How to Become a Security Consultant
If you are interested in the field of cybersecurity, then there are many different positions to choose from. One such position is that of a security consultant. So, who is a security consultant, you may ask? Let’s find out!
A security consultant is a person who works for multiple clients, mostly organizations requiring the advice of an expert regarding how to manage and deal with cybersecurity issues, assess risks, and develop solutions for their issues that have been identified. At times, security consultants are placed out of the client’s office, or they work independently, out of their own office space. You may work as a physical or an IT security consultant. Most people, choose this profession, simply because it is highly rewarding to help people, and see your suggestions make a huge impact on the client’s overall business. Some security consultants work in different consulting firms, whereas, others may choose to start their own business, however, in order to become a successful security consultant, you must have the relevant education and experience.
Security Consultants and What They Do
A security consultant comes across different types of threats to computers and physical security and thus, deals with those threats. Security threat can consist of anything from hacker attacks, to terrorists, to even malicious attacks on physical assets. Even with security consultants, multiple specializations exist, one of which is dealing with computer security issues. Security consultants provide advice regarding a range of subjects such as hiring competent personnel, employing the latest technologies, implementing policies and procedures that follow the industry’s best practices, development of contingency plans, and much more. They even suggest what the organization’s current employees should be trained on, lack of skills (if any) and how to bring improvements in the current structure/ model of doing business.
In short, a security consultant for information technology is someone who behaves as an advisor, mentor, and an all-knowledgeable security guru. He or she is responsible for developing optimal security solutions for the organizations depending on its requirements and ensure proper working of the system.
Responsibilities of a Security Consultant
Every institution deals with IT threats that are unique to their business, and security consultants are the ones who guide the employees, especially the top managers of an organization, regarding how best to address them. Here are a couple of duties, which you will be required to perform as a security consultant if you choose this profession.
- Identify the optimal method of securing sensitive information on networks, protecting the computers along with networks, data, information systems, and software against any malicious attacks.
- Identify the security issues being faced by the organization by interviewing the staff and departmental heads.
- Perform risk analysis, vulnerability testing, and other security assessments
- Develop cost estimates and determine any and all integration issues being faced by IT managers
- Conduct thorough research on security systems, security stands as well as authentication protocols.
- Research, plan and create a robust security system for all IT Projects
- Develop and deliver formal papers as well as technical reports on test findings
- Test out the security solutions in place using the criteria for industry standards analysis
- Provide guidance to the security team, along with technical supervision.
- Develop the security policies, along with deploying and maintaining them.
- Promptly respond to the security-related incidents, develop a thorough post-event analysis report and provide it for further review.
- Upgrade the security systems and update them as and when required.
It is not necessary that the security consultants will be performing all of the aforementioned responsibilities because it is primarily depending on the terms and conditions as mentioned in their consulting contract. At times, companies even expect the security consulting firms they have hired to maintain as well as monitor the security plan that has been agreed upon and deployed.
Security Consultants usually coordinate with IT managers or security managers in large organizations, when entered into a contract.
Career Paths for a Security Consultant
In order to become a security consultant, having all the information will be extremely helpful in deciding the best course of action. Having an intermediate level work experience in any of the following jobs will be highly beneficial as well.
- Security Specialist
- Security Administrator
- Security Auditor
- Security Engineer
- Security Analyst
After this, the logical next steps, if you are ambitious and wish to earn even better than before, include;
- IT Project Manager
- Security Manager
- Security Architect
And then finally you can go on to become a security director or a CISO.
Similar Jobs
Security Consultant is considered to be a very broad term. Therefore, different organizations refer to the job with different names, which are mentioned below:
- Computer Security Consultant
- Information Security Consultant
- Network Security Consultant
- Database Security Consultant
Each job name also describes the job itself, meaning that the database security consultants will be looking after securing and protecting the database, whereas, the network security consultants will be more focused on the network’s security.
