We can all agree on one thing: the topic of cybersecurity has created a bewildering number of job specializations. There are a wide variety of specialists and consultants in the field of cybersecurity, including architects, administrators, analysts, engineers, and even Chief Information Security Officers. Now, what about cybersecurity consultants? What a consultant does is common knowledge. They’re the professionals who don’t have a permanent place of employment, but rather work on a contract basis for a variety of organizations. There are, therefore, consultants in the field of cybersecurity. In the article we will discuss what cybersecurity consultants do, the best cybersecurity consulting firms.
What are Cybersecurity Consultants?
Cybersecurity consultants are group of professionals that help organizations ensure that their digital assets are protected from unauthorized access, misuse, or destruction. Cybersecurity, or information technology security, is an area of expertise offered by these companies. After working together, experts will assess an organization’s security processes and systems to find flaws and offer solutions. If policy and/or infrastructural changes are part of the agreed-upon solutions, these consultants will strive to put them into effect.
Additionally, cybersecurity consultants frequently add on implementation and IT strategy consulting services. Cybersecurity consulting firms can be useful allies for businesses trying to manage, improve, or otherwise alter their existing IT security infrastructure.
An online master’s in cyber security can assist students become ready for a variety of cyber security vocations, including consulting.
What Do Cybersecurity Consultants Do
Cybersecurity consultants, also known as security consultants, are frequently hired by companies to conduct audits of their IT infrastructure in order to pinpoint security flaws and reduce risk. Consultants can choose to be independent or join an established consulting organization. However, the setting in which they do their duties varies greatly.
A consultant’s clientele can come from a wide variety of industries, including but not limited to: finance, education, insurance, banking, government, and healthcare. Cybersecurity Consultants are used by companies in any industry that cannot hire full-time specialists or cannot find suitable individuals.
The duties of consultants may change depending on the nature of the client’s business and the nature of the IT dangers they face. The following tasks may fall under the purview of cybersecurity consultants:
- Identifying weak points in systems and offering solutions to improve them
- Examining the security of computer programs, networks, and other digital assets
- Conducting interviews with employees and supervisors regarding safety procedures
- Creating, enforcing, and updating security measures to reduce exposure
- Giving a report on test findings to upper management
- Keeping tabs on security-related headlines and emerging risks
- Maintaining network security while supervising other employees
- Instructing workers to spot security flaws and threats
In addition, consultants need not only be proficient in cybersecurity and problem resolution, but also enjoy interacting with people in both technical and nontechnical capacities. Infosec points out that consultants, who work with numerous clients and frequently travel to different locations, must have initiative and drive.
Cybersecurity Consultant Skills
Hard skills like computer programming, network and security configuration are necessary for entry-level work in this field. You can better handle the technical aspects of cybersecurity if you have a firm grasp of computer programming in Java, the architecture and services of cloud computing, and the foundations and applications of network and security.
The following are examples of necessary skills for this line of work:
- Ethical Hacking and Coding Practices. This approach is quite similar to the one just described and calls for familiarity with threat modeling and setups.
- Firewall Safety and Management. This skill requires understanding of failsafes, vulnerabilities, backups, and preventative procedures.
- Programming Languages. There is no restriction on the languages that can be used for archiving and processing raw data.
- Frameworks. They include COBIT and ITIL
- Operating Systems (OSs) Knowledge. Windows, macOS, Linux, UNIX, and any other modern OSs are all part of this realm of expertise.
- Penetration Testing. Cybersecurity consultants perform penetration testing by attempting to break into a system in the same way that hackers would. This allows them to evaluate the strength of the client’s defenses and make recommendations for improving them.
- Advanced Persistent Threat Management. This necessitates familiarity with topics like social engineering, phishing, and security access management in networks.
- Encryption Techniques and Capabilities. Cybersecurity consultants who possess this ability can protect their data during transmission and reception over the internet from being intercepted by malicious parties.
In addition to the above skill sets, success in this sector is also dependent on “soft skills,” which include the ability to think critically and logically, to communicate effectively, to manage technology effectively, and to lead others. A consultant in cybersecurity needs strong analytical skills to determine the cause of security breaches and devise effective countermeasures.
