If there's one thing about the cybersecurity sector we can all agree on, it's that there are now a bewildering variety of jobs available. There are chief information security officers, chief security architects, chief security administrators, chief security analysts, and chief security engineers.
However, what about cybersecurity experts? Most people are familiar with what a consultant performs. They are the professionals who work independently of any one organisation, contracting their skills to various clients before moving on to the next one.
Naturally, consultants are also employed in the cybersecurity industry. The job description for a cybersecurity consultant is summarised in this article, along with information on how to pursue a career in this field and its advantages.
The Cybersecurity Consultant’s Roles and Responsibilities
The aforementioned definition provides some more insight into the profession, but we still need to go into the details. What does a consultant in cybersecurity do? The duties they perform are listed below, but keep in mind that not every client may want or need them all.
Determine the most effective defences against potential intrusions and cyberattacks for devices, networks, software, data, and entire information systems.
Inquire with employees and department bosses about specific security challenges and problems.
Perform vulnerability testing, including risk analysis and security assessments, much like a white hat hacker would.
Research the most recent authentication procedures, security standards, and systems.
Prepare cost estimates for any military improvements that are required and alert IT project managers to any potential integration problems.
Plan, investigate, and create a comprehensive, strong security architecture for any IT project.
Deliver technical reports and white papers with all test results.
Provide the internal security staff with expert oversight and direction.
Create, put into effect, and uphold a suitable corporate security policy for the client's company.
Any security-related occurrences should be responded to right away, and afterward, a full post-event study should be given.
Continually review and upgrade the client's security systems as necessary.
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How Do You Become a Cybersecurity Consultant?
A cybersecurity consultant must fulfil a lot of demands. Only a professional with the necessary abilities and education can complete all of these jobs. What steps must one take to become a cybersecurity consultant?
Let's start by looking at the requirements.
1. Education
There is no specific cybersecurity training programme in higher education. An undergraduate degree in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or a closely related field would be preferable for aspirant cybersecurity consultants.
2. Certification
The well-rounded cyber-security training consultant is certified in a wide range of pertinent fields. Later, more on this.
3. Work History
Prior cybersecurity expertise is very helpful in obtaining the correct credentials, as is true in so many other industries. Nothing demonstrates your expertise to a potential employer or client like actual work experience. For most cybersecurity consultant positions, three to five years of experience working in an IT setting is desirable.
4. Soft Skills
A skilled cybersecurity specialist can effectively connect with both IT-related teams and non-technical individuals. The cybersecurity consultant should have some leadership qualities, in light of the fact that it is your responsibility to put new policies and processes into place. Finally, the consultant must be a skilled negotiator who can communicate effectively with people at various levels of the company hierarchy.
What Is the Best Career Path for a Cybersecurity Consultant?
Here is an illustration of a viable career path for a cybersecurity consultant:
Obtain some starting experience in a position in information security or information technology (IT) at the entry level.
Ascend to the position of security analyst, engineer, or auditor
Obtain the necessary certifications in information security.
Start a legitimate cybersecurity consulting business
The Benefits of Cybersecurity Consultant Certification
We discussed certification as a prerequisite earlier. Let's examine it more closely. A professional becomes certified by enrolling in classes on a certain subject, finishing all homework assignments, and passing the certification exam.
In addition to imparting knowledge that is pertinent to your career path, certification demonstrates to a potential employer or client that you have a strong understanding of the associated subject. It gives everyone confidence that you can perform the tasks for which you were initially hired.
The top credentials for cybersecurity consultants are as follows:
CISSP. Certified Information Systems Security Professional
CPP. Certified Protection Professional
CSC. Certified Security Consultant
GIAC. Security Certification
IAPSC. International Association of Professional Security Consultants
OSCP. Offensive Security Certified Professional
PSP. Physical Security Professional
Also Read Top Providers Offering Cyber Security Certification Courses