Explore KSACs by Pathway
In late 2025, the Partnership pulled together members of industry from across tech to share how the in-demand skillsets for entry-level roles in their fields have changed in the last two years. The Knowledge, Skills & Abilities and Credentials (KSACs) below reflect their feedback on entry-level expectations, especially in a tech workplace increasingly shaped by AI.
10. Data Security
| Label | KSAC Description | Bloom's Taxonomy Level | |
|---|---|---|---|
| a | Describe the following terms: cipher, cryptanalysis, cryptographic algorithm, and cryptology, and describe the two basic methods (ciphers) for transforming plaintext to ciphertext. | knowledge | 2 |
| b | Describe which cryptographic protocols, tools and techniques are appropriate for a given situation. | knowledge | 2 |
| c | Implement end-to-end data security including maintaining data security using data labeling, handling and disposal, as required by policy | skill | 3 |
| d | Describe what a digital investigation is, the sources of digital evidence, and the limitations of forensics. | knowledge | 2 |
| e | Compare and contrast a variety of forensics tools. | knowledge | 4 |
| f | Use the concepts of authentication, authorization, access control, and data integrity. | skill | 2 |
| g | Implement secure storage of passwords and PII. | skill | 3 |
| h | Understand the various techniques for data backup and data erasure. | knowledge | 2 |