How Do You Become a Cybersecurity Consultant?
A career in cybersecurity is open to you in a number of different ways. In today’s job market, it’s not uncommon to see applicants with bachelor’s degrees in computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, information security, or a closely connected sector. Consultants in the field of cybersecurity usually begin their careers as junior employees of an IT team, where they remain for one to three years. Consultants can choose to work for a single company, for a consulting firm that handles numerous clients, or for themselves.
However, several consultants in the cybersecurity industry have found success without a formal education by focusing instead on gaining relevant work experience and earning industry certifications. Here are steps to follow if you consider cybersecurity as a career path to follow.
#1. Obtain a Degree
The first step on this exclusive profession’s route is a good education. Typically, consultants begin their careers with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or an engineering- or science-related field. Internships are an integral part of the curriculum at many schools, allowing students to get practical experience alongside their academic studies.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree have an easier time finding employment. A Master of Science in Cyber Security (MSCS) or similar master’s degree may be necessary for promotion, though.
#2. Acquire Life-Skills
Most people who work in cyber security have backgrounds in more traditional areas of IT, such as information systems, data analytics, software engineering, or programming. Even if security isn’t a primary responsibility of the employment, employees should be prepared to pitch in when help is needed.
The hard and soft skills necessary for a job are easier to acquire with work experience. Analytical, threat intelligence, and penetration testing expertise are examples of the “hard skills” needed for a career in cyber security. A cybersecurity consultant’s toolkit also typically includes risk management, governance, and forensics expertise.
Cyber security consultants need hard and soft skills, like effective communication, critical thinking, and problem solving, to do their jobs well.
#3. Acquire Certificates
Cybersecurity consultants don’t have to get certified, but doing so can open up new opportunities for them to show off their skills. From security analysis to penetration testing and ethical hacking, there is a wide range of specialist certificates from which to choose. Some of the most in-demand certifications include Certified Ethical Hacker, Global Information Assurance Professional, and ISACA Certified Auditor.
How Much Does a Cyber Security Consultant Make?
Cybersecurity consultants in the United States can expect a median yearly salary of $122,451 as of the 14th of June, 2023.
In case you’re trying to figure out how much money you’ll be making, that comes out to about $58.87 per hour. That works out to $2,354 every week or $10,204 every month.
While ZipRecruiter has seen annual salaries for CyberSecurity Consultants ranging from $188,500 to $57,000, the majority of salaries fall between the 25th and 75th percentiles at $96,000 and $147,000, respectively, with the 90th percentile earning $166,500. There appears to be a lot of room for growth and advancement in a Cyber Security Consultant’s career, as the typical salary range is rather wide (by as much as $51,000).
Recent activity on ZipRecruiter indicates that neither the Cyber Security Consultant job market in Port Harcourt, NG nor anywhere else in is particularly active. The average yearly income for a Cyber Security Consultant in your region is $126,598. This is 2% (or $2,000) more than the average compensation throughout the country of $122,451. Ranked first among all 50 states in terms of average salary for cybersecurity consultants.
In addition, ZipRecruiter regularly checks its database of millions of active jobs advertised locally throughout the United States to estimate the most accurate annual salary range for Cyber Security Consultant positions.
What Is the Highest Paid Cyber Security Consultant?
Information security managers are the highest paid cybersecurity consultants. They earn an average between $150,000 and $225,000, making it one of the highest-paying occupations in the cybersecurity industry.
This function is crucial in preventing security breaches by revealing potential weak spots in your IT infrastructure. These experts are in charge of evaluating the safety of your company’s data, systems, and networks, and developing strategies to prevent or respond to potential threats
Best Cybersecurity Consultants
As the number of cyberattacks against companies and customers increases, a new industry of cybersecurity consulting firms has formed to help keep sensitive information secure.
Adobe found that 81% of customers value having control over how their personal information is used, and that keeping this information secure is critical for brands to keep their customers’ trust. Loss of morale due to a breach is bad enough, but the estimated cost of $3 million to $5.5 million per breach might be fatal to a business.
