Top 12 Security Technician Skills to Put on Your Resume

In the rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity, a well-crafted resume is crucial for security technicians aiming to stand out in the job market. Highlighting a robust set of technical and soft skills can significantly enhance your chances of landing your desired position, demonstrating your readiness to tackle modern security challenges.

Security Technician Skills

1. CyberArk
2. Nessus
3. Splunk
4. Wireshark
5. Palo Alto
6. CISSP
7. SSCP
8. Kali Linux
9. Metasploit
10. Snort
11. FortiGate
12. RSA Archer

1. CyberArk

CyberArk is a security company specializing in Privileged Access Management (PAM), offering solutions to protect, control, and monitor privileged access across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments, helping organizations secure critical assets and meet compliance requirements by managing and securing privileged credentials and secrets.

Why It's Important

CyberArk is crucial for a Security Technician as it provides advanced solutions for managing, rotating, and monitoring privileged access and credentials, significantly reducing the risk of security breaches by securing the most targeted attack vector.

How to Improve CyberArk Skills

Improving CyberArk for a Security Technician can be achieved through these concise steps:

1. Stay Updated: Regularly update CyberArk software to leverage the latest security features and patches. CyberArk Documentation provides guidance on updates.

2. Enhance Configuration: Optimize CyberArk configurations based on best practices to strengthen security posture. CyberArk Best Practices offer valuable insights for configuration enhancements.

3. Strengthen Authentication: Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for accessing the CyberArk solution to add an extra layer of security. CyberArk MFA details the MFA setup process.

4. Regular Audits and Reviews: Conduct periodic audits of CyberArk usage, permissions, and policies to ensure compliance and identify any security gaps. CyberArk Audit Solution assists in comprehensive auditing.

5. Training and Awareness: Invest in ongoing training for users and administrators to enhance the secure usage of CyberArk. CyberArk University offers various training modules.

6. Leverage CyberArk Marketplace: Utilize integrations and plugins from the CyberArk Marketplace to extend CyberArk's capabilities and streamline security workflows.

Implementing these steps will significantly improve the security and efficiency of CyberArk in your organization.

How to Display CyberArk Skills on Your Resume

2. Nessus

Nessus is a widely-used vulnerability scanning tool designed to detect vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and potential security risks in computer systems and networks, aiding Security Technicians in identifying and mitigating security weaknesses.

Why It's Important

Nessus is important for a Security Technician because it is a comprehensive vulnerability scanning tool that helps identify, assess, and prioritize vulnerabilities in networks and systems, enhancing the security posture by mitigating potential threats.

How to Improve Nessus Skills

To improve Nessus as a Security Technician, focus on the following actions:

1. Update Regularly: Ensure Nessus and its plugins are always up-to-date to detect the latest vulnerabilities. Nessus Updates.

2. Customize Scans: Tailor scan policies to your environment's specific needs for efficient and relevant results. Creating and Customizing Policies.

3. Optimize Performance: Adjust your scan configurations to balance speed and network load, avoiding potential disruptions. Performance Optimization.

4. Leverage Credentials: Use authenticated scans whenever possible for deeper insights and more accurate vulnerability detection. Authenticated Scans.

5. Use Nessus Agents: Deploy Nessus Agents for scanning transient and hard-to-reach devices without overwhelming the network. Nessus Agents.

6. Regularly Review and Prioritize: Regularly review scan results, prioritize vulnerabilities based on risk, and remediate accordingly. Review and Prioritize Vulnerabilities.

7. Integrate with Other Tools: Enhance Nessus by integrating it with other security tools for comprehensive threat detection and management. Integrations.

8. Continuous Learning: Stay informed about the latest security threats and Nessus features by accessing Tenable Community and other educational resources. Tenable Community.

By following these steps, you can significantly improve your Nessus deployment, making it more effective in identifying and managing vulnerabilities in your organization's network.

How to Display Nessus Skills on Your Resume

3. Splunk

Splunk is a software platform used for searching, monitoring, and analyzing machine-generated big data, primarily through a web-style interface. For a Security Technician, it is particularly valuable for real-time security monitoring, incident response, and forensic investigations, enabling the extraction of insights from security-related data across an organization's technology infrastructure.

Why It's Important

Splunk is crucial for a Security Technician because it enables real-time monitoring, searching, and analysis of vast amounts of security data, helping to identify, investigate, and respond to potential security threats and breaches efficiently.

How to Improve Splunk Skills

To improve your use of Splunk as a Security Technician, focus on these concise strategies:

1. Optimize Searches: Learn to write efficient search queries to reduce load and speed up results. Use the Search Tutorial from Splunk.

