Cybersecurity Consulting

A cybersecurity consultant is a team of IT specialists responsible for detecting weaknesses such as cybercrime, assessing security risks in an organization’s computer systems networks and applying solutions, they review security systems and add layers of protection in a technological environment that’s rapidly evolving.

How Does It Work?

Cybersecurity consulting firms typically offer a range of services tailored to common requirements, including cloud transformation and security assessments. Additionally, they may provide specialized services like CISO consulting, either regularly or as required.

Businesses seeking cybersecurity consulting assistance can enlist the services of these providers. For instance, a company gearing up for a cloud migration could opt for a workshop focused on crafting a robust cloud security framework and ensuring a secure migration journey.

 Cybersecurity Consultant salary

A cyber security consultant’s salary varies depending on their expertise level, location, and employer. On average, the starting wage for cybersecurity consultants is $51,000, and it increases more with a few years of experience and advanced skills.

Junior Salary – $51,000.00

Average Salary – $80,000.00

Senior Salary – $150,000.00

In the United States, the annual salary for a cyber security consultant range from $80,000 to $120,000.

Salary range according to public data;

Ziprecruiter   – average salary $115,000 ranging up to $186,500

Payscale  – average salary $85,500, ranging up to $135,000

Indeed.com  – average salary of $80,500, ranging up to $186,000.

Cybersecurity consulting services

Here are the services of Cybersecurity Consultants;

• Security Inspection:
  Managing corporate cyber risk and reducing the possible effects of a cyberattack on an organization require the early detection and correction of security flaws. Automated vulnerability scanning and manual penetration testing are frequently used in risk assessments to identify the biggest security risks facing the company.

Security evaluations not only give organizations access to the team that found vulnerabilities in their systems, but they also deliver the final testing report directly to them. Organizations trying to strengthen security flaws or comply with regulations may find this access to be of immeasurable use.

• Cloud and Digital Transformation:
  Digital transformation programs have the potential to improve an organization’s workforce and IT infrastructure performance and efficiency. When used properly, cloud computing, IoT, and related technology can provide significant corporate benefits.

But to provide value, cloud and IoT projects that are effective must be carefully planned and implemented securely. Cybersecurity consultants are essential in assisting firms in finding appropriate solutions that complement business goals and provide direction on developing cybersecurity architectures that meet the changing needs of the enterprise.

• Network Architecture:
  Corporate networks have become increasingly intricate in recent years, influenced by factors such as cloud migration, the proliferation of IoT and mobile devices, and the rise of remote work. These developments significantly impact the performance and security of corporate networks.

Consulting services focusing on network architecture can assist organizations in designing networks that align with evolving business and security requirements. For instance, consultants can offer insights into upgrading network hardware and effectively implementing a zero-trust architecture within the organization’s IT ecosystem.

Cybersecurity consulting firms typically offer a range of services tailored to common requirements, including cloud transformation and security assessments. Additionally, they may provide specialized services like CISO consulting, either on a recurring basis or as required.

• CISO Consulting Services:

Certain business events elevate the demand for strategic security expertise within companies. Examples include firms undergoing due diligence for mergers and acquisitions, preparing for compliance audits, or assessing new service providers.

Consulting Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) can assist businesses in navigating these challenges. Their support may involve conducting a realistic evaluation of the organization’s security stance or devising strategies to address identified compliance and security deficiencies.

Types of Cybersecurity

• Cloud Security:

The field of cloud security is devoted to protecting resources and services that are housed on the cloud, including infrastructure, data, and applications. A shared responsibility paradigm usually governs cloud security, with enterprises and cloud service providers sharing security duties.

In this paradigm, enterprises are in charge of protecting the assets they store in the cloud, while cloud service providers handle cloud environment security. Usually, responsibilities are divided as shown below.

• Data Security:

Within the broader scope of information security, data security unite various cybersecurity measures to safeguard the confidentiality, integrity, and accessibility of digital assets both at rest (stored) and in transit (transmitted).

