This guide explores how to become a security consultant. We explain what security consulting is and explore any required education, experience, and certifications. We also include practical advice on how to get into security consulting.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n
What Is Security Consulting?<\/h2>\r\n
Security consultants work in IT security. This subdiscipline of computer science focuses on protecting computer systems and networks. These professionals work with organizations to secure their IT systems. Some security consultants concentrate on computer forensics or application security.<\/p>\r\n
Security consultants teach employees to understand and uphold cybersecurity principles. They often work with IT department members, including computer systems analysts and network administrators. Common industries for security consultants include computer systems design, finance and insurance, information, and management.<\/p>\r\n Security consultants detect potential or actual security breaches. They also install software to protect data, teach computer users about security processes or products, and create security best practices for organizations. They create disaster recovery and response plans for their organizations as well.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\n Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.<\/p>\n \n Security consultants usually need at least a bachelor's degree. This degree may be in computer science, information assurance, cybersecurity, or information technology. Such programs require classes in risk management, web and cloud security, digital forensics and incident response, and the business of IT. Students learn the fundamentals of IT, web development<\/a>, and programming.<\/p>\r\n Security consultants without a bachelor's degree may qualify for some positions if they attended bootcamps or hold certifications, an associate degree, or professional experience. However, a bachelor's degree is generally the industry standard and improves career and salary potential.<\/p>\r\n Some high-level jobs<\/a> require or prefer applicants with master's degrees in computer science, cybersecurity, or information assurance. A master's degree demonstrates advanced knowledge in the field. This degree also differentiates prospective security consultants<\/a> from other professionals, which may lead to higher earning potential.<\/p>\r\n Computer security consultants must stay informed about the field to do their jobs correctly. The industry expects security consultants to complete continuing education and earn certifications to master new technologies. Certifications help workers qualify for new career opportunities and better salaries.<\/p>\r\n\r\n Entry-level security consultant positions are uncommon. Security consulting careers usually require 3-5 years of experience in a related occupation.<\/p>\r\n Many security consultants start their careers<\/a> in entry-level general IT or security positions. After that, they may move on to work as network or computer systems administrators before qualifying for security consulting positions.<\/p>\r\n Some employers prefer security consultants with specialized, relevant experience. For example, a company hiring for a position in database security may prefer applicants with previous database experience.<\/p>\r\n The tech industry values job experience. However, some employers hire less-experienced security consultants who complete security training and\/or certifications<\/a>. Some cybersecurity bootcamps<\/a> let students acquire both education and professional experience simultaneously.<\/p>\r\n\r\n Internships let prospective security consultants apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios and develop professional networks that can lead to job offers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n Security consulting careers do not require specific certifications. However, many employers prefer certified job applicants, and the IT industry values professional certifications.<\/p>\r\n Security consultant certifications demonstrate knowledge and skills in specific areas of information security. Obtaining certifications can help a security consultant earn a higher entry-level salary or find more career advancement opportunities.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n Entry-level workers can earn the widely recognized CompTIA security+ certification to help launch their cybersecurity careers. The certification requires a multiple choice and performance-based exam and is suitable for individuals with at least two years of security-focused IT administration experience.<\/p>\r\n<\/sonic-resource-list>\r\n CEH certification teaches up-to-date hacking techniques, methods, and tools. It requires a multiple choice exam with multiple training options.<\/p>\r\n<\/sonic-resource-list>\r\n Earning CISM certification demonstrates expertise in information security governance, risk management, and incident response. This certification often qualifies employees for management positions. Applicants must pass an exam and have relevant full-time professional experience.<\/p>\r\n<\/sonic-resource-list>\r\n This certification requires a three-hour adaptive exam. The course includes up to 50 hours of live instruction.<\/p>\r\n<\/sonic-resource-list>\r\n\r\n\r\n\n The process for getting into security consulting includes earning a college degree, gaining relevant work experience, and completing professional certifications. Each person's career path is unique, but professionals may spend 7-10 years or more completing the education and gaining the professional experience to qualify for a career in security consulting.<\/p>\r\n Demand for this career varies by region. This can affect how long it takes to land a security consultant position. Other factors that impact the difficulty of getting into security consulting include the relevance of your specific degree, certification, or professional experience to the job in question.<\/p>\r\n See below for more specific details about how to get a job in security consulting.