As we progress through 2025, data breaches and privacy concerns continue to be high on every organisation’s agenda – and so demand for skilled data privacy professionals continues to grow. Companies are increasingly raising their expectations for these key roles; looking for people who can offer the ideal blend of knowledge around regulations and cyber security combined with some critical soft skills.
Here are the top 10 key skills that are currently in high demand for data privacy roles.
1. Regulatory Compliance and Legal Expertise
With evolving global regulations such as the GDPR, CCPA and new AI-focused privacy laws, companies need professionals well-versed in compliance requirements. Understanding regional and industry-specific regulations is crucial to ensuring data privacy programmes meet legal standards and avoid hefty fines.
2. Risk Assessment and Management
Organisations seek professionals who can identify, evaluate, and mitigate data privacy risks. Skills in conducting risk assessments, implementing security frameworks and responding to potential threats are non-negotiable in today’s complex and evolving digital landscape.
3. Cybersecurity Knowledge
Data privacy and cybersecurity go hand in hand. Professionals with expertise in encryption, threat detection, penetration testing and security best practices are highly sought-after, as organisations endeavour to prevent unauthorised data access and potential breaches.
4. Data Governance and Policy Development
Companies require specialists who can establish and maintain data governance frameworks. This includes drafting privacy policies, managing data lifecycle processes - and ensuring proper data classification, storage and disposal.
5. AI and Machine Learning Awareness
With the rise of AI-driven decision-making, privacy professionals must understand how machine learning models process data, potential biases and compliance risks associated with AI technologies. AI experience is quickly becoming the top ‘must-have’ skill in CPO job descriptions.
6. Cloud Security and Data Protection
As more businesses migrate to the cloud, understanding cloud security protocols, encryption techniques and access control mechanisms is another critical skill for data privacy professionals.
7. Incident Response and Crisis Management
Being able to respond effectively to data breaches and cyber incidents is vital. Professionals with experience in forensic analysis, breach notification procedures and recovery strategies are highly valued.
8. Technical Proficiency in Privacy Tools
Knowledge of privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs), data anonymisation tools, and security software such as SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) systems is becoming a key requirement for privacy professionals.
9. Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing
Companies increasingly seek ethical hackers who can identify vulnerabilities before bad actors exploit them. Certified Ethical Hackers (CEH) and penetration testers with privacy expertise are in high demand.
10. Soft Skills: Communication and Collaboration
Privacy professionals must effectively communicate complex regulations to non-technical stakeholders. Strong collaboration skills help ensure that data privacy measures align with business goals and cross-functional teams work together efficiently.
Final thoughts
Organisations are increasingly looking for a strong blend of technical expertise, legal knowledge and strategic thinking to navigate the ever-changing privacy landscape. Developing these high-demand skills in 2025 will open doors to exciting career opportunities in the field of data privacy.
If you are looking to hire top data privacy talent, please get in touch with Phil Redhead for a friendly discussion!