get seriously hurt for the wrong reasons.
🏆 HONESTY: Last but certainly not least is honesty. Honesty translates to trust, and there is no greater currency than trust in an emergency situation. A security guard must be able to trust their teammates, their boss, their clients, and vice versa. Trustworthiness is the foundation of any strong relationship, and at the end of the day, maintaining relationships is a big part of this business.
👁️ ALERTNESS: Alertness and possessing strong attention to detail are key to being a successful security guard. This involves being vigilant and identifying weak spots ahead of time, while also being able to quickly recognize and handle threats as they play out in real time. Whether it be catching someone that’s trying to sneak into an event, or stopping a thief from stealing merchandise, it takes a hawk’s eye to prevent danger.
💪 PHYSICALITY: Physical fitness, strong reflexes, and having the wherewithal to disarm a threat is what most businesses are looking for in a security officer. The use of physical force should always be the last resort; however, on the occasions where it is needed, it is imperative that a security guard understands how to wield their power while keeping everyone safe.
☎️ COMMUNICATION: Security guards do not work in a vacuum. They often work in tandem with a business’ internal security team, law enforcement agencies, operations managers, and a team of other watchmen. Therefore, being able to keep the lines of communication clear and open could make or break a guard’s career. Whether it’s quickly relaying information about an active threat to teammates, reporting a situation to law enforcement, or writing a monthly report for your employer, effectively communicating what you have observed is imperative to securing an area.
🛑 DISCRETION: Not all suspicions are legitimate threats. While a security guard must be vigilant when surveilling an area or patrolling, they must also possess solid judgment skills. Being able to discern the size of a threat and the level of danger in a given situation is crucial. Discretion is one of the most important skills a guard can possess. Otherwise, someone could get seriously hurt for the wrong reasons.
🏆 HONESTY: Last but certainly not least is honesty. Honesty translates to trust, and there is no greater currency than trust in an emergency situation. A security guard must be able to trust their teammates, their boss, their clients, and vice versa. Trustworthiness is the foundation of any strong relationship, and at the end of the day, maintaining relationships is a big part of this business.
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Martin
Thank You Kim. I appreciate your perspective so much.
Doc Frick
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
734
Answers
Updated
Paul’s Answer
With me, when I worked security positions, it was report writing.
The same for when I worked as a police officer. You must have the ability to make observations, collect information on evidence, and be able to articulate it in a report.
The ability to tell an accurate and truthful story and put it in a report format is a highly valued skill, which can be utilized by both law enforcement and the criminal justice system.
The same for when I worked as a police officer. You must have the ability to make observations, collect information on evidence, and be able to articulate it in a report.
The ability to tell an accurate and truthful story and put it in a report format is a highly valued skill, which can be utilized by both law enforcement and the criminal justice system.
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
Martin
Updated
Dilara’s Answer
Risk assessment is very important in such an environment where we have several geopolitical, and financial crisis around the world as well as the increased importance of data protection. I believe risk assessment capability is the best skill for security.
Updated
Barbara’s Answer
Hi Martin,
When it comes to security skills, some of the strongest include proficiency in risk assessment, threat detection, and system hardening. Understanding encryption, secure software development, and network security are key elements as well. What matters most in security is a proactive approach—anticipating vulnerabilities and mitigating risks before they can be exploited. Having a strong focus on continuous learning and adapting to new threats in an ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape is essential to ensuring the highest level of protection.
When it comes to security skills, some of the strongest include proficiency in risk assessment, threat detection, and system hardening. Understanding encryption, secure software development, and network security are key elements as well. What matters most in security is a proactive approach—anticipating vulnerabilities and mitigating risks before they can be exploited. Having a strong focus on continuous learning and adapting to new threats in an ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape is essential to ensuring the highest level of protection.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6023
Answers
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Martin!
Strongest Security Skills
When discussing the strongest security skills, it is essential to consider various aspects of cybersecurity, including technical expertise, analytical abilities, and soft skills. Here’s a detailed breakdown of these skills:
Technical Skills:
Network Security: Understanding how to protect networks from intrusions and attacks is fundamental. This includes knowledge of firewalls, VPNs, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and intrusion prevention systems (IPS).
Application Security: Proficiency in securing applications through secure coding practices, vulnerability assessments, and penetration testing is crucial. Familiarity with tools like OWASP ZAP or Burp Suite can be beneficial.
