Big Five Personality Traits and Job Performance in Cybersecurity: A Meta-Analytic Review

What Did This Cybersecurity Research Find?

This cybersecurity personnel selection meta-analysis examined 38 studies linking Big Five personality traits to job performance across security roles. Cybersecurity job performance was most strongly predicted by conscientiousness (rho = 0.31) and openness to experience (rho = 0.26), but the pattern varied by specialization: agreeableness predicted GRC success (rho = 0.29) but negatively predicted red team performance (rho = -0.14).

Key Findings

• 1Conscientiousness predicted cybersecurity job performance overall (rho = 0.31)
• 2Openness to experience was the second strongest predictor (rho = 0.26)
• 3Agreeableness predicted GRC success (rho = 0.29) but negatively predicted red team performance (rho = -0.14)
• 4Neuroticism negatively predicted SOC analyst retention (rho = -0.22)
• 5Extraversion showed no significant relationship with performance in technical security roles

How Does This Apply to Cybersecurity Careers?

Hiring managers can use personality assessments more precisely by matching trait profiles to specific security roles. Job seekers can understand which personality strengths align with different specializations.

Who Should Read This?

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