Clar Rosso, CEO of (ISC)2 - Photo: (ISC)2 Only 13% of cybersecurity professionals in North America had a cybersecurity education before getting into the sector, according to a new report from (ISC)2, a nonprofit association that certifies cybersecurity professionals. And 8% explored cybersecurity on their own before being recruited to the field. A majority of cybersecurity pros - 55% - previously worked in IT, according to the study. Another 31% previously worked in the military or law enforcement. The study found that cloud security is the No. 1 technical skill those entering a cybersecurity career should possess, followed by data analysis skills and coding/programming expertise.