10 Red Flags to Watch for When Hiring a Cybersecurity Expert

Learn the critical warning signs to watch for when hiring cybersecurity experts. Protect your company by spotting these 10 red flags during the interview process.

Business Feb 12, 2025 7 Add to Reading List

10 Red Flags to Watch for When Hiring a Cybersecurity Expert

Finding the right cybersecurity expert is crucial for protecting your company's digital assets. However with the growing demand for security professionals, some candidates may oversell their abilities. Here are ten warning signs to help you make better hiring decisions.

1. No Hands-on Experience with Security Tools

Watch out for candidates who can't describe their actual experience with common security tools. Ask about specific scenarios:

Which tools do they use to spot network attacks
How they handled real security breaches
Which systems they've protected

"When we hire cybersecurity experts, we always check if they can walk us through past incidents step-by-step," says Mike Thompson, CISO at SecureNet Systems.

2. Missing Certifications or Outdated Knowledge

While certificates aren't everything, a complete lack of industry-standard certifications might signal problems. Basic certifications to look for:

CompTIA Security+
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

More important is whether they stay current with new threats and solutions.

3. Poor Communication Skills

Security experts must explain complex issues to non-technical staff. If candidates struggle to:

Break down technical concepts
Write clear reports
Talk about security risks in plain terms

They might not succeed in the role, no matter their technical skills.

4. No Knowledge of Business Impact

Strong candidates understand how security connects to business goals. Red flags include:

Focusing only on technical details
Not considering cost vs. risk
Ignoring business operations when discussing solutions

5. Overconfidence About Security Solutions

Be careful of experts who claim they can make systems "completely secure." Good security professionals know:

Every system has risks
Security is an ongoing process
Solutions must balance security with usability

6. Limited Understanding of Compliance

Different industries have different security rules. Your expert should understand:

Industry-specific regulations
Data protection laws
Compliance requirements

If they can't discuss these topics in detail, they might not be ready for the role.

7. No Interest in User Training

Security isn't just about technology. Strong candidates know that user education matters. They should talk about:

Training programs they've created
How to build security awareness
Ways to make security easier for users

8. Lack of Incident Response Experience

Ask candidates about past security incidents. They should describe:

How they spotted problems
What steps they took
What they learned
How they prevented similar issues

Vague answers might mean limited real-world experience.

9. Poor References or Work History

Contact past employers and ask specific questions:

How did they handle incidents?
Did they work well with others?
Were they good at spotting problems?
Did they keep systems up to date?

Short job stays or missing references need good explanations.

10. Not Asking About Your Security Setup

Good candidates ask questions about your:

Current security measures
Known problems
Security goals
Team structure

If they don't ask questions, they might lack real interest or understanding.

Making the Right Choice

Tom Garcia, IT Director at DataSafe Corp, shares: "When I needed to hire a cybersecurity expert last year, checking for these warning signs saved us from making a costly mistake. The right expert doesn't just know the tech - they understand our business needs and can work with our team."