2. Implement Data Models: Utilize data models to categorize and correlate data efficiently, enhancing threat detection capabilities.

3. Use Apps and Add-ons: Integrate with Splunk Security Essentials for use-case specific insights and Enterprise Security for a comprehensive security solution.

4. Regularly Update: Keep Splunk and its components up to date to ensure you have the latest features and security patches. Check the Splunk Release Notes.

5. Custom Alerts: Create custom alerts for specific security scenarios relevant to your environment. Learn more about alerts in the Alerts Manual.

6. Capitalize on SPL: Deepen your knowledge of the Splunk Processing Language (SPL) for complex data analysis. SPL resources are available in the Search Reference.

7. Networking and Sharing: Participate in Splunk community events and forums like Splunk Answers to learn from and share knowledge with other professionals.

8. Training and Certification: Invest in Splunk training and certification programs to enhance your skills progressively. Check out Splunk Education for available courses and certifications.

Each of these steps can contribute significantly to improving your efficiency and effectiveness when using Splunk for security purposes.

How to Display Splunk Skills on Your Resume

4. Wireshark

Wireshark is an open-source network protocol analyzer tool used by security technicians for network troubleshooting, analysis, software and protocol development, and education, allowing them to capture and interactively browse the traffic running on a computer network.

Why It's Important

Wireshark is crucial for Security Technicians as it allows for the monitoring and analysis of real-time network traffic, enabling the identification of malicious activities, vulnerabilities, and protocol non-compliance, thus enhancing network security and integrity.

How to Improve Wireshark Skills

Improving your Wireshark skills as a Security Technician involves enhancing your knowledge of network protocols, mastering the tool's features, and staying updated with the latest cybersecurity trends. Here’s a concise guide:

1. Master the Basics: Start with understanding core networking concepts and how Wireshark captures and analyzes packets. The official Wireshark documentation is an excellent place to begin.

2. Advanced Features: Learn about advanced features like filter creation, following TCP streams, and decrypting traffic. The Wireshark User's Guide provides detailed explanations.

3. Customization: Customize Wireshark to suit your needs by creating or importing profiles and using color coding for packets. This Customization Guide offers insights.

4. Protocol Deep Dive: Gain an in-depth understanding of specific protocols relevant to your security needs. Resources like Protocol Documentation can be invaluable.

5. Regular Practice: Apply your knowledge regularly on real or simulated networks to recognize patterns and anomalies. Participating in Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions can offer practical experience.

6. Automation and Scripting: Learn to automate tasks with Wireshark using Lua scripts or integrating with other tools. The Developer’s Guide provides resources for scripting.

7. Stay Updated: Wireshark and network protocols evolve, so follow Wireshark news and security blogs to stay informed about updates and security threats.

8. Join the Community: Engage with the Wireshark community through forums, social media, or Wireshark Q&A to exchange knowledge and get help.

By focusing on these areas, you can significantly enhance your proficiency in using Wireshark for security analysis.

How to Display Wireshark Skills on Your Resume

5. Palo Alto

Palo Alto Networks is a global cybersecurity leader, known for its advanced firewalls and cloud-based security solutions designed to safeguard networks, applications, and data from cyber threats.

Why It's Important

Palo Alto is important for a Security Technician because it provides advanced cybersecurity solutions, including next-generation firewalls and cloud-based offerings, that protect networks, applications, and data from cyber threats, ensuring robust and comprehensive security infrastructure.

How to Improve Palo Alto Skills

Improving security posture with Palo Alto as a Security Technician involves several key strategies. Here are concise steps with relevant resources:

1. Stay Updated: Regularly update your Palo Alto Networks devices to ensure protection against the latest threats. Palo Alto Networks Software Updates.

2. Optimize Configurations: Follow best practices for firewall configurations to maximize security efficiency. Best Practice Assessment (BPA).

3. Implement Threat Prevention: Utilize Palo Alto Networks’ Threat Prevention capabilities to protect against malware, exploits, and spyware. Threat Prevention.

4. Secure Access with Prisma Access: Enhance remote access security with Prisma Access to ensure secure connectivity for your workforce. Prisma Access.

5. Use Advanced URL Filtering: Employ Advanced URL Filtering for real-time protection against web-based threats. Advanced URL Filtering.

6. Enhance Network Visibility: Gain comprehensive insights into network activity with Panorama for improved threat detection and response. Panorama.

7. Continual Learning: Keep up with the latest security trends and Palo Alto Networks innovations through their Learning Center. Palo Alto Networks Learning Center.