• Application Security:

Application security aims to thwart unauthorized access and misuse of applications and associated data. Given that the majority of vulnerabilities arise during the development and deployment phases, application security encompasses a variety of cybersecurity measures to detect flaws in the design and development stages, thereby alerting teams for prompt rectification.

Despite diligent efforts, some vulnerabilities may elude detection. Application security also serves to shield against these potential weaknesses.

A component within application security is web application security, which concentrates on safeguarding web applications, often prime targets for cyberattacks.

• Critical Infrastructure Security:

Dedicated security protocols and cybersecurity solutions are employed to safeguard the networks, applications, systems, and digital assets relied upon by critical infrastructure entities, including communications, dams, energy, public sector, and transportation systems.

Such infrastructure has increasingly become vulnerable to cyberattacks, particularly those targeting legacy systems like SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) systems.

While critical infrastructure organizations utilize many standard cybersecurity measures, their deployment often varies in approach and implementation.

• Endpoint Security:

The primary targets for cyberattacks often include desktops, laptops, mobile devices, servers, and other endpoints. Endpoint security is tasked with safeguarding these devices and the sensitive data they contain. Additionally, it encompasses various cybersecurity measures aimed at defending networks from attacks that exploit endpoints as entry points.

• IoT (Internet of Things) Security:

In the face of proliferating connected devices, IoT security aims to mitigate the vulnerabilities they introduce into organizational networks. Utilizing a range of cybersecurity techniques, it identifies and categorizes these devices, segregates them to minimize network exposure, and addresses threats arising from unpatched firmware and related weaknesses.

• Mobile Security:

Mobile security encompasses a suite of cybersecurity strategies designed to protect mobile devices, including phones, tablets, and laptops, from unauthorized access. Its goal is to prevent these devices from being exploited as entry points for infiltrating and traversing networks.

• Operational Security:

Operational security encompasses a variety of cybersecurity procedures and technologies implemented to safeguard sensitive systems and data. This involves establishing protocols for access and monitoring to identify any abnormal activities that may indicate malicious intent.

• Crucial Skills for a Cybersecurity Consultant

Firewall/IDS/IPS Skills

• Comprehension of contemporary threats, protocols, and tactics
• Audit & Compliance
• APTs management (Advanced persistent threats)
• Management of Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
• Handling and responding to security incidents
• Analytics & Intelligence
• Knowledge of Encryption technologies
• Detection of intrusions
• Application Security Development
• Advanced Malware Prevention
• Understanding threat modeling and coding best practices
• Mobile Device Management
• Data Management Protection
• Digital Forensics
• Identity & Access Management
• Understanding of ethical hacking

Cybersecurity Consulting firms

Here are the Cybersecurity Consulting firms across the web

Deloitte

The company Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, or simply Deloitte, is a global network of professional services providers. Part of the ‘Big Four’ consulting firms, London, UK-based Deloitte is the largest professional services network globally in terms of both sales and staff numbers. By putting strong controls in place for critical assets, the company’s secure services help businesses develop, improve worker efficiency, and save expenses. They provide a broad range of services, including protecting services and infrastructure, controlling vulnerabilities, guaranteeing application security, supervising Identity and Access Management (IAM), attending to privacy issues, and protecting information assets.

Specialization: Cyber strategy, incident recovery, infrastructure security

KPMG

KPMG International Limited is a renowned global professional services network, ranked among the prestigious Big Four accounting firms alongside Ernst & Young, Deloitte, and PwC.

Operating across 143 countries and regions, KPMG firms collectively boasted a workforce exceeding 265,000 partners and professionals during FY22. These professionals serve various sectors, contributing to the capital markets through KPMG firms’ services.

Renowned for its expertise in cybersecurity, KPMG excels not only in applying established security measures but also in innovating new solutions tailored to specific needs.

Ernst & Young  ( EY )

Ernst & Young stands as a premier global professional services firm, recognized as one of the Big Four accounting organizations alongside Deloitte, KPMG, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Its core offerings encompass assurance, tax, consultancy, and advisory services, catering to a diverse clientele.

EY’s cybersecurity, strategy, risk, compliance, and resilience teams are adept at offering organizations comprehensive insights into their current cyber risk landscape and capabilities. This enables clients to make informed decisions regarding investments in managing their cyber risks, providing clarity on the how, where, and why of such strategic initiatives.

