Key Takeaways
- Technical expertise is necessary but no longer sufficient for success in cybersecurity; employers now prioritize a blend of hard and soft skills.
- Problem‑solving ability enables professionals to confront constantly evolving threats without relying on a fixed “playbook.”
- Strong communication—especially translating technical concepts for non‑technical audiences—is essential for teamwork, reporting, and leadership.
- Curiosity drives continuous improvement and separates good practitioners from great ones; employers must nurture this trait.
- Adaptability to new tools, threats, and shifting job requirements is critical in a field reshaped by artificial intelligence.
- AI literacy combined with sound judgment lets workers leverage AI as a force‑multiplying tool while verifying its outputs.
- A commitment to lifelong learning is viewed as the most valuable attribute, given the relentless pace of change in cybersecurity.
- Community‑funded journalism initiatives support coverage of workforce trends in North Texas, ensuring independent reporting.
Employers Stress That Technical Skills Alone Are Insufficient
Across interviews with Dallas‑area employers, educators, workforce organizations, trainees, and Texas Cyber Command, a consistent message emerged: knowing how to write code or earn a certification is no longer enough to break into or thrive in cybersecurity. As artificial intelligence reshapes the profession and cyber threats grow more sophisticated, hiring managers increasingly seek workers who can communicate effectively, solve unfamiliar problems, and demonstrate a willingness to keep learning throughout their careers. The article distills these expectations into six core competencies that employers say matter most for today’s cybersecurity workforce.
Problem‑Solving: The Ability to Apply Knowledge to Novel Situations
Jonathan King, assistant director of Texas Cyber Command’s Texas Information Sharing and Analysis Organization, emphasized that cybersecurity professionals constantly face new threats that demand fresh thinking. He noted that “the cybersecurity defense playbook is being written and rewritten,” meaning that reliance on static procedures is inadequate. While technical concepts remain important, the real value lies in the capacity to apply that knowledge to unfamiliar scenarios, devise innovative defenses, and adapt tactics as attackers evolve. Employers therefore look for candidates who can think on their feet and generate solutions when standard approaches fall short.
Communication: Bridging the Gap Between Technical and Non‑Technical Audiences
When the University of North Texas at Dallas designed its new Bachelor of Arts in Cybersecurity, university leaders consulted employers about the skills they desired in graduates. The response went beyond pure technical ability; employers repeatedly highlighted teamwork, leadership, project management, and—most notably—the ability to explain technical issues to non‑technical stakeholders. Joe Stewart, a technology technician for Lancaster ISD who completed UpskillU’s year‑long cybersecurity apprenticeship, pointed out that writing clear reports after completing technical work was one of the program’s most valuable components. Tiffany Gillespie, an Irving insurance agent training through UpskillU, echoed this sentiment, stating that cybersecurity work is not just about personal understanding but about making others comprehend risks and findings. Effective communication thus underpins collaboration, incident reporting, and strategic decision‑making.
Curiosity: The Drive to Seek Better Solutions
Paul Johnson, CEO of Richardson‑based HEXA Innovation, argued that curiosity distinguishes good technology professionals from great ones. He urged employers to seek employees who want to grow and continually look for better ways to solve problems rather than waiting for explicit direction. Johnson also stressed that organizations have a responsibility to cultivate environments that encourage curiosity and ongoing development. Jerry Sinayuk, a nuKudo graduate now working as a solutions engineer, reinforced this view with the simple advice: “Be curious.” When workers are intrinsically motivated to explore new tools, techniques, and threat landscapes, they become proactive contributors who can anticipate challenges before they materialize.
Adaptability: Thriving Amid Constant Change
The cybersecurity landscape shifts rapidly, requiring professionals to learn new tools, respond to emergent threats, and adjust when job descriptions or business needs evolve. Johnson remarked that adopting AI “is not going to be perfect,” but professionals must be willing to jump in and experiment. King added that tomorrow’s cybersecurity workforce will need adaptability alongside technical knowledge and a commitment to continuing education. This flexibility enables individuals to pivot when a novel malware variant appears, when a new regulatory framework is introduced, or when an organization shifts its security architecture. Employers therefore prize candidates who demonstrate comfort with ambiguity and a readiness to upskill on the fly.
AI Literacy and Sound Judgment: Leveraging Technology Wisely
Artificial intelligence now plays a dual role: it empowers attackers to craft larger, more convincing phishing campaigns while also assisting defenders in identifying vulnerabilities and strengthening networks. Johnson likened AI to giving a skilled carpenter access to modern power tools—the underlying craft remains unchanged, but the worker can accomplish far more. However, employers still need individuals who can judge whether AI‑generated output is accurate, relevant, and useful. Tiffany Gillespie shared how she initially used AI to study for an insurance exam; her cybersecurity mentor later showed her how to harness the tool more effectively to locate reliable resources and cross‑check information. The combination of AI literacy and critical judgment ensures that technology augments rather than replaces human expertise.
A Commitment to Lifelong Learning: The Most Valued Skill
No interviewee suggested that cybersecurity is a field where learning ever stops. Stewart explained that he enrolled in UpskillU’s year‑long apprenticeship precisely to continue growing beyond his current role, emphasizing that workers must demonstrate a desire to learn rather than become complacent. Maturon Miner, who left a 15‑year career in the craft beer industry to train with nuKudo, described each day as a new challenge—whether learning Python, tackling technical exercises, or collaborating with teams. Gillespie added that continuous learning expands one’s view of cybersecurity beyond the stereotypical image of someone typing code into a black screen; it includes researching threats, finding vulnerabilities, working with technical teams, and communicating risks. For employers, this enduring appetite for knowledge may be the single most valuable attribute a candidate can bring.
Support and Acknowledgments
This reporting is part of the Future of North Texas, a community‑funded journalism initiative supported by the Commit Partnership, Communities Foundation of Texas, The Dallas Foundation, the Dallas Mavericks, the Dallas Regional Chamber, Deedie Rose, Lisa and Charles Siegel, the McCune‑Losinger Family Fund, The Meadows Foundation, the Perot Foundation, the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, and the University of Texas at Dallas. The News retains full editorial control of this coverage. © 2026 The Dallas Morning News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.