Breaking News — The demand for cybersecurity consultants is exploding, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting nearly 30% job growth between now and 2034. Over 15 million cybercrime incidents were reported globally in 2024, according to Statista, as costs from data breaches, phishing, and extortion now exceed $10 trillion annually. Read the full background below.
Background
Cyberattacks are not just costly—they pose direct safety risks. For example, IEEE Spectrum reported that breathalyzer devices in vehicles became disabled, stranding hundreds of drivers. The shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals, combined with the rise of remote work and advanced technologies, has created an urgent need for consultants.
To address this gap, the IEEE Computer Society has released a new guide titled “What Makes a Great Cybersecurity Consultant.” The 23-page PDF covers essential hard and soft skills, recommended certifications, and key conferences. The guide features insights from two experts: John D. Johnson, IEEE senior member and CEO of Aligned Security, and Ricardo J. Rodriguez, associate professor at Universidad de Zaragoza.
Expert Quotes
“Technology, remote work, and a shortage of skilled workers make this the ideal time to consider becoming a cybersecurity consultant,” Johnson says. “Consulting can give you the flexibility, variety, and control over where you want your career to go.”
Rodriguez emphasizes the offensive mindset needed: “To be able to defend a system well, you first have to know how to attack it.”
What This Means
Cybersecurity consulting is no longer a niche career. With escalating threats and regulatory pressures, organizations are scrambling for experts who can protect networks, data, and critical infrastructure. The role demands a mix of technical depth and strategic thinking.
Hard and Soft Skills Required
At a minimum, consultants must master operating systems, network architecture, and programming languages like C++, Java, and Python. Proficiency in security auditing, firewall management, penetration testing, and encryption is also mandatory. Ethical hacking and secure coding principles are increasingly important.
Soft skills—communication, problem-solving, and adaptability—are equally critical. Consultants often serve as advisors to executives, translating technical risks into business language.
Key Technologies Driving the Field
New tools are transforming the consultant’s toolkit. Security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR) platforms automate incident response and data collection. Rodriguez highlights advances in Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC), which uses digital signatures to prevent DNS spoofing and ensure users reach legitimate IP addresses.
Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and quantum computing will further reshape the landscape. Consultants must stay ahead of these trends.
Certifications and Conferences
The IEEE guide recommends pursuing certifications such as CISSP, CISM, and CEH. It also lists key IEEE cybersecurity conferences, including IEEE S&P and IEEE Cybersecurity Development, for ongoing education.
For those ready to enter the field, the guide provides a roadmap. Learn more about the demand surge and start your journey today.