According to a report published by ZDNet on August 7, 2026, cybersecurity leaders are shifting their hiring criteria, prioritizing modern skills over traditional certifications and years of experience. The rise of automation technologies in the security sector is reshaping requirements for the global workforce.
This shift not only marks a major turning point in how talent is evaluated in the IT industry but also redefines long-term training strategies. Enterprises now prioritize real-world adaptability over aesthetically pleasing resumes.
Background & Causes
For years, international security certifications and career longevity have been considered the golden ticket to entering or advancing in the cybersecurity industry. However, as noted by ZDNet, this reality has changed as automation tools increasingly take over manual tasks and basic monitoring.
The boom of AI and Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) systems has optimized routine alert analysis workflows. Consequently, experience accumulated through repetitive tasks no longer provides the same competitive edge as before. Recruiters today need candidates with high adaptability rather than purely theoretical credentials.
Technical Analysis & Technology
From a technological perspective, this shift stems from the deep deployment of security automation solutions. Extended Detection and Response (XDR) systems, combined with artificial intelligence (AI), can now process millions of security alerts daily with high precision without manual intervention. As low-level technical tasks such as log filtering, basic malware analysis, and patching are automated, the human role is shifting to higher-level tiers. Cybersecurity personnel now need a deep understanding of how these automation algorithms operate, alongside the ability to integrate and optimize systems to counter sophisticated, multi-target attacks that machines cannot handle alone.
Expert Insights & Perspectives
While professional certifications still hold certain foundational value, experts note they are no longer the sole metric for real-world capabilities. According to cybersecurity leaders cited by ZDNet, over-reliance on credentials can sometimes create a wide gap between academic theory and practical incident resolution.
Managers are now more focused on critical thinking, creative problem-solving skills, and agility in adopting new technologies. These skills enable personnel to quickly make accurate decisions during crises—qualities that traditional certification programs struggle to fully impart.
Impact & The Future
This trend poses challenges but also opens up significant opportunities for security engineers and specialists, particularly in emerging markets like Vietnam. To maintain a competitive edge, professionals in the field cannot rely solely on accumulating certifications or counting years of experience on their resumes. Instead, proactively familiarizing oneself with automation tools, sharpening systemic analytical thinking, and honing soft skills will be the key differentiators. In the near future, the boundary between an outstanding security expert and an average employee will be determined by their mastery of automation technology and strategic thinking capacity, rather than the number of credentials they hold.