Security Consultant Career Outlook

A security consultant is an all-round expert on cyber security. They evaluate cybersecurity risks, problems and solutions for various organizations and guide them in protecting and protecting their physical capital and data. The position can also be called an information security consultant, an IT security consultant, a database security consultant or a network security consultant.

Security consultants must be flexible and versatile: they address a multitude of variables when evaluating security systems in different companies and sectors.

The salary range for IT security consultants is broad based on experience, but a senior security consultant earns an average of $ 106,190 in the United States. Security advisors should have 3-5 years of professional experience.

To become a security consultant, you can follow a similar professional path:

Get a degree in computer science, computer science, computer security or a related field. Or gain equivalent experience with the relevant industry certifications.

Track an entry-level position in general IT or security.

Earn an average role as a security administrator, analyst, engineer or auditor.

Improve your cyber security skills through training and certification.

Enter a security advisor role.

As a security consultant, your daily activities can include:

Determine the best protection for computers, networks, data and information systems from possible attacks

Perform vulnerability tests and security assessments

Interview with employees and department managers to find out about safety issues

Test security solutions using industry standard analysis methods

Provide technical supervision and assistance to a security team

Recommended training for security consultants

Certifications on your resume will help you build credibility as you climb the career ladder. These training courses teach you the essential skills that every security consultant needs, from ethical hacking to encryption technologies and protocols to prevent data breach.

Read More: cism vs cissp salary

Security Architect Career Path

If you're passionate about solving problems and developing great image strategies, the security architect's career path is for you.

A security architect is responsible for designing, building, and implementing network and computer security for an organization. Security architects are responsible for the creation of complex security structures and their proper functioning. They develop security systems to combat malware, intruders from hackers and DDoS attacks.

In the United States, the average salary for this position is $ 118,681. Security architects should have 5-10 years of experience, 3-5 of which are dedicated to security.

To become a security architect, you can choose a career path as follows:

Get a degree in computer science, computer science, computer security or a related field. Alternatively, you can gain equivalent experience with the relevant industry certifications.

Enter the IT field as security administrator, system administrator or network administrator.

Get a medium level as a security engineer or analyst.

Enter a security architect role.

As a security architect, you will be asked to:

Plan, research and design permanent security architectures for various IT projects.

Develop requirements for networks, firewalls, routers and related network devices.

Perform vulnerability tests, security assessments, and risk analysis.

Research and implementation of the latest security standards, systems and best practices.

Recommended training for security architects

Because the role of the security architect is high, employers look for the security certifications that will be added to your resume.

Professional IT security training and certifications help you speed up your career path and stand out from potential employers. These certifications reinforce the essential skills required for the role of security architect, such as network security and architecture, vulnerability testing and risk management.

Read More: cissp vs cism salary

CompTIA Network+ & CompTIA Security + Certifications

CompTIA Network+

Many IT experts start with A + certification. Although the A + certificate is recommended, you can go straight to CompTIA Network + certification if you have experience and don't need an A +. It is aimed at professionals with at least nine months of experience on the Internet. A candidate must be familiar with network technologies, media, topologies, security, installation and configuration, as well as troubleshooting common wired and wireless network devices. Network + certification is recommended or required by Dell, HP, and Intel, and is also an entry-level certification that is accepted for the Apple Consultants Network. The Network + certificate complies with the ISO 17024 standard and, like A +, is recognized by the United States Department of Defense. A single exam must be certified.

CompTIA Security +

CompTIA Security + covers concepts for network security, threats and vulnerabilities, access control, identity management, encryption and much more. Although CompTIA does not impose any requirements, the organization recommends certified candidates to acquire Network + certificates and has at least two years of experience in IT administration with a focus on security. To receive Security + certification, candidates must pass the SY0-501 exam.