IBM Security
ibm.com

IBM Security, recognized as one of the top ten firms in the cybersecurity 500 list, operates under its parent company IBM. It specializes in safeguarding businesses by employing a tailored security portfolio. This approach is aimed at mitigating the rising threats to consumer data, simplifying IT technology complexities, and introducing innovative security solutions.

ATOS
atos.net

Established in 1997 through the merger of two French IT firms, Atos is a multinational corporation headquartered in Bezons, France, specializing in IT services and consulting. With a global footprint encompassing offices worldwide, Atos delivers a spectrum of cutting-edge technological solutions.

Atos boasts a team of 1,800 consultants dedicated to digital transformation, enabling progressive enterprises to embark on secure digital initiatives confidently.

Eviden, a division within Atos, provides cybersecurity services designed to assist businesses and government entities in protecting essential information and critical systems central to their operations.

Capgemini
capgemini.com

Based in Paris, France, Capgemini SE stands as a prominent French multinational company specializing in IT services and consultancy. Renowned for its expertise in guiding enterprises through significant transformations, Capgemini excels in innovative strategy development.

With a vast global workforce exceeding 3,600 skilled professionals, Capgemini collaborates closely with leading corporations and government bodies to navigate the complexities of digital transformation. Leveraging its deep understanding of the digital economy and prowess in business transformation and organizational change, Capgemini drives forward-thinking initiatives.

Capgemini’s cybersecurity specialists play a pivotal role in ensuring the security of IT protocols and data transactions. Utilizing their technical and business acumen, they focus on critical areas such as organizational and risk management, audits, incident response, lifecycle management, and operational security.

Accenture
accenture.com

Accenture stands as a premier global professional services firm, offering a wide array of services spanning strategy and consulting, interactive, technology, and operations, with digital expertise embedded in each facet.

Our unparalleled experience and specialized prowess span across over 40 industries, bolstered by the world’s largest network of Advanced Technology and Intelligent Operations centers. With a workforce of 513,000 individuals serving clients across more than 120 countries, Accenture continually pioneers innovation to enhance client performance and foster enduring value throughout their enterprises.

Protiviti
protiviti.com

Protiviti is a renowned global consulting firm renowned for providing in-depth expertise, impartial insights, customized solutions, and unparalleled collaboration, enabling leaders to confront future challenges with confidence. Protiviti, along with its independent and locally owned Member Firms, offers clients a wide range of consulting and managed solutions in finance, technology, operations, data, digital, legal, governance, risk, and internal audit through its extensive network of more than 85 offices spanning over 25 countries.

Recognized as one of the 2022 Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For, Protiviti has served over 80 percent of Fortune 100 and nearly 80 percent of Fortune 500 companies. The firm also caters to smaller, emerging businesses, including those seeking to go public, as well as government agencies. Protiviti operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Robert Half.

Established in 1948, Robert Half is a constituent of the S&P 500 index.

Congnizant
cognizant.com/uk

Cognizant stands out as one of the world’s fastest-growing and top-performing companies. With its headquarters in Teaneck, New Jersey, it maintains a global footprint with over one hundred development and delivery centers worldwide.

Since its establishment, the company has undergone remarkable expansion and now boasts a workforce exceeding 217,500 individuals. Cognizant’s consulting team specializes in delivering innovative IT services and consultancy tailored to specific industries. The firm’s primary objective revolves around driving transformation, optimization, and innovation for its clients, overseeing large-scale IT and business initiatives.

Cognizant’s comprehensive security solutions integrate industry expertise with forward-looking strategies, spanning advisory, transformation, and managed services.

Framework Security
Framework Security operates as a digital asset security firm providing a range of services including risk and compliance evaluations, penetration testing, managed security solutions, data protection, and training for individuals, teams, and organizations. Clients have the option to engage Framework Security during crises or proactively to anticipate and address the ongoing threat of cybersecurity breaches.

Specialties: Data protection, risk evaluations, threat detection and response, education.