Why Cybersecurity Consulting Is Booming
Cybersecurity consultants have never been in higher demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, information security analyst roles are projected to grow nearly 30 percent between now and 2034. In 2024 alone, Statista reported over 15 million cybercrime incidents worldwide. The financial toll is staggering: more than US $10 trillion is spent annually repairing damage from cybercrime, including phishing, spoofing, extortion, and data breaches. Beyond cost, breaches pose direct safety risks—for instance, a IEEE Spectrum article detailed how breathalyzer devices in vehicles became disabled, stranding hundreds of drivers.
To help you stand out in this fast-growing field, the IEEE Computer Society offers the guide “What Makes a Great Cybersecurity Consultant.” This 23-page PDF covers hard and soft skills, certifications, and key IEEE cybersecurity conferences. We’ve distilled the guide’s insights into a clear roadmap below.
Expert Advice on Entering the Field
The guide features advice from two cybersecurity experts. John D. Johnson, an IEEE senior member and founder of Aligned Security in Bettendorf, Iowa, notes, “Technology, remote work, and a shortage of skilled workers make this the ideal time to consider becoming a cybersecurity consultant. Consulting can give you the flexibility, variety, and control over where you want your career to go.” Ricardo J. Rodriguez, an associate professor at Universidad de Zaragoza in Spain who researches digital forensics, adds a crucial perspective: “To be able to defend a system well, you first have to know how to attack it.”
Core Hard and Soft Skills
At minimum, cybersecurity professionals need a general understanding of IT, including operating systems, communication protocols, network architecture, and programming languages such as C++, Java, and Python. They also should be well-versed in security auditing, firewall management, penetration testing, and encryption technologies. Ethical hacking and coding principles are highly beneficial.
Modern Tools That Boost Effectiveness
The guide explains that new technologies are helping consultants monitor threats and protect systems. These include:
- Security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR) platforms – These automate workflows to collect security data, streamline incident response, and reduce repetitive tasks.
- Domain name system security extensions (DNSSEC) – Rodriguez highlights how DNSSEC uses digital signatures based on public-key cryptography to strengthen domain name system authentication. By validating data authenticity, DNSSEC guards against DNS spoofing and ensures users connect to the correct IP address.
- Artificial intelligence, blockchain, and quantum computing – These emerging technologies are reshaping the threat landscape and the tools needed to combat cyberattacks.
Certifications and Continuous Learning
Certifications are a key differentiator. The guide recommends pursuing credentials such as CISSP, CEH, or CISM. Attending IEEE cybersecurity conferences helps you stay updated on developments and network with peers. For a deeper dive, see our skills section above or access the full guide from the IEEE Computer Society.
The Future of Cybersecurity Consulting
With the shortage of skilled workers and the rise of remote work, consulting offers flexibility, variety, and career control. As threats evolve—from AI-powered attacks to quantum-computing risks—consultants who master both technical and soft skills will thrive. Now is the time to build your expertise and join a field that protects lives, data, and infrastructure.
This article is based on the IEEE Computer Society’s guide “What Makes a Great Cybersecurity Consultant.” For the complete list of skills, certifications, and event recommendations, download the PDF.