Earning Potential of a Security Consultant
Security Consultants can earn in handsome figures, once they are able to make a name for themselves. According to Payscale, on average, a security consultant can earn up to $83,993/- per annum, which can even go up to $128,000/- per annum, depending on the skill set, and the number and type of clients the security consultant has. This is much better than what most of the other professions within the IT industry offers, and the demand for such expert individuals is expected to increase in the next couple of years as well, primarily because of the rise in the usage of digital technology, and development of newer, more advanced threats.
Job Requirements of a Security Consultant
Educational Requirements
If you want to become a security consultant, then you need to have your basics right. That means having the right education and skills that are required to become a full-fledged security consultant. Hiring managers and employers seek candidates having at least a bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Engineering or a related field. For those interested in the field, yet not having an undergraduate technical degree, can opt for a master’s degree having the primary focus on IT Security. However, in addition to the master’s degree, you will also require relevant experience, training, and certifications.
Employment opportunities are likely to improve if you have a lot of educational achievements. At the same time, the major you choose in your college will determine where you end up in the field of information security.
Adding certifications to your achievement and knowledge bank will also help you in impressing hiring managers and employers. Certifications indicate that you are specialized in certain areas and thus, helps in getting your CV shortlisted amongst other candidates. Following are some certifications which give you an added advantage.
- Certified Security Consultant (CSC)
- Certified Protection Professional
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional
- Network Security Certification
- GIAC Security Certifications
- Physical Security Professional (PSP)
Apart from these, numerous certifications programs are being offered in cybercrime investigation, loss prevention, computer security, safety, and logistics. Having these give you an upper hand as compared to the individuals who do not have these. Add on job training and professional experience to these certifications along with a degree and you have the perfect recipe for being successful in this field.
Professional Experience
Employers usually look for security consultants having 3-5 years of experience in the consultancy profession before considering them. Remember, whether your work for a firm or individual, you need to have a name for yourself before people begin hiring you for your services.
Skills
Just like in any other profession, a person’s skills make them stand out from the crowd. We’ve already discussed the educational requirements along with the certifications which will help you in catching the eye of the hiring manager. Now let us look at the skills in detail, which employers and hiring managers look for in a potential candidate.
Hard Skills
The security consultant is responsible for advising and guiding the organization regarding their cybersecurity needs. Therefore, they need to have the sound technical knowledge and an excellent grasp of technical concepts in order to excel at their jobs. Following are a couple of hard skills which employers look for in a candidate:
- Knowledge and understanding of IDS/IPS, vulnerability testing, and penetration
- Basic understanding of the process of securing coding practices, threat modeling, and ethical hacking
- Understanding of intrusion detection and prevention protocols along with firewall
- Knowledge of ITIL, ISO 27001/27002, and COBIT frameworks
- Knowledge and understanding of Linus, Unix, and Windows Operating systems
- Knowledge and understanding of HIPAA< PCI, SOX, GLBA< and NIST compliance assessments
- Understanding of encryption technologies and application security
- Knowledge of indexes, Performance tuning views, SAP, and PLSQL
- Understanding of PHP, C, C#, C++, or Java programming languages
- Understanding of DNS, VPNs, subnetting, VoIP, VLANs, encryption standards and technologies, along with other routing methods for the network
- Knowledge of web and network-related protocols such as UDP, HTTP, HTTPS, TCP/IP, routing protocols, IPSEC, etc.
- Knowledge and understanding of social engineering and phishing, APT (advanced persistent threats), enhanced authentication, gateway anti-malware, and NAC (network access controllers).
Soft Skills
Soft skills are as important as hard skills. A Security consultant needs to possess exceptional persuasion and leadership skills, along with a knack for negotiation. These skills come in handy when you are trying to convince a client to follow your suggestion for superior results. At the same time, have excellent written and oral communication skills come in use when preparing documentation and presenting reports/ observation and suggestions to the client. Just like security engineers and security architects, security consultants need to be creative in their approach to the profession as well as in problem-solving skills as you will be faced with a new problem every day.
Sample Resume of a Security Consultant
Marcellus Maggio
4676 Torey Flat, Dallas, TX
Phone: +1 (555) 389 5651
Career Objective:
To make a difference in the world of IT by performing my duties as a security consultant, and using my risk assessment skills to thwart any malicious attacks or hacking attempts.