Businesses rely on the best cybersecurity consulting services and corporations to help them detect, prevent, and recover from hacking, theft, or data breaches that could compromise their sensitive information and technical systems. Also, read BEST CYBERSECURITY COMPANIES IN 2023: Complete Guide.
Consulting companies that specialize in cybersecurity are becoming more in demand as a result of the increasing importance of their services in preventing cyberattacks, recovering lost data, and regaining the trust of customers. Here are the best cybersecurity consultant firms you can consider for your business.
#1. Deloitte
In order to provide audit, consulting, financial advising, risk management, tax, and associated services to select clients, “Deloitte” is the name under which tens of thousands of devoted experts in independent firms throughout the world cooperate. Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”) is a UK private corporation limited by guarantee that has the aforementioned firms as members.
Each DTTL company operates in a specific geographical area, providing services in accordance with local norms and professional standards. To ensure the provision of professional services in its region, each DTTL member firm may establish subsidiaries, affiliates, and other associated entities in accordance with national laws, rules, customary practice, and other considerations. Some services may be unavailable to attest clients per public accounting norms and regulations, and not all DTTL member firms offer these services.
In addition, DTTL and its member companies are distinct legal entities that are not liable for the debts or obligations of the other. Each member firm of DTTL is solely responsible for its own actions and omissions and not those of DTTL as a whole. Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (commonly known as “Deloitte Global”) does not offer any client services.
#2. KPMG
KPMG is a worldwide association of independent audit, tax, and consulting organizations. They partner closely with clients to help them avoid danger and seize opportunities.
Corporations, governments, and public and nonprofit entities are all regular customers of member firms. These organizations trust KPMG because of the dependability of the services it offers and the high caliber of the professionals it hires.
It has local offices in 155 different nations. These organizations, as a whole, employ more than 155,000 people across many different fields.
KPMG’s top priority is protecting and growing its talented team of employees. Our companies strive to be the first choice of professionals everywhere we do business.
They help the global financial system run more smoothly. Reforms that increase the social responsibility and trustworthiness of the market have our full backing. In addition, they think that this type of change needs to be implemented in the business world as well.
#3. Bain & Company
When it comes to management consulting, Bain & Company is among the best in the business. They collaborate with C-suite leaders to facilitate improved decision-making, implementation, and achievement of their desired long-term results. For the past four decades, their company has worked tirelessly to help clients succeed in all areas of their lives, not just financially.
Strategy, marketing, organization, operations, technology, and mergers & acquisitions are just some of the areas in which they advise top executives around the world.
Most of the Fortune 500 companies, thousands of large regional and local businesses, hundreds of charities, and private equity firms accounting for 75% of global equity capital are among our clients.
#4. Elixirr
Elixirr is a leading worldwide challenger consultancy that has won numerous awards. From their beginnings in strategy consulting, they have expanded their offerings to include things like business model innovation and digital transformation. The company’s founding members, Stephen Newton, Graham Busby, Andy Curtis, Mark Goodyear, and Ian Ferguson, had the intention of creating a novel approach to the consulting industry. In order to be the first to implement change on a global scale, they take on the most difficult boardroom difficulties.
Elixirr is transparent and cooperative with their clients throughout the entire process, giving results based on creative problem solving rather than rigid approach.
Employees are encouraged to take risks and think creatively as part of the company’s culture of entrepreneurship. Additionally, a market-leading equity structure has been implemented since the company filed with AIM on the London Stock Exchange in 2020. Each worker can potentially get ownership in the company and receive tangible benefits as a result of their efforts.
After seeing rapid organic expansion, Elixirr decided to pursue a multi-brand strategy by acquiring four smaller companies: Den, Coast Digital, Retearn, and iOLAP. In addition, these moves have allowed Elixirr to increase their capabilities, enter new markets, gain access to top talent, and more.
To aid their clients, the game-changing entrepreneurs Elixirr serves, the company is not afraid to question the status quo.
