Cybersecurity consultants can bring value to companies by helping secure their digital assets by fighting against malware and online attacks.
Today, there are many potential attacks that appear on the internet and affect the network security system of every business. So, the roles of this profession are becoming more significant every day.
My actual story in this career will bring you a look into a day in the life of a cybersecurity consultant. Let’s keep on reading to get more details!
An Overview Of Cyber Security Consulting
Cybersecurity consultants will protect modern businesses and systems from cyberattacks. They can perform some main duties like:
- Assessing the security level of a digital asset
- Identify and solve security risks or issues
- Develop new solutions to fight against online attacks and malware
- Provide advice on improving the security aspects of a system
- Perform security audits and make training sessions
The cyber security consultants must possess very high technical skills. They also must have deep experience in dealing with attacks and malware.
The daily work schedule of cyber consultants depends on the type of project they are handling. The tasks will be based on the type of companies and clients. The sections below will give you more detailed explanations.
Workplace
There are two popular routes for cyber consultants. The first one is to work as a member of the security department in a large tech company.
As we know, every company will need this department to maintain and protect its digital assets. Therefore, all of the consultant work revolves around the network and system of that organization. They will follow a full-time working schedule with a long-term contract.
The second route for cyber consultants is to work for a cyber consulting firm. The firm serves as a bridge between businesses (clients) and consultants. It’s also the route that I’m currently participating in.
Job Overview
I have been working for a cybersecurity consulting firm for nearly 4 years. My company will obtain contracts with other businesses. They will hire my firm to help maintain and improve their systems’ security.
There are many consultants working in my firm. Each professional will handle a short-term contract with a certain client. The firm also assigns experienced consultants with many contracts at a time.
I’m handling only one client, which is an online business and merchandise store. My duty is to protect this client’s network and data. It includes detailed tasks.
- Testing the security of the system
- Develop protocols and solutions to make their system more secure
- Provide advice on protecting data and network
- Protect the client’s data against cyber attacks
- Join the company’s meetings and work with the other departments
That’s an overview of my current job. The sections below will show you the daily tasks I typically perform on a normal day at work.
1. Email and Schedules (8:30 AM)
Though I have a contract with the clients, I don’t have to be present at their work office anytime. Instead, the clients will grant me access to their system.
So, I can usually work from home or attend the consulting firm’s office. As long as I have access to the client’s network, I can perform security tasks at any place.
I usually start my work at 8:30 AM by checking my email first. The clients will send me requests and assigned tasks via email. Thus, I will check my schedule and today’s tasks first.
2. Issue Identification (9:00 AM)
I start my first task after thoroughly understanding all the assignments. It’s to perform risk assessments on the client’s system and database. I will use a combination of software and pen-testing tools for this task.
It helps me identify the potential weaknesses of the system that hackers can take advantage of. This task also assesses the security level of the database, so I can develop solutions to make it more secure.
If I identify any issues or risks, I will immediately list them in the checklist. Then, I will brainstorm ideas and protocols to tackle the problem.
3. System Security Review (11:00 AM)
At 11:00 AM, I switch to reviewing the client’s database, system, and security protocols. I ensure that they can withstand malware and attacks in the future.
I also research new methods to increase the system’s security. Then, I will provide suggestions for the client to consider.
4. Identify & Fix Security Vulnerabilities (1:00 PM)
I will return to my normal tasks in the afternoon, which are testing and fixing security issues. Then, I will research the client’s network and find advanced methods to make it more secure.
Sometimes, I will have an appointment with the client’s manager and security departments. The manager has set up this meeting in the working schedule.
In the meeting, I will report my current progress and discuss with the manager about the security aspects of the company.
5. Progress Report (3:00 PM)
At this time, I will develop a detailed report on my work and submit it to the client. The report includes the following:
- The detailed methods and steps I used to test the client’s system
- The problems and security risks I have identified
- The solutions I used to fix the errors
- A detailed assessment of the client’s system and security level
- Further advice on increasing the stability of the client’s assets.
These are the areas that I will focus on in my report. I must ensure that the company client can keep track of my work and progress.
Is CS Consulting The Right Profession For You?
In 2024, ComputerCareers.org indicates that cyber consultants earn an average salary of about $121,450 per year. It’s among the top incomes in the IT security industry.
Given such promising career outlooks, cyber security consulting is among the top choices for IT students. If you are good at dealing with cyber attacks and networking, don’t hesitate to pursue this career!
Final Thoughts
I love working with codes, databases, and networks. They have caught my interest since my early years working in the IT industry. So, cybersecurity consulting is the perfect role for my career goals.
If you also fall in love with this job, don’t hesitate to follow your passion! The most important thing is that the career you choose must align with your interests. It will give you motivation to keep learning and expand your capacity.
Thank you for reading!