IT Security Consultant: Jobs

What does an IT security consultant do?

A security consultant’s goal is to protect their client’s networks through situational assessment and suggestions for new security measures. More specifically, they specialize in developing protocols, policies, and security plans to help clients protect their assets. An IT Security consultant can either work in-house (commonly as sales engineers) or within a consulting firm. One thing is for sure, this is a role that comes with many faces.

Aside from the obvious clientele, there is another factor that creates a wide variance in what it means to be a security consultant.

This variance comes from the unique details of the job description. One security consultant may apply their technical skills on the job, using security tools and even engineering or pen testing to help with their assessments. Another security consultant may focus more on the analytical and/or customer service side of the job, effectively using soft skills and communication so that clients better understand them.

Because of the different levels of technical and analytical skills required for a security consultant role, this is a career path that’s achievable in our Cybersecurity Engineering program. The specific type of security consultant role that you will end up in will depend on your technical/analytical skills as well as your work environment preferences.

What skills do you need to be a cybersecurity consultant?

Arguably the most important skill you’ll need to be an effective security consultant is the ability to research and understand cybersecurity. Your knowledge base will directly correlate with how well you can guide your clients. That being said, you’re not expected to be an omniscient cybersecurity guru, especially in an entry-level consulting role. Mr. Miyagi put it best: “Trust [the] quality of what you know, not [the] quantity.”

Another essential skill you’ll need as a consultant is the ability to communicate with those who may or may not share your understanding of cybersecurity. Working for a consulting firm, you may find yourself working side-by-side with a new security team or even building one from the ground up. Working in-house, you’ll need to be able to explain complex cybersecurity product logistics to the sales team. Soft skills like communication will always be important, regardless of what cyber security's future brings. Technical skills are more likely to change and evolve.

Regardless of the level of expertise in the crowd, you’ll need to be prepared to translate and share your findings with all walks of life within the industry. Clear communication is imperative.

The third useful skill for security consultants is the ability to remain level-headed. A high degree of ambiguity is a natural occurrence for this job. The answers to security problems aren’t always straightforward, and consultants will have to adapt to a variety of situations in preventing or recovering from a cyberattack.

Add the difficulties of explaining product logistics or security assessments to less cyber-savvy individuals and you can find yourself in a challenging environment. An even-keeled demeanor goes a long way for security consultants.

It should also be noted that while not exactly a skill, a passion for guiding and assisting others through challenges is highly recommended for this role. As a security consultant, you will have the opportunity to help a lot of people through tough security situations. You’ll also be coaching them through the sense of dread that comes from being hacked. If you like to help others, this role is a great fit for you.