Incident Response: The ability to respond effectively to security breaches is vital. This involves identifying the breach, containing it, eradicating the threat, recovering systems, and conducting post-incident analysis.
Cryptography: Knowledge of encryption methods and protocols ensures that data remains confidential and integrity is maintained during transmission.
Analytical Skills:
Threat Analysis: The capability to analyze potential threats and vulnerabilities in systems requires critical thinking and an understanding of current threat landscapes.
Risk Assessment: Evaluating risks associated with different assets helps prioritize security measures based on potential impacts.
Soft Skills:
Communication: Effectively communicating security policies and procedures to non-technical stakeholders is essential for fostering a culture of security within an organization.
Team Collaboration: Working well with other IT professionals and departments enhances overall security posture by ensuring everyone understands their role in maintaining security.
Continuous Learning:
Cybersecurity is a rapidly evolving field; thus, staying updated with the latest trends, threats, technologies, and best practices through certifications (like CISSP or CEH) or ongoing education is crucial.
Problem-Solving Skills:
The ability to think critically about problems as they arise allows for quick identification of solutions during incidents or when implementing new security measures.
In summary, strong security skills encompass a blend of technical proficiency in areas such as network and application security; analytical capabilities for assessing threats; soft skills for effective communication; a commitment to continuous learning; and robust problem-solving abilities.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question
NIST Cybersecurity Framework: A comprehensive guide developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology that outlines best practices for managing cybersecurity risks.
SANS Institute: A leading organization in cybersecurity training that provides resources on various aspects of information security including technical skills development.
ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association): An international professional association focused on IT governance that offers insights into risk management frameworks and best practices in cybersecurity.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless You!
JC.
Strongest Security Skills
When discussing the strongest security skills, it is essential to consider various aspects of cybersecurity, including technical expertise, analytical abilities, and soft skills. Here’s a detailed breakdown of these skills:
Technical Skills:
Network Security: Understanding how to protect networks from intrusions and attacks is fundamental. This includes knowledge of firewalls, VPNs, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and intrusion prevention systems (IPS).
Application Security: Proficiency in securing applications through secure coding practices, vulnerability assessments, and penetration testing is crucial. Familiarity with tools like OWASP ZAP or Burp Suite can be beneficial.
Incident Response: The ability to respond effectively to security breaches is vital. This involves identifying the breach, containing it, eradicating the threat, recovering systems, and conducting post-incident analysis.
Cryptography: Knowledge of encryption methods and protocols ensures that data remains confidential and integrity is maintained during transmission.
Analytical Skills:
Threat Analysis: The capability to analyze potential threats and vulnerabilities in systems requires critical thinking and an understanding of current threat landscapes.
Risk Assessment: Evaluating risks associated with different assets helps prioritize security measures based on potential impacts.
Soft Skills:
Communication: Effectively communicating security policies and procedures to non-technical stakeholders is essential for fostering a culture of security within an organization.
Team Collaboration: Working well with other IT professionals and departments enhances overall security posture by ensuring everyone understands their role in maintaining security.
Continuous Learning:
Cybersecurity is a rapidly evolving field; thus, staying updated with the latest trends, threats, technologies, and best practices through certifications (like CISSP or CEH) or ongoing education is crucial.
Problem-Solving Skills:
The ability to think critically about problems as they arise allows for quick identification of solutions during incidents or when implementing new security measures.
In summary, strong security skills encompass a blend of technical proficiency in areas such as network and application security; analytical capabilities for assessing threats; soft skills for effective communication; a commitment to continuous learning; and robust problem-solving abilities.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question
NIST Cybersecurity Framework: A comprehensive guide developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology that outlines best practices for managing cybersecurity risks.
SANS Institute: A leading organization in cybersecurity training that provides resources on various aspects of information security including technical skills development.
ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association): An international professional association focused on IT governance that offers insights into risk management frameworks and best practices in cybersecurity.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless You!
JC.
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Short and simple, since Doc and Paul so thoroughly covered everything else - self-confidence! As a police officer, I lost county of how many times I heard "Do you know who I am?" and "I know the Mayor." The highest officials I had to take action against included a Navy Captain and a Federal Judge. People are constantly trying to intimidate you. You need to be on top of your game - knowledgeable, and able to write a darn good report!
Good question!
Good question!