A Security Consultant is responsible for assessing all security measures for the organization they are working for. This includes analysis of all security systems, evaluation of potential breaches, and supervision of solutions’ execution.
A Security Consultant takes care of the company’s digital assets, which may include customer data and other sensitive information. As security breaches can damage the company’s reputation and even threaten its future, cybersecurity is of great importance for all companies and organizations.
Read on to find out what are the primary responsibilities and skills for the position and how to become a Security Consultant.
What does a Security Consultant do?
A Security Consultant might work in-house for a company or consult several organizations. In any case, they are expected to inspect potential cybersecurity threats through running tests and look for possible weaknesses and breaches.
They propose infrastructural improvements, supervise the implementation of new security measures, and help to maintain them over time. To be able to do their job correctly, a Security Consultant needs to think like a hacker and always be up to date with new technology and risk factors.
How to become a Security Consultant?
Most often, to become a Security Consultant, one should hold a degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or information security. Typically, courses include IT foundations and applications, database design, web development, and cyber law so that students will be prepared to assess security risks and identify potential threats.
In addition, obtaining one or more professional certifications show further expertise and knowledge in the field.
Apart from computer proficiency, a Security Consultant should possess problem-solving and analytical skills to be able to examine the existing structures and come up with solutions for any problems that may arise.
A Security Consultant usually has 1 to 3 years of experience before they can take on leadership roles. Before that, one may work as a junior consultant in an IT team where they would be responsible for more administrative work and gain valuable skills and experience.
Top skills for a Security Consultant
Hard skills include computer programming, as well as network and security configuration. For a student, courses like Java programming, cloud infrastructure and services, network and security foundations, and applications are essential in order to understand the tech side of security consulting.
Soft skills include problem-solving, communication, critical thinking, and leadership skills. As security consultants need to analyze security weaknesses and prevent or respond to potential breaches and communicate all operations with managers and non-technical staff, these skills are key in advancing to a leadership position.