8. Engage with the Community: Join the Palo Alto Networks Community to exchange knowledge, tips, and best practices with peers. Live Community.

By focusing on these areas, you can significantly enhance your organization's security posture using Palo Alto Networks solutions.

How to Display Palo Alto Skills on Your Resume

6. CISSP

CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) is a globally recognized certification for information security professionals, validating expertise in designing, implementing, and managing a best-in-class cybersecurity program.

Why It's Important

CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) is a globally recognized certification that validates an individual's expertise in designing, implementing, and managing a best-in-class cybersecurity program. For a Security Technician, obtaining a CISSP certification is important because it:

1. Demonstrates Expertise: Shows a deep understanding of security principles and practices.
2. Increases Employability: Enhances job prospects and potential for career advancement.
3. Boosts Credibility: Establishes professional credibility with employers, clients, and peers.
4. Ensures Up-to-Date Skills: Requires ongoing education, ensuring knowledge remains current in a rapidly evolving field.

How to Improve CISSP Skills

To improve your CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) skills and knowledge as a Security Technician, consider the following concise steps:

1. Continuous Learning: Engage in continuous learning through platforms such as Cybrary, which offers courses and resources specifically for cybersecurity professionals.

2. Practice Tests: Regularly take practice tests from the ISC² website to familiarize yourself with the exam format and identify areas needing improvement.

3. Study Groups and Forums: Join study groups and forums like TechExams CISSP to share knowledge, tips, and resources with fellow professionals.

4. Official ISC² Resources: Utilize official ISC² CISSP study guides and materials, ensuring you're learning from the source.

5. Hands-on Experience: Gain practical experience by working on real-world security issues and using test environments to experiment. Sites like Hack The Box offer practical cybersecurity challenges.

6. Webinars and Workshops: Attend CISSP webinars and workshops hosted by ISC² for insights into current trends and best practices.

7. Security Podcasts and Blogs: Stay updated with the latest in cybersecurity by following reputable blogs and listening to podcasts. Security Now! is a great starting point.

8. Review the CISSP CBK: Thoroughly understand the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK), which outlines the core topics for the CISSP exam. The official ISC² guide to the CISSP CBK is invaluable.

Focusing on these areas will enhance your CISSP preparation and contribute significantly to your development as a Security Technician.

How to Display CISSP Skills on Your Resume

7. SSCP

SSCP (Systems Security Certified Practitioner) is a certification for IT professionals specializing in cybersecurity, focusing on operational security, risk identification, analysis, and system and network security implementation and management.

Why It's Important

SSCP (Systems Security Certified Practitioner) is important for a Security Technician as it validates their technical skills and knowledge in implementing, monitoring, and administering IT infrastructure in accordance with security policies and procedures, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data.

How to Improve SSCP Skills

To improve your skills for the Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) certification, as a Security Technician, follow these concise steps:

1. Understand the SSCP Domains: Familiarize yourself with the seven domains covered by the SSCP certification. ISC²'s SSCP page provides a detailed overview.

2. Official Training and Study Guides: Utilize the official ISC² SSCP Study Guide and consider enrolling in official training courses for structured learning.

3. Practice Tests: Regularly take practice tests to gauge your understanding and readiness. Websites like Boson and Pearson VUE offer practice exams.

4. Hands-On Experience: Apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios. Set up lab environments to practice skills relevant to the SSCP domains.

5. Community and Forums: Engage with the cybersecurity community through forums and discussion groups like TechExams and Reddit’s r/netsecstudents, to gain insights and tips from peers.

6. Stay Updated: The field of cybersecurity is ever-evolving. Stay informed on the latest security trends and threats by following reputable sources such as The Hacker News and Krebs on Security.

7. Review the Code of Ethics: Understanding and adhering to the ISC² Code of Ethics is crucial for certification and professional conduct.

8. Schedule the Exam: Once ready, schedule your exam through the Pearson VUE website, ensuring you have adequate preparation time leading up to the exam date.

By following these steps and dedicating time to both study and practical application, you can significantly improve your knowledge and chances of becoming SSCP certified.

How to Display SSCP Skills on Your Resume

8. Kali Linux

Kali Linux is a Debian-based Linux distribution designed for digital forensics and penetration testing, offering a comprehensive collection of security tools and utilities for vulnerability analysis, network assessments, and cybersecurity tasks.

Why It's Important

Kali Linux is crucial for a Security Technician as it provides a comprehensive suite of tools for penetration testing and security auditing, facilitating the identification and remediation of vulnerabilities in systems and networks.

