How to Become a Cybersecurity Consultant: Skills, Certifications & Career Growth in 2024

Why Cybersecurity Consulting Is a Top Career Choice in 2024

Cybersecurity consultants are in high demand as cyber threats surge worldwide. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that information security analyst roles will grow by nearly 30% between 2024 and 2034—far outpacing the average for all occupations.

In 2024 alone, more than 15 million cybercrime incidents were reported globally, according to Statista. The financial toll is staggering: cybercrime damages exceed US $10 trillion annually, with phishing, spoofing, extortion, and data breaches as the most common threats.

Real-world consequences are severe. For example, a U.S. incident involving disabled breathalyzer devices in vehicles left hundreds of drivers stranded, as detailed in an IEEE Spectrum article.

Expert Guidance: What Makes a Great Cybersecurity Consultant

The IEEE Computer Society has released a comprehensive guide, "What Makes a Great Cybersecurity Consultant", to help professionals stand out in this competitive field. The 23-page PDF covers:

• Essential hard and soft skills
• Top certifications to pursue
• Key IEEE cybersecurity conferences for staying current

The guide features insights from two industry leaders:

• John D. Johnson, IEEE senior member and founder/CEO of Aligned Security in Bettendorf, Iowa
• Ricardo J. Rodriguez, associate professor of computer science and systems engineering at the Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain, specializing in digital forensics and cybersecurity

"Technology, remote work, and a shortage of skilled workers make this the ideal time to consider becoming a cybersecurity consultant. Consulting offers flexibility, variety, and control over where you want your career to go."

Essential Hard Skills for Cybersecurity Consultants

At minimum, cybersecurity professionals should master:

• Core IT knowledge: operating systems, communication protocols, network architecture
• Programming languages: C++, Java, Python
• Security practices: auditing, firewall management, penetration testing, encryption
• Ethical hacking and coding fundamentals

"To defend a system well, you first have to know how to attack it."

The guide highlights emerging technologies reshaping cybersecurity:

• SOAR platforms (Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response): Automate threat monitoring, incident response, and repetitive tasks
• DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions): Uses digital signatures to validate domain authenticity and prevent spoofing
• AI, blockchain, and quantum computing: Expected to play larger roles in threat detection and mitigation

The Role of Soft Skills in Cybersecurity Success

While technical expertise is critical, soft skills are equally vital for career advancement. The IEEE guide emphasizes:

• Critical thinking and problem-solving
• Project management and organizational skills
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Presentation and communication skills

Rodriguez notes, "It’s not enough to identify vulnerabilities—you must clearly explain risks and propose actionable solutions to stakeholders."

Next Steps: Certifications and Professional Development

The guide provides a curated list of certifications to boost your credentials, including:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• CompTIA Security+
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

Additionally, the IEEE Computer Society recommends attending key conferences to network and stay updated on industry trends, such as:

• IEEE Symposium on Security and Privacy
• Black Hat
• DEF CON

With cyber threats escalating and skilled professionals in short supply, now is the time to build a career in cybersecurity consulting. Equip yourself with the right skills, certifications, and mindset to thrive in this dynamic field.