When talking about Security and Risk Management, people often think immediately of advanced technical skills: risk analysis, crisis management, compliance, and so on. However, soft skills play an equally crucial role, especially in a sector where the human factor is often the weakest link in the security chain. Let’s look at the essential transversal skills for those working in security and risk management.

PROBLEM SOLVING: RESOLVING INCIDENTS QUICKLY

Unexpected events can occur at any time, putting an organization’s security at risk. A security professional must have strong problem-solving skills to quickly identify threats, understand their nature, and implement the necessary countermeasures to mitigate damage. The ability to think outside the box and find effective solutions under pressure is essential. To minimize the risk of failure, it is advisable to prepare for various scenarios with a pre-established Risk Management Plan that everyone is trained on: in case of a fire, instead of waiting for firefighters, it is better to have a fire extinguisher at hand!

CRITICAL THINKING: RISK ANALYSIS AND DEFENSIVE STRATEGIES

In the world of security, every action has a reaction. Critical thinking allows for logical and methodical risk analysis, anticipating possible threat scenarios and evaluating the effectiveness of mitigation measures. Professionals in the sector must be able to assess information objectively, distinguishing between real alarms and false positives. Training and preparation are key: Kriptia’s personnel evaluate dozens of risk situations each year for their Clients.

ATTENTION TO DETAIL: NO ERROR IS NEGLIGIBLE

A single incorrectly followed procedure, inaccurate information, or imprecise evaluation can compromise an organization’s security. Attention to detail is an indispensable trait of a Security Manager, as threats often exploit small errors in processes or seemingly insignificant vulnerabilities.

COMMUNICATION: TRANSLATING COMPLEXITY INTO SIMPLICITY

Security is not just about regulations and protocols but also awareness and training. A professional must be able to explain complex concepts to non-technical individuals, such as corporate executives or employees, to improve the organization’s security posture. Communicating clearly and effectively helps reduce the risk of human errors and facilitates the adoption of preventive measures. Ultimately, all employees must be guardians of security: from the department supervisor overseeing a facility to the manager who must maintain a broader perspective.

CURIOSITY AND CONTINUOUS LEARNING: KEEPING UP

Risks and threats evolve rapidly, as do regulations and best practices in security management. Being curious and having a continuous learning mindset is crucial to staying updated on new threats, emerging vulnerabilities, and risk mitigation best practices. A security professional never stops studying. This also applies to us at Kriptia: we are always present at industry trade shows, conferences in Italy and Europe, as well as in the USA, to keep up with the latest trends.

TEAMWORK: COLLABORATING FOR EFFECTIVE RISK MANAGEMENT

Risk and security management is a team effort. A professional must interact with the IT team, corporate leadership, Compliance and legal departments, Human Resources, and other stakeholders to implement effective security strategies. The ability to work in a team and coordinate with various professionals in a cross-functional role is crucial to the success of risk mitigation strategies.

STRESS MANAGEMENT: STAYING CALM DURING CRISES

When an organization faces a crisis or significant threat, time is critical, and pressure is high. An experienced Security Manager must remain clear-headed even under stress, managing emergencies with rationality and readiness. The ability to stay composed can make the difference between a contained crisis and a total disaster.

In conclusion, technical skills are essential, but without the right soft skills, it is impossible to tackle daily challenges effectively. Problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, and stress management are just a few of the qualities that distinguish a good security professional. Investing in the development of these skills not only enhances the ability to protect people, data, and resources but also makes the job more effective and rewarding. For everything else, there’s Kriptia.