How to become a cybersecurity consultant
The global average cost of a data breach in 2023 was $4.45 million, according to IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report, an increase of 15 percent over three years. The report also found that 51 percent of organizations were planning to spend more on cybersecurity as the result of a breach, so the outlook for the cybersecurity industry is strong.
At the same time, the average annual cybersecurity consultant salary in the United States is more than $131,000. Whether you’re looking to be a cybersecurity analyst, an information security consultant, or anything to do with network security, the job outlook is promising for those looking to start a business in the cybersecurity sector.
What does a cybersecurity consultant do?
A cybersecurity consultant assesses an organization’s computer systems, network, and software for vulnerabilities, then design and implement the best security solutions for the needs of that company.
A cybersecurity career involves a lot of problem-solving, risk assessment, examining cyber threats, and drafting security measures that a cyber security team and security administrator can implement.
Cyber consultant roles might also include that of penetration tester, using their cybersecurity skills to look for security risks within an organization’s data systems and its employees.
What do you need to become cybersecurity consultant?
Finding your path as a cybersecurity consultant requires a blend of personal education and following best business practices.
Consider these steps if you are interested in a cybersecurity consultant career:
1. Pursue a cybersecurity education
An associate’s degree in cybersecurity can give an enormous boost to your future career as a cybersecurity consultant. Typically, it helps to have a background in math or computer science before you enroll in this degree program.
If you’re currently working, you could complete an online associate’s degree program. The information you’ll learn could help you obtain more advanced degrees in the future.
For example, you may want to earn a bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, computer engineering technology, cybersecurity, or a related field, and maybe even a master’s in cybersecurity. A relevant degree makes you attractive to prospective clients, and you’ll gain the necessary skills to become an expert consultant.
If you already have some work experience and a skill set that includes IT systems, risk management, and cybersecurity, you might also consider a cybersecurity bootcamp. These are short and concentrated courses typically lasting 12-14 weeks and can be taken in person or online, with coursework that can be taken full-time or part-time.
Cybersecurity boot camps tend to focus on particular skills and fundamentals within the IT sector, and can prepare you for a number of roles, such as a certified ethical hacker, a cyber security engineer, an information systems security manager, or a cybersecurity consultant.
2. Protect your cybersecurity business with the right insurance coverage
Starting a cybersecurity consulting business means your company will be subject to risks stemming from data breaches, business disagreements, property damage, and other issues. Business insurance for cybersecurity consultants can protect your personal and business assets from damages if you are held liable for a client’s financial losses.
General liability insurance is often the first policy that a new business or tech startup buys. It covers common business risks, such as a customer injury at your own property or damage to a customer’s property.
Cyber insurance, also known as cyber liability insurance, will protect your consultancy against liability and expenses related to the theft or loss of data, as well as security or privacy breaches. This could include costs related to notifying all affected customers, which may be required depending on the data breach laws in your state.
Another popular policy for cybersecurity startups is technology errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, also known as tech E&O coverage, which helps cover your business when a client files a lawsuit alleging your company’s mistake, missed deadline, or oversight caused financial harm.
Data breach insurance could also be important for your own business, and your clients. It insures against the cost of data breaches and other cyber threats. It’s typically included in cyber liability coverage and technology errors and omissions (E&O) insurance.
It’s important to know that a data breach policy offers first-party liability coverage against cyber risks at your own business, such as someone hacking into your own computers. It does not include third-party cyber liability coverage, such as a client accusing you of failing to protect their IT systems from a data breach.
You can typically add first-party cyber coverage to your general liability insurance or a business owner's policy (BOP). Third-party cyber coverage is included in tech E&O insurance.
Fidelity bonds, also known as employee dishonesty bonds, compensate your clients if an employee steals from them. Your clients may require this coverage in order to sign a contract.
Workers’ compensation insurance is required in most states for businesses with one or more employees. It covers the medical bills and lost wages from work-related injuries and illnesses. It also ensures your business against accidents relating to these claims.
Commercial auto insurance is also required in most states for business-owned vehicles. It covers the legal bills and medical expenses if one of your business vehicles is in an accident.
3. Gain professional certifications
To stay ahead of the competition and boost your career path, consider at least one of these certifications:
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) shows you can effectively design, implement, and manage a top-notch cybersecurity program.
Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) offers more than 30 certifications for professionals working in the information security field.
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is the standard of achievement for people who audit, control, monitor, and assess business information technology and systems.
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) allows you to demonstrate your information security management expertise and gain recognition for your experience, technical competence, and appreciation of business objectives.
CompTIA Security+ certifies the baseline skills you need to perform core security functions and pursue an IT security career.
4. Develop your technical skills
To provide effective cybersecurity services to customers, you should possess the following skills:
- Penetration testing and the ability to measure the vulnerability rating of software and cyber programs that each company uses
- Firewall safety and management, and the ability to prevent and detect data breaches
- Knowledge of advanced persistent threat management, including phishing, social engineering, and network access control
- Encryption capabilities and techniques, so your clients can send and receive data over the internet without falling victim to cyberattacks
- Programming languages used to store and process raw data; the more languages, the better
- Operating systems, including Windows, Linux, Unix, Mac, and others available to the public or still being developed
- Coding practices and principles of ethical hacking; a working knowledge of threat configuration and modeling
5. Refine your interpersonal skills
You’re more likely to succeed as a cybersecurity consultant if you possess interpersonal skills, including the ability to:
Communicate clearly orally and in writing. You have to explain security threats and how serious they are to your clients so they can easily understand what you’re telling them. You’ll also be required to design and write reports to succinctly communicate your findings and convey your message in a way that’s appropriate for your customers and easy for them to understand.
Collaborate. Part of your job will be to work with your clients and their external vendors to make decisions and solve problems.
Deconstruct complex security issues. You’ll need to explain complex security issues to non-technical employees and senior management in simple terms.
See the big picture. You’ll have to conduct ongoing, detailed research on industry best practices and use what you learn to create effective security policies and training.
An individual who wants to break into the space as a cybersecurity consultant will find tremendous opportunity. With the right certifications, education, and skills, you could achieve lifelong success in a rewarding and lucrative career.
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Mike Mosser, Content Specialist
Mike spent several years as a reporter and editor covering politics, crime, and the world financial markets. He’s worked for several newspapers, a financial newswire, and a monthly magazine. As a copywriter, Mike has produced SEO-based content, marketing, public relations, and advertising work for a variety of companies.