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\n \n \n <\/a>\n\n\r\n\r\n Below, we describe the typical steps to becoming a security consultant. This is just one possible career path. Your actual journey to a career in security consulting may vary.<\/p>\r\n Many people find a security consulting career rewarding. The path to becoming a security consultant is not short or easy, but it can pay off for those willing to devote the necessary time and effort to the career.<\/p>\r\n Security consultants usually take about four years to earn a bachelor's degree, then spend several more years gaining relevant professional experience and certifications. Some people find it challenging to land their first security consultant job because most positions require at least 3-5 years of experience.<\/p>\r\n However, once security consultants find their way into the industry, they can expect a growing field and high pay. The BLS reported that in 2020, information security analysts earned a median annual wage of $103,590<\/a>, significantly higher than the median wage for all occupations.<\/p>\r\n Over time, security consultants can pursue more advanced positions with even better pay. Potential career paths include senior security consultant, information security manager, and security engineer.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\n To get a job as a security consultant, you need to know where to look. Students can find security consultant jobs through professional organizations, mentor recommendations, job fairs, and networking events. Other places to look include university career centers, IT security blogs, and tech companies' websites.<\/p>\r\n Consult the job boards below to find listings and information about how to get a job in security consulting.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n ZipRecruiter connects job seekers and potential employers. Job seekers can search jobs and salaries. They can also view employer reviews.<\/p>\r\n<\/sonic-resource-list>\r\n This professional association maintains a cybersecurity job board.<\/p>\r\n<\/sonic-resource-list>\r\n A job board that gets 250 million visitors each month, Indeed lets jobseekers post resumes, research companies, and browse listings.<\/p>\r\n<\/sonic-resource-list>\r\n The biggest professional networking website in the world, LinkedIn connects employers with people looking for jobs.<\/p>\r\n<\/sonic-resource-list>\r\n This website helps people seeking flexible, remote, and hybrid work opportunities. FlexJobs offers access to career coaching, job listings, webinars, and resume reviews.<\/p>\r\n<\/sonic-resource-list>\r\n\r\n\r\n\n \n \n <\/a>\n\n\r\n\r\n \n\n Learn how to be a security consultant. This page covers typical job duties, responsibilities, and work environments. It also looks at potential career paths that can lead to a career in security consulting.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n Discover potential salaries and the career outlook for security consultants<\/a>. We explain factors that influence salary differences for security consultants and talk about what will drive growth in the field.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n This page explores what to expect from a career in security consulting. It paints a picture of a typical day for students wondering how to become a security consultant.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n This page explains how to get a job in security consulting by earning relevant professional certifications. The security field values certifications, and many employers prefer or require certified job applicants.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n Security consultants help organizations protect their computer systems and networks. They make security recommendations to management, teach computer users about security processes, and investigate security breaches.<\/p>\r\n Security consultants usually need at least a bachelor's degree in a field like computer science, information technology, information assurance, or cybersecurity. Many employers also require or prefer security consultants with relevant professional certifications.<\/p>\r\nTop Online Bachelor's Programs<\/h2>\n \n
Required Education for Security Consultants<\/h2>\r\n
Explore Your Degree Options<\/h3>\r\n
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Required Experience for Security Consultants<\/h2>\r\n
Internship Opportunities<\/h3>\r\n
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Required Certifications for Security Consultants<\/h2>\r\n
How to Get Into Security Consulting<\/h2>\r\n
Steps to Becoming a Security Consultant<\/h3>\r\n
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Should I Become a Security Consultant?<\/h3>\r\n
How to Get a Job in Security Consulting<\/h3>\r\n
Resources for Future Security Consultants<\/h2>\n \n <\/div>\n \n
![\"What](\"https:\/\/www.cyberdegrees.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/GettyImages-691574587-425x230-c-default.jpg\"\n)
\n What Is a Security Consultant?<\/h4>\n
![\"Salary](\"https:\/\/www.cyberdegrees.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/CyberDegrees_Careers_Security-Consultant_Salary-425x230-c-default.jpg\"\n)
\n Salary and Career Outlook for Security Consultants<\/h4>\n
![\"Day](\"https:\/\/www.cyberdegrees.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Cyber_Careers_Security-Consultant-Day-Life-425x230-c-default.jpg\"\n)
\n Day in the Life of a Security Consultant<\/h4>\n
![\"Certifications](\"https:\/\/www.cyberdegrees.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/CyberDegrees_Careers_Security-Consultants_Certifications-425x230-c-default.jpg\"\n)
\n Certifications for Security Consultants<\/h4>\n
\r\n\n \n \n <\/a>\n\n\r\n\r\nFrequently Asked Questions About Careers in Security Consulting<\/h2>\r\n\r\n
What is the role of a security consultant?<\/h3>\r\n
What education do you need to be a security consultant?<\/h3>\r\n
How much does a security consultant make?<\/h3>\r\n