In the rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity, there's a constant debate: is it better to focus on accumulating certifications, or should the emphasis be on developing strong practical skills through hands-on projects, labs, and real-world experience? For aspiring and current cybersecurity professionals, what's the optimal balance? What are the most crucial practical skills (e.g., scripting, cloud security architecture, incident response, network analysis, ethical hacking) that employers are actively seeking, even if they aren't directly tested in standard certifications? How can one effectively build a portfolio of these practical skills, perhaps through platforms like TryHackMe, Hack The Box, personal labs, or open-source contributions, to complement theoretical knowledge gained from courses or certifications? Are there any regional nuances in this debate, for instance, in the Bangladeshi job market, where a local company might prioritize certifications more than a global remote employer?

In 2025, practical skills matter more than ever—especially in areas like scripting, incident response, and ethical hacking. Certifications (like CompTIA, OSCP, or CEH) are helpful for getting noticed, but real-world skills from platforms like TryHackMe, Hack The Box, or GitHub projects show you can actually do the job. In Bangladesh, local companies may still value certs for HR filtering, but global employers prioritize hands-on ability. The best path? Combine both: earn key certs, but build a strong, visible portfolio with real practical experience.