How to Become a Cyber Security Consultant

Perform vulnerability testing by using ethical hacking and other techniques.

Deliver test findings in technical reports and white papers.

Plan, research and design security architecture for IT projects.

Implement and maintain company-wide cyber security policies for clients’ organizations.

Consult with staff to assess security vulnerabilities and concerns.

Develop and submit cost estimates for upgrades to systems and identify potential challenges in collaboration with the client’s IT project managers.

Knowledge of network structure: It’s important for cyber security consultants to have an understanding of technical concepts like firewall installation, programming, network configuration and management and the administration of different operating systems.

Risk identification and management: Through regular monitoring and analysis, risk management enables cyber security consultants to identify areas that may be vulnerable to a security breach and then take steps to defend against these threats. 

Data management and analysis: An understanding of modern data management is essential to enable cyber security consultants to create systems that gather, organize, analyze and protect data.

Cloud implementation and management: Those experienced in cyber security should be knowledgeable of cloud computing systems and processes and be proficient in the steps necessary to ensure the organization’s data storage and sharing is secure within the cloud. They should also know how to work with IT department personnel to create safe internal cloud systems. 

Ethical hacking: Learning and using techniques used by ethical hackers is crucial to uncovering vulnerabilities in clients’ systems, networks or applications. By using the same methods a malicious hacker might use to illegally gain access to a system, cyber security consultants can provide their clients with reliable vulnerability reports. 

Logical Reasoning: The ability to track down problems that aren’t immediately apparent within digital systems requires sharp reasoning skills. This ability can be applied to short-term crises as well as long-term solutions to systemic issues.

Adaptability: Cyber security consulting requires the ability to learn new technologies and quickly familiarize yourself with new emerging threats. This ability to stay ahead of the curve is something clients are likely to expect. 

Communication: Excellent verbal and written communications skills allow cyber security pros to engage with various audiences, from tech-savvy IT department personnel to upper management to executive-level stakeholders. Making technical subject matter understandable to non-technical audiences can be crucial when reporting testing results, making presentations or recommending security solutions. 

Detail-oriented: Working in a high-stakes environment where small errors could create security vulnerabilities, so cyber security consultants must be both detail-oriented and driven to ensure security.

CompTIA Security+: This certification verifies the skills and knowledge to configure systems used to secure networks, applications and mobile devices. Certification holders have shown their ability to assess the security posture of an enterprise environment and recommend and implement appropriate security solutions. They can also identify, analyze and respond to security events and incidents.

GIAC Information Security Fundamentals (GISF): Designed for newcomers to the information security field, GISF covers the fundamental concepts of information security and threat detection, and the best ways to protect data.

CompTIA PenTest+: This certification’s exam covers all stages of penetration testing and helps IT professionals gain vulnerability assessment and management skills. PenTest+ ensures candidates can propose remediation techniques, communicate results to management and effectively provide practical recommendations.

GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN): Designed for ethical hackers, penetration testers and other IT security pros, GPEN certification verifies the ability to conduct penetration testing following best practices and confidently engage in reconnaissance, conduct exploits and follow a process-oriented approach to penetration testing projects.

C|EH (Ethical Hacker): Currently in its 12^th version, this certification from EC-Council is a widely recognized certification based on 5 phases of ethical hacking. Candidates build skills and gain experience with more than 500 unique attack techniques and more than 220 challenge-based, hands-on labs.

CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+): Covering security architecture and engineering, the CASP+ certification from CompTIA is an advanced cyber security certification designed for security architects, lead analysts, senior security engineers and other advanced cyber security technicians. It covers the practical skills these professionals need to actualize effective solutions within established policies and frameworks.

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): The CISSP certification from ISC2 is intended for cyber security professionals who want to move up to positions like chief information security officer (CISO) director of security, security manager or security consultant to name a few. This certification demonstrates your ability to design, implement and maintain cybersecurity structures. The CISSP meets the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Directive 8570.1.

As businesses focus on strengthening cyber security, they will need information security analysts to secure new technologies from outside threats or cyberattacks.

A shift to remote work and the rise of e-commerce have increased the need for enhanced security.

Cyberattacks have become more frequent, and these cyber security professionals will be needed to prevent service interruptions, theft of critical information or ransomware attacks.

Strong growth in digital health services and telehealth is expected to increase data security risks for healthcare providers, and information security analysts will likely be needed to safeguard patients’ healthcare data.