Tips on How to Become a Cybersecurity Consultant

Cybersecurity consultants have never been more in demand. Information security analyst positions are expected to grow nearly 30% by 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. More than 15 million cybercrime incidents occurred worldwide in 2024, Statista reported.

Data breaches are costly and pose direct security risks. Statista reported that more than US$10 trillion is spent each year to repair the damage caused by cybercrime, most commonly phishing, identity theft, extortion and data breaches. In the United States, for example, in-vehicle breathalyzers have become disabled, leaving hundreds of drivers stranded, one report details. IEEE Spectrum article.

To help you gain the skills you need to stand out from other cybersecurity job candidates, the IEEE Computer Society offers a guide, “What Makes a Great Cybersecurity Consultant.” The 23-page PDF includes the technical and soft skills you need, a list of certifications to pursue, and top IEEE cybersecurity conferences to stay informed of developments in the field.

The guide includes advice from two cybersecurity experts. IEEE Senior Fellow John D. Johnson is the founder and CEO of Aligned Security in Bettendorf, Iowa. Ricardo J. Rodriguez is an Associate Professor of Computer Science and Systems Engineering at the University of Zaragoza, Spain, who researches digital forensics and other cybersecurity topics.

“Technology, remote work, and a shortage of skilled workers make it a great time to consider becoming a cybersecurity consultant,” Johnson says in the guide. “Consulting can give you flexibility, variety and control over the direction you want to take your career.”

Technical and soft skills

At a minimum, cybersecurity professionals should have a general understanding of computing, including operating systems, communications protocols, network architecture, and programming languages ​​such as C++, Java, and Python. They should also be well versed in security audits, firewall management, penetration testing, and encryption technologies.

The principles of ethical hacking and coding would also be helpful.

“To properly defend a system, you first have to know how to attack it,” Rodriguez explains.

The guide explains that there are now more technologies available to help cybersecurity consultants monitor threats and protect systems. They include security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR) platforms, which automate workflows to collect security data, streamline incident response, and automate repetitive tasks.

Rodriguez highlights advances in Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC), which use digital signatures based on public key cryptography to strengthen domain name system authentication. By validating the authenticity of data, DNSSEC protects against attacks such as DNS spoofing and ensures that users connect to the correct IP address.

Technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain and quantum computing will increasingly be used to thwart cyberattacks, the guide suggests. AI should improve the quality of data analysis, Rodriguez says.

Although technical skills are important, soft skills are just as crucial, according to the guide. Critical thinking, project management, flexibility, teamwork, and organizational and presentation skills are essential.

It’s not enough to be good at scanning for security vulnerabilities; you must also clearly describe the situation and explain possible solutions.

“Soft skills are important for achieving good team cohesion,” says Rodriguez, “because consultants often lead diverse teams within their client’s organization. »

“It is essential,” adds Johnson, “to demonstrate to your clients that you are a team player and a skilled communicator, and that you follow through on your commitments.”

Security certifications

According to the guide, having security-specific credentials is a valuable way to demonstrate your expertise to potential clients. Since hundreds of certifications are available, Johnson says, it can be difficult to identify the most relevant ones. Some people focus on theoretical knowledge, while others want to address practical applications of technology.

“Research the industry and compare it to your skills,” Johnson recommends. “Decide what you want to do and identify gaps in your skills and experience. »

Here are four of the nine certifications listed in the guide that are frequently cited as important. All vendors are cybersecurity organizations.

Additional industry-specific certifications may be required for organizations in the finance, government, healthcare, or manufacturing industries.

Strong general knowledge, supported by experience, training and certification, provides an essential foundation for becoming a specialist, Johnson says.

Conferences and Networking Opportunities

Events sponsored by the IEEE Computer Society can help you learn about the latest research and advancements in cybersecurity:

Conferences can give you insight into the field and allow you to network, but it’s also important to network elsewhere, experts say. Consider joining the IEEE Security and Privacy Technical Community, which connects experts and professionals advancing research in areas such as encryption, operating system security, and data privacy.

Learning and meeting people keeps your knowledge fresh and can lead to mentoring opportunities with established cybersecurity consultants, Johnson says.

Other IEEE Resources

The IEEE Computer Society’s Cybersecurity Resources page offers a wealth of information, including fundamentals, possible career paths, and standards development. To keep you up to date with trends, the company publishes IEEE Transactions on Privacy and the IEEE Security and Privacy review.

In addition to the guide, the IEEE Learning Network offers nearly 30 cybersecurity courses. And you can find research articles in the IEEE Xplore Digital Library.