#5. Alvarez & Marsal
Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) is a global consulting firm trusted by businesses, investors, and governments. Since its inception in 1983, privately held A&M has grown to become a major global professional services organization specializing in advice, business performance improvement, and turnaround management. Our clients come to us when they realize that more traditional methods will not be sufficient to bring about the necessary transformation and change.
We have over 7,500 personnel delivering services in over 100 locations across six continents, allowing us to quickly respond to clients’ needs no matter where they may be. Our top executives and their teams draw on A&M’s history of corporate reorganization to aid their clients in taking bold action that propels growth and yields rapid results. To transform change into a strategic business asset, to manage risk, and to unlock value at every step of growth is a mission we share as seasoned operators, top-tier consultants, former regulators, and authority in our field.
It all begins with the tenets of A&M: honesty, excellence, enjoyment, objectivity, individual success, and respect for all people. The company’s values include having fun at work, having a small staff, and keeping costs down. Also, leadership is important to us, as is providing real value to our customers.
#6. EY
EY’s mission is to help make the world of work a better place by fostering an environment where people have faith in businesses, economies expand sustainably, people of all backgrounds are encouraged to advance professionally, and people work together more effectively.
Our goal is to improve the global workforce through our own efforts and collaboration with those who share this goal. This is our mission, and it’s the reason our company was founded.
Furthermore, the business they run is driven by a deep-seated commitment to the many people and organizations who rely on us to consistently meet or exceed their expectations.
With our size and scope, we hope to facilitate a discussion on the difficulties in the economy and the financial markets. In addition, when commercial operations improve, so do global conditions.
#7. Boston Consulting Group
The Boston Consulting Group is the preeminent management consulting organization in the world. Their global clientele includes businesses, governments, and nonprofits of all stripes, and we work with them to find their biggest wins, overcome their biggest hurdles, and completely revamp their operations.
Furthermore, they tailor their services to each individual client by combining in-depth knowledge of the nuances of businesses and markets with intensive cooperation with all tiers of the client’s staff. Their clients are able to gain a competitive edge, strengthen their businesses, and assure long-term success by using this approach. BCG is a private firm that has been around since 1963 and now has over 80 offices in 45 different countries.
They aim to be catalysts of progress for our customers, our employees, and the world at large.
In addition, they promise to always:
- Gaining an edge in the market through innovative approaches.
- Increasing capacities and activating groups
- Promoting long-term effects
- Offering unprecedented chances for development
- Succeeding together with passion and trust.
Can You Make 6 Figures in Cyber Security?
Yes. The field of cyber security is a lucrative one. A starting salary of $50k is common for entry-level positions, and it doesn’t take long to reach six figures with experience. Earn a competitive salary in cybersecurity with little more than some IT experience and some transferable organizational abilities.
Can You Make 200K a Year in Cyber Security?
Yes. Programmers that are able to create convincing demos and get clients on board with the most recent technology can make an annual salary of between $180,000 and $220,000 by working in this field.
Is Cyber Security Consultant a Good Career in 2023?
The need for cyber security experts is predicted to grow in the future years. Cyber security consultants are in high demand, but companies are only hiring them for limited projects and paying them far more than they would for a full-time employee. As a result, a job as a cyber security consultant is an appealing option. Not only are businesses, but also universities and colleges, developing programs to train people to be cyber security consultants.
Also, the best thing about being a cyber security consultant is that you may work in any industry you want. This includes the public sector, nonprofits, large corporations, SMEs, K-12 institutions, hospitals, and more.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there is a constant demand for cybersecurity consultants in the business world, and you may fill that role. Use this time to educate yourself on cyber security if you’re interested in pursuing a job in this field. It’s high time that you join the crowd.
Cybersecurity Consultants FAQs
How Much Is a Cyber Security Consultation?
Typically, most cybersecurity consultants charge by the hour the hourly pay for a cybersecurity consultant is between $75 and $200.
What Is the Highest Position in Cyber Security?
Chief Information Security Officer. It’s possible to compare the role of the Chief Information Security Officer to that of the Cybersecurity Administrator, but on a much grander scale, with the position of CIO. They are high-ranking executives who develop and implement safety procedures for large companies.
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