How to Improve Kali Linux Skills

Improving Kali Linux, especially for a Security Technician, involves enhancing security, streamlining tools, and ensuring system optimization. Here's a concise guide:

1. Keep Kali Linux Updated: Regularly update to patch vulnerabilities and improve tool performance. Use the command sudo apt update && sudo apt -y full-upgrade.

2. Configure and Tighten Security: Strengthen your security posture by configuring firewall rules and using tools like gufw for an easier interface. Gufw Documentation.

3. Use Encryption: Protect sensitive data with encryption tools like gnupg for files and cryptsetup for disk encryption. GnuPG Mini How-to, Cryptsetup.

4. Optimize Toolset: Install only necessary tools to keep your system lean and efficient. Use apt or snap to manage your tools effectively.

5. Implement Network Security Measures: Secure your network connection using VPNs and monitoring tools like Wireshark for network analysis. OpenVPN, Wireshark User Guide.

6. Stay Informed: Follow the official Kali Linux Blog for updates, security advisories, and new tools.

7. Practice Regular Backups: Use tools like rsync and timeshift for system backups to ensure data integrity. Rsync, Timeshift.

8. Enhance Anonymity: Tools like tor and proxychains can help maintain privacy and anonymity online. Tor Project, Proxychains.

9. Engage with the Community: Participate in forums and community discussions to stay updated on best practices and new security trends. Kali Linux Forums.

10. Education and Training: Continuously improve your skills by utilizing resources like Offensive Security Training and Kali Linux Documentation.

Remember, the effectiveness of Kali Linux as a tool for a Security Technician lies in keeping the system and its tools current, understanding the security landscape, and applying best practices diligently.

How to Display Kali Linux Skills on Your Resume

9. Metasploit

Metasploit is a comprehensive framework used for developing, testing, and executing exploit code against a remote target machine, widely utilized by security technicians for penetration testing and vulnerability discovery.

Why It's Important

Metasploit is crucial for Security Technicians as it provides a comprehensive framework for identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities in networks and systems, enabling the simulation of cyber attacks to strengthen security measures and defenses.

How to Improve Metasploit Skills

Improving Metasploit involves enhancing its performance, expanding its module library, and ensuring it remains up-to-date with the latest exploits and security patches. Here’s a concise guide for a Security Technician:

1. Update Regularly: Consistently update both Metasploit and its underlying database to incorporate the latest exploits and features. Use the command msfupdate or follow the official guide: Metasploit Updates.

2. Contribute Code: If you're capable of writing exploits or modules, contribute to the Metasploit Framework. The contribution guide is a good place to start: Contribute to Metasploit.

3. Optimize Performance: Enhance performance by tuning your system settings and Metasploit’s configuration. Refer to the performance tips outlined in the Metasploit documentation: Performance Tips.

4. Engage with the Community: Join the Metasploit community through forums, IRC, or Slack to stay informed on best practices, new features, and to seek help. Metasploit Community.

5. Educate Yourself: Continuously learn through Metasploit Unleashed or other free resources. Improving your understanding of Metasploit’s capabilities allows you to better leverage its features. Metasploit Unleashed.

6. Security Practices: Follow good security practices by regularly scanning your systems with Metasploit, patching vulnerabilities, and staying informed on security trends. National Vulnerability Database.

By focusing on these areas, a Security Technician can significantly improve their efficiency and effectiveness in using Metasploit.

How to Display Metasploit Skills on Your Resume

10. Snort

Snort is an open-source, network intrusion detection system (NIDS) designed to detect and prevent cybersecurity threats by analyzing network traffic for malicious activities.

Why It's Important

Snort is important for a Security Technician because it is a powerful intrusion detection system (IDS) that monitors network traffic for malicious activity, helping to identify and prevent potential threats in real time.

How to Improve Snort Skills

Improving Snort involves optimizing its configuration, rules management, and integrating it with other security tools for enhanced detection capabilities. Here's how to achieve this:

1. Optimize Configuration: Customize your snort.conf file to suit your network environment. This involves setting the HOME_NET and EXTERNAL_NET variables accurately to ensure Snort knows which traffic is internal and which is external. Snort User Manual provides guidance on configuration options.

2. Rules Management: Keep your Snort rules up to date for the latest threat detection. Use PulledPork or Oinkmaster for automated rule management. Customize and write your own rules for tailored protection. Snort Rule Writing offers insights into rule creation and management.

3. Performance Tuning: Use Barnyard2 for offloading traffic analysis, enabling Snort to focus on traffic inspection. Adjusting the stream5 and http_inspect preprocessors can also enhance performance. Snort Performance Tuning provides tips on fine-tuning.

