The development of the world, which is increasing rapidly with the help of the presence of technology, has a positive and negative impact.
All daily human activities are now assisted by technology, including doing business. However, the more sophisticated the technology, the higher the risk of cyber security threats.
Therefore, companies need a cyber security expert such as a Cyber Security Consultant.
Cyber Security Consultant Overview
Every company stores essential data that must be kept safe. To minimize cyber attacks that can attack systems or networks, a Cyber Security Consultant profession is needed.
The cyber security consultant himself is someone who can provide solutions to cyber security threats. Cyber security consultants act as attackers and defenders of computer systems, networks, and software programs.
They will look for existing weaknesses in the design and figure out how to strengthen the system to prevent hackers from exploiting the vulnerabilities. With the ability of a cyber security consultant, companies can avoid cyber-attacks while repairing systems that have been attacked.
Job description
Being a Cyber Security Consultant entails the responsibility of ensuring a client’s data is secure and protected against cyber attacks and related issues. However, the role is much more intricate and vital to modern business operations than that brief definition suggests.
As a full-time IT Security Consultant or a freelancer specializing in cyber security consultant jobs, one will be involved in evaluating risks and issues, and providing solutions for internet security problems.
The job may also involve implementing control measures such as physical security consulting or serving as an IT consultant who works with computer systems to prevent cyber threats and malware
What Does Cyber Security Consultant Do?
Cyberattacks cause a lot of harm to many agencies or companies, both on government databases, financial institution networks, military information, and many more.
Just imagine, in a matter of minutes, hackers can infiltrate the network and steal money or essential company data.
Cybersecurity expert deploys their expertise, such as database, network, hardware, firewall, and encryption, to prevent and overcome such attacks. The specific duties of a cyber security consultant include:
1. Looking for solutions or the most efficient way to protect systems, networks, software, data, and information systems from all potential attacks;
2. Conduct research on cybersecurity criteria, security systems, and validation procedures;
3. Vulnerability testing, threat analysis, and threat checking; Investigate and provide security solutions using standard business analysis criteria;
4. Create technical reports relating to test findings;
5. Professional supervision and guidance to the security team
6. Update and improve security systems as needed.
Cybersecurity Benefits for Companies
Cyber security is one of the efforts that can be made by agencies or individuals to protect their information from cyber attacks.
In this case, this includes interfering with data confidentiality, integrity, or availability. It may also be intended to physically disrupt or disrupt the logical flow of an information system.
Specifically, several types of cyber crimes resonate in the digital era. Call it a denial of service (DoS), malware and viruses, scareware, and botnets and zombies.
It can be concluded cyberattacks can cause fatal disruption and damage even to the most resilient companies.
Typically, companies affected by these attacks will lose their assets, reputation, and the business they run and face fines and remediation fees. For this reason, cyber security emerged as a solution.
Other benefits that will be obtained by digital-based companies that use cyber security are ensuring the security of a business, protecting personal information, anticipating websites so that they do not experience system downtime, and increasing employee productivity.
Given the enormous benefits of using cyber security for a business, the prospects for this profession are still extensive. Moreover, this work has yet to be widely understood by ordinary people. Several job opportunities in cyber security include:
- Cyber security consultant
- Chief information security officer
- Security engineer
- Security architect
- Incident responder
- Computer forensic specialist
- Penetration tester
- Security analyst
- Security software developer
- Security auditor.
Cyber Security Consultant Certification
Earning a certification is an important step for professionals in the field of cloud computing. The process involves taking classes on a specific subject, completing all assigned work and projects, and passing a certification exam.
This not only provides relevant knowledge for your career path but also demonstrates to potential employers or clients that you have a solid and practical understanding of the subject.
Certification serves as a reassurance that you possess the necessary skills and knowledge to perform the duties required in your field.
Here are the top certifications for cybersecurity consultants:
- 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
Required Degree
There are various paths to building a career in cybersecurity. A bachelor’s degree in a field such as computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, information security, or related fields is a common route for job candidates.
Many professionals start as junior members of an IT team and gain experience before becoming a consultant. Some consultants work for a single business, while others work with multiple companies through consulting firms, or decide to work independently.
However, a degree is not always required and many cybersecurity professionals have built successful careers through a combination of on-the-job experience and professional certifications.
Technical Skills
- In-depth understanding of the ethical standards in hacking and coding
- Working knowledge of potential threats such as social engineering, phishing, and network access and how they can cause harm
- Ability to conduct penetration testing, which occurs when the consultant acts as a hacker to determine the security of the system and the vulnerabilities of concern to clients
- Knowledge of operating systems, including Windows, UNIX, Linus, ongoing upgrades, and new systems that roll out continuously
- Fluency in programming languages such as Python and Javascript
- Encryption techniques to mitigate risks posed by hackers
Soft Skills
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Leadership and project management for implementing new policies and procedures
- Ability to collaborate with people at all levels of an organization
- Desire to learn new things, as security and information systems and the associated threats change rapidly
Cyber Security Consultant Salaries
According to Glassdoor, a cyber-security consultant in India can earn an average of ₹736,257 annually. Consultants in the United States can expect an annual average of $85,427, while in the United Kingdom, the average is £43,354.