Summary of Skills:
- Excellent attention to detail and analytical skills
- Proficient in assessing and deploying security measures
- Excellent reasoning skills along with the application of logic
- Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of laws and other legal procedures
- Fast complex problem-solving skills
- Excellent negotiation and persuasion skills
EXPERIENCE
SENIOR SECURITY CONSULTANT 11/2016 – present
Responsibilities Included:
- Worked with business leaders for creating the framework for cyber threat management and deploying the action plan.
- Using the SecureWorks professional service offerings, performed the work as requested by the client
- Provided technical assistance to the team members and shared knowledge pertaining to cloud security
- Provided user support to the client and assisted in the troubleshooting of issues, along with the design, configuration, as well as problem management
- Worked in close coordination with other team members with the objective of improving the system, network, and application security and protection procedures
- Worked in close coordination with developers in projects that were directly affected by their work. Identified issues and deployed improvements.
CYBER SECURITY CONSULTANT 09/2011 – 09/2016
Responsibilities Included:
- Assisted with the training and development of the cybersecurity program
- Provided escalation management to the team
- Monitored the engagements for scope creep as well as problem management
- Oversee network intrusions
- Contributed to business development
- Provided direction and guidance to the clients, and their subcontractors
SECURITY CONSULTANT 05/2005 – 06/2011
Responsibilities Included;
- Assign the staff members daily tasks based on the pending project requirements, and report the status to the management
- Managed and assessed staff’s performance
- Developed justifications for the financial requirements, as well as proposals. Make and present a presentation and follow up for successful completion of the process and thus, sales.
- Develop training materials for the team and suggest areas of improvement
- Complete the project within estimated timelines and budgets
- Develop and assist in the analysis of key metrics used for identifying trends across cybersecurity to be presented to the top management
- Assist the team lead in business development, for furthering the business needs, and getting new clients on board.
EDUCATION
BELMONT UNIVERSITY
Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science
SKILLS
- Knowledge and understanding of risk procedures, risk assessment, penetration testing, vulnerability management, and security assessment
- Strong presentation and communication skills, along with a keen focus on negotiation skills
- Knowledge and understanding of the process of performing log analysis, vulnerability scans, security monitoring, and other industry solutions.
- Comprehensive knowledge of control and information security frameworks like ISF and COBIT
- Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of EnCase, and other open source alternatives
Certifications
Certified Security Consultant from Tenet Technical Institute, MT 2004
Affiliations:
National Association of Chiefs of Police (NACP)
American Society of Industrial Security (ASIS)
Community Association Institute (CAI)
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
References
To be provided upon request.
Common Security Consultant Interview Questions
In order to be able to impress the interviewer, you need to have sound knowledge of the technical concepts as well as the ability to convince them that you are the right candidate for the job. The only way that you can do that is if you know the type of questions that are typically asked in an interview.
Hiring managers usually follow a basic pattern in an interview, which begins with generic questions about you and your aspirations and then moves on to the more focused questions that test your technical knowledge and skills. If the employer finds you to be a good fit for the job, then he or she is likely to follow two courses of actions, recommend you for a second interview, or directly call you, offer a package, and ask how soon you can join them.
Following is a list of questions that will give you an idea of the flow of the interview and hence, help you in being better prepared for it.
- Tell us something about yourself that is not mentioned in your CV
- Why do you want to switch from your current position?
- Why choose this company? There are many others offering the same position
- Give us an example of a scenario in which you helped resolve a conflict in your team
- Give us an example of a scenario in which you helps in preventing a cyber attack
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- What personal achievement are you most proud of?
Then the employer will move on to the technical questions. These include questions like;
- Share an experience in which interviewing the employees helped you in resolving the problems
- Would you prefer using SSH from a Windows-based PC? Why?
- What is symmetric and asymmetric encryption?
- Which tools have you worked with in previous organizations?
- How would you Access Active directory using Mac Box or Linux?
- Could you tell us the three ways of authenticating a person?
These questions will give you an idea of what to prepare for and thus, ace your interview.
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