Coursera, the global online learning platform, has released their fourth annual Job Skills Report which highlights the critical skills that individuals and institutions will prioritize in 2025.
The report identifies the 10 fastest-growing tech skills, with 8 of them being cybersecurity-related. Coursera highlights how “cybersecurity threats are increasing in frequency and complexity,” pushing businesses to invest heavily in skilled professionals to mitigate risks.
“Risk management and cybersecurity skills surge into the fastest-growing skills list, as businesses respond to a 75% increase in cyberattacks in Q3 2024,” the report reads.
The 10 Fastest-Growing Tech Skills in 2025
Here are the 10 fastest growing tech skills listed in the report:
1. Incident Management & Response
Incident management involves detecting, managing, and resolving cybersecurity incidents to minimize their impact on business operations. It focuses on creating and implementing effective response plans to tackle breaches, ransomware, or system outages.
Professionals skilled in this area are critical to maintaining operational continuity during crises and preventing long-term damage.
2. Threat Management & Modeling
Threat management emphasizes proactive security by identifying and neutralizing potential risks before they manifest into breaches. Threat modeling involves analyzing systems to uncover vulnerabilities and simulating attack scenarios.
This skill allows organizations to strengthen defenses by addressing weaknesses and deploying countermeasures ahead of time.
3. Security Information & Event Management (SIEM)
SIEM is a combination of tools and processes that provide real-time insights into an organization’s IT environment by collecting, analyzing, and correlating security event data.
SIEM professionals help organizations identify unusual patterns, track threats, and respond swiftly to mitigate risks. Mastery of SIEM is a crucial requirement for modern cybersecurity roles.
4. Computer Security
Computer security focuses on protecting systems, networks, and sensitive data from unauthorized access and cyberattacks. It covers a wide range of practices, including encryption, firewalls, antivirus software, and secure coding techniques.
This foundational skill is critical across industries to safeguard both digital and physical assets.
5. Vulnerability Management
Vulnerability management is the continuous process of identifying, evaluating, and remediating security weaknesses in systems, applications, and networks.
Given the increasing frequency of zero-day exploits, organizations rely on vulnerability management to proactively patch flaws before attackers can exploit them.
6. Network Planning & Design
This skill focuses on designing secure, scalable, and efficient network infrastructures. It involves selecting the right hardware, setting up network configurations, and planning for redundancy to ensure robust performance.
A well-designed network minimizes vulnerabilities and provides a strong foundation for securing digital communication.
7. Network Management & Monitoring
Network management involves maintaining optimal network performance, while monitoring ensures real-time detection of anomalies like unauthorized access or bandwidth spikes.
Professionals with this skill can implement tools to oversee network traffic and identify threats, helping businesses maintain uninterrupted operations.
8. Software Documentation
Software documentation entails creating comprehensive manuals, guides, and references that explain how to use or troubleshoot software systems. This skill ensures that software is accessible and understandable to users and developers, improving adoption and efficiency. Clear documentation is essential in a world where complex software solutions are increasingly common.
9. Infrastructure Security
Infrastructure security focuses on protecting the essential systems and hardware that support an organization’s IT operations. This includes securing servers, data centers, and cloud platforms from cyberattacks, ensuring these critical assets remain operational and safeguarded from threats.
10. Data Analysis Expressions (DAX)
DAX is a specialized formula language used in data analysis tools like Power BI and Excel. It allows professionals to create complex calculations, derive insights from data, and present actionable information.
As businesses continue to rely on data-driven decision-making, proficiency in DAX is becoming a sought-after skill.
Also read: Top 5 Cybersecurity Predictions for 2025
Why Cybersecurity Skills Are Dominating
The dominance of cybersecurity-related skills can be attributed to several factors:
- Rising Cyber Threats: Organizations face increasingly sophisticated attacks, such as ransomware, phishing, and data breaches, necessitating advanced defensive measures.
- Digital Transformation: As businesses shift to online operations, robust cybersecurity measures become critical to protect sensitive data and systems.
- Regulatory Compliance: Governments and industries are introducing stricter regulations, requiring organizations to prioritize cybersecurity to avoid legal and financial consequences.
Also read: Overview of Africa’s Cyber Threat Landscape in 2024
How to Get Started in Cybersecurity
If you’re looking to join this fast-growing field, here’s how to get started:
- Enroll in Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and edX offer a wide range of cybersecurity courses. Beginners can start with fundamentals, while advanced learners can dive into specialized topics like incident response and threat modeling.
- Obtain Certifications: Certifications such as CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) are highly valued by employers.
- Gain Hands-On Experience: Platforms like TryHackMe and Hack The Box provide virtual environments where you can practice ethical hacking, network defense, and more.
- Build a Portfolio: Document your work on projects like vulnerability assessments or penetration tests. A strong portfolio showcases your expertise to potential employers.
- Join Like-Minded Communities: Join cybersecurity forums, attend webinars, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Networking can open doors to mentorship and job opportunities.
Download report: Coursera-Job-Skills-Report-2025
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