Read More: a+, network+ security+ salary

Skills Measured by CompTIA A+ Certification

The CompTIA A + certification validates entry-level skills in today's most important IT areas, including repair of computers, software and operating systems, network administration, information security, cloud computing and troubleshooting for desktop and mobile devices. A + certified technicians also learn customer service and communication skills to interact effectively with technical and non-technical staff.

The CompTIA A + certification is an ideal starting point for the learning plan of a new IT expert because:

No prerequisites are required for the A + certification exam.

The A + certification introduces candidates to important IT areas.

The A + certification is recognized worldwide as a sign of a qualified entry-level technician.

An A + certification is a mandatory recruitment requirement for a large number of IT entry-level jobs.

An A + certification is mandatory or optional in the extended certification paths of the most important technology providers such as Microsoft, Cisco, Novell, HP and IBM.

There are numerous accredited qualifications, professional certificates and personalized online training programs that prepare for the A + certification exams and related courses.

Skills measured by CompTIA A + certification

Here are the most important skills and areas of knowledge that were measured by the A + certification exam. A + certified specialists:

Understand the basics of hardware, software, networking, and security of computers and mobile devices.

can identify PC hardware, peripherals and network components in a corporate environment.

can classify and explain different types of data storage devices and backup media.

can describe the types and properties of the components of the motherboard in detail.

know how to follow IT security practices and best practices.

have interpersonal communication skills to better interact with colleagues and customers.

can configure and manage the most popular operating systems Inc. Windows, iOS, Android, Apple OS X and Linux.

can install and configure input devices such as keyboards, mice, biometric scanners and touchscreens.

can implement a variety of troubleshooting techniques to troubleshoot system errors and connection problems.

Read More: network+ salary

Skills measured with Security+ certification

The Security + certification shows the experience of an IT security expert in topics such as system security, risk management, network infrastructure, access control and corporate security.

Security threats are growing exponentially in number and severity, and the skills gap between jobs in information security and skilled IT security personnel is one of the largest of all technical specialties. In addition, numerous wage studies and surveys have shown that even in a difficult economic environment, most companies plan to maintain or increase their spending on cybersecurity personnel, and it is no wonder that Security + is one of the most requested certifications by CompTIA.

Skills measured with Security + certification

Passing the CompTIA Security + certification exam confirms the ability:

• Explain the security features of common devices and network technologies
• Application and implementation of principles and procedures for secure network administration
• Implement and configure a wireless network securely
• Identify security threats and perform risk mitigation activities
• understand the applicable IT security guidelines, laws and regulations
• Explain the impact and correct use of environmental controls
• Understand and use encryption and public key infrastructure (PKI)
• Explain the concepts of user authentication, authorization, and access control
• illustrate the concepts of confidentiality, integrity and availability of data - a.k.a. "CIA Triad"
• Identify and analyze common attacks such as social engineering, malware, applications and wireless attacks

Read More: networking+

What is in the CompTIA + exam network?

CompTIA's Network + certification confirms the knowledge and skills needed to solve problems, configure and manage wired and wireless networks in companies around the world. CompTIA Network + confirms a professional understanding of new technologies, including cloud and virtualization technologies.

CompTIA Network + ensures that an IT professional has the following knowledge and skills:

Design and implement functional networks
Configure, manage, and maintain critical network devices
Use devices such as switches and routers to segment network traffic and create fail-safe networks
Identify the pros and cons of existing network configurations
Implement security, standard, and network protocols
Solve network problems
Support in the creation of virtualized networks

The CompTIA Network + exam covers the following areas and topics:

Network concepts: Explain the purpose of a variety of network concepts and implement them accordingly.
Infrastructure: Determine and explain suitable cabling, device and storage technologies.
Network: Use best practices to manage the network, set policies, and ensure business continuity.
Network Security: Combines physical security and frequent attacks by protecting your wired and wireless network.
Network troubleshooting and tools: Describes the network troubleshooting method and tools to support connectivity and performance.

Read More: what is comptia