How to Evaluate Cyber Security Experts: 7 Critical Indicators

"I can't think of any recent mistakes," the job applicant replied confidently during our interview.

In that moment, I knew I wasn’t going to hire them.

To be fair, it wasn’t the only indicator that they weren’t a suitable candidate, but it pretty much sealed the deal at that point.   

This was an interview approach I learned from reading cognitive psychologist Gary Klein's research several years ago, and it has always remained in my toolbox of interview questions.

Real experts are haunted by their mistakes - it's what drives them to excellence.

In cyber security, where the wrong advice can have serious implications for a business, identifying genuine expertise isn't just important - it's critical. Yet in a field crowded with certifications and impressive LinkedIn profiles, how do you separate the truly knowledgeable from the merely confident?

While there's no foolproof method, research by Klein and others has revealed clear patterns that distinguish people with real expertise.

Here are seven indicators and warning signs that you might like to consider;

1. Professional Credentials

Certifications and degrees establish a baseline of knowledge, but they're just the starting point. Many excellent practitioners have unconventional backgrounds, while some certified professionals never progress beyond textbook knowledge.

Warning Sign: Overemphasis on credentials rather than practical experience.

2. Years of Experience

Experience matters, but quality trumps quantity. As one researcher notes, "Some practitioners have one year of experience repeated ten times." Look for evidence of progression and growing responsibility over time.

Warning Sign: Claiming expertise based solely on time served.

3. Peer Recognition

Respect from genuine experts carries weight but be cautious. Sometimes the most vocal or charismatic personalities gather followers without demonstrating real expertise.

Warning Sign: More social media followers than peer recognition.

4. Track Record of Success

Past performance matters but verify claims carefully. Look for:

• Documented successes
• References from similar organisations
• Specific, measurable outcomes

Warning Sign: Vague claims without verifiable details.

5. Consistent Reliability

True experts demonstrate consistency in their analysis and recommendations. But watch out - being consistently wrong doesn't count. Look for:

• Consistent process
• Repeatable results
• Explainable methodology

Warning Sign: Contradictory advice or frequent dramatic changes in approach.

6. Reflection and Self-Awareness

The best experts readily acknowledge their limitations and past mistakes. They:

• Openly discuss lessons learned
• Maintain a learning mindset
• Acknowledge uncertainty when appropriate

Warning Sign: Inability to discuss failures or limitations.

7. Superior Pattern Recognition

This is the gold standard of expertise. Real experts:

• See things others miss
• Anticipate cascading effects
• Make connections between seemingly unrelated events
• Can explain complex concepts simply

Warning Sign: Relying on buzzwords rather than clear explanation.

8. Putting It Into Practice

When evaluating potential experts, look for at least three of these indicators, with special emphasis on pattern recognition and self-awareness. Here's a practical framework:

1. Ask for specific examples of past challenges and solutions
2. Request explanations of their thought process
3. Probe for lessons learned from past mistakes
4. Test their ability to explain complex concepts simply
5. Verify their track record with independent sources

The Bottom Line

The best experts combine deep knowledge with humility and continuous learning. They:

• Readily admit what they don't know
• Can clearly explain what they do know
• Have a proven track record
• Show superior pattern recognition
• Maintain consistent reliability

Remember: The most confident person in the room isn't necessarily the most knowledgeable. Look for the quiet expert who asks the right questions and sees connections others miss.

The next time someone claims expertise, don't just look at their credentials - watch how they think, explain, and learn. True expertise reveals itself through action, not assertions.

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