4. Integration with SIEM/Log Management Tools: Enhance incident response by integrating Snort with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools like Splunk or ELK Stack. This allows for real-time alerts and comprehensive log analysis. Integrating Snort with Splunk offers a practical approach.

5. Use of Advanced Preprocessors: Enable and configure advanced preprocessors such as reputation, sensitive_data, and normalize for improved detection of sophisticated attacks and data leakage. Snort Preprocessors outlines their usage.

6. Regular Training and Community Engagement: Stay updated with the latest Snort features and threat detection techniques by participating in Snort workshops, webinars, and forums. Snort Community is a great place to engage with other security professionals.

By following these steps, you can significantly improve Snort's effectiveness in detecting and preventing cyber threats.

How to Display Snort Skills on Your Resume

11. FortiGate

FortiGate is a line of network security appliances from Fortinet that provides integrated firewall, VPN, anti-malware, intrusion prevention, and advanced threat protection capabilities designed to secure networks and data from cyber threats.

Why It's Important

FortiGate is crucial for a Security Technician as it provides a comprehensive cybersecurity solution, integrating advanced threat protection, intrusion prevention, and unified threat management capabilities to secure networks against a wide range of security threats efficiently.

How to Improve FortiGate Skills

Improving FortiGate involves several key strategies aimed at enhancing security, performance, and manageability. Here's a concise guide for a Security Technician:

1. Firmware Updates: Regularly update the FortiGate firmware to the latest version for security enhancements, new features, and bug fixes.

2. Feature Optimization: Enable and configure advanced security features such as FortiGuard Services, IPS, and web filtering, tailored to your specific network requirements.

3. Performance Tuning: Optimize performance by managing resource priorities, ensuring critical services run efficiently.

4. Secure VPN Access: Implement and secure VPN access for remote users, using strong encryption and MFA.

5. Regular Audits: Conduct regular configuration audits and reviews to ensure compliance with security policies and standards.

6. Network Segmentation: Use VLANs and VDOMs for network segmentation, reducing the attack surface and improving security.

7. Backup Configurations: Regularly backup configurations to prevent data loss and ensure quick recovery in case of failures.

8. Monitoring and Alerts: Utilize FortiAnalyzer for logging, monitoring, and reporting to detect anomalies and receive alerts on security incidents.

9. Staff Training: Ensure staff are trained on the latest security threats and FortiGate features to improve overall security posture.

10. Utilize FortiCare: Leverage FortiCare Support Services for expert assistance, device health checks, and best practices.

By implementing these strategies, a Security Technician can significantly improve the security and efficiency of their FortiGate appliances.

How to Display FortiGate Skills on Your Resume

12. RSA Archer

RSA Archer is a comprehensive risk management software platform that enables organizations to identify, assess, manage, and mitigate security risks across their environments. It provides tools for compliance management, incident management, and threat intelligence, helping security technicians streamline and automate their security operations and risk management processes.

Why It's Important

RSA Archer is important for a Security Technician because it provides a comprehensive framework for managing organizational risk, compliance, and security policies, enabling proactive identification, assessment, and mitigation of cyber threats and vulnerabilities in a centralized platform.

How to Improve RSA Archer Skills

Improving RSA Archer for a Security Technician involves enhancing system performance, data accuracy, and usability. Here are concise strategies:

1. Optimize Data Feeds: Ensure data feeds are efficient and reliable. Regularly audit and refine data sources to reduce redundancy and improve accuracy. RSA Community offers guidance on best practices.

2. Customize Workflow: Tailor workflows to match your organization's processes. Use the RSA Archer Platform capabilities to automate and streamline tasks, reducing manual errors and inefficiencies.

3. Implement Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Enhance security and efficiency by ensuring users have access only to the necessary information. Detailed RBAC configurations can be found in the RSA Archer Administration Guide.

4. Regular Training and Updates: Keep the team updated with the latest RSA Archer features and best practices. Attend RSA Archer Summit and webinars, and utilize resources from RSA University.

5. Monitor System Performance: Regularly monitor system performance and conduct audits to identify bottlenecks. Use the performance tuning guidelines provided by RSA to optimize your system.

6. Leverage User Feedback: Collect and implement feedback from end-users to make the system more intuitive and user-friendly. The RSA Community forums can be a good place to gather insights.

7. Stay Updated with Patches: Regularly apply patches and updates from RSA to ensure your system is secure and running efficiently. Check the RSA Link for the latest updates.

By following these strategies, a Security Technician can significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of RSA Archer within their organization.

How to Display RSA Archer Skills on Your Resume