What skills do you need to succeed as a freelance security consultant?

Several key factors come into play. Firstly, and most evidently, a foundation of knowledge and practical experience within your specific niche of Cybersecurity. Next, possessing the ability to engage with stakeholders at all levels. Delivering value while translating technical jargon into easily digestible language. Building a personal brand and visibility on platforms used by businesses and recruiters is key. Lastly, maintaining a relentless thirst for knowledge. Exceptional freelancers know the importance of staying on the edge of their respective industries. Given the pace at which the security field evolves, keeping your skills up-to-date, along with staying informed on emerging trends, regulations, and opportunities, is vital.

Also make sure to get some important certifications. It can help you to build a trust with your customer. Some example: CISM, CISSP, MCSE, etc.

Technical skills are very important but you also need to be able to speak to the impact too. This is where the soft skills start to shine, as the executives aren't going to be as technical. Breaking these concepts down, and being able to communicate risk/impact is where the value is for them. Also making sure you understand your audience too so that you are better able to frame these conversations.

Technical Skills: Master penetration testing, security auditing, encryption, and firewall management. Familiarize yourself with cloud security and basic programming, often Python, for automation tasks. Industry Knowledge: Stay current on regulatory frameworks like GDPR and HIPAA, understand the evolving threat landscape, and adopt industry best practices in cybersecurity. Soft Skills: Communication skills are essential to explain complex issues to clients. Problem-solving abilities help you think like an attacker to identify vulnerabilities. Client management skills are crucial for long-term success.

Think like a Manager. Don't go into the nitty-gritty at the start. Be a good listener, try to see the big picture and then only suggest/recommend. Moreover, there is no harm in saying 'I will get back to you', so don't convey false information or promise anything which you can't do. Remember there is no 100% security.

Having served as a CTO & CISO for numerous companies, I can state the the ability to turn technical jargon into business friendly explanations is a foundational skill that many still have not yet mastered.

In my days as a sole practioner consultant, I often struggled to find the time to both do the work, and to be out there selling the next thing. This is a business skill which is essential to develop to be a successful independent consultant.

You need a strong foundation in cybersecurity, expertise in areas such as network security, penetration testing, and risk assessment. Excellent communication skills, business acumen, and the ability to stay updated on evolving threats are crucial for success in this dynamic field. Building a robust professional network and continuously expanding your knowledge will also contribute to a successful freelance career in security consulting.

That’s very important, as the service provided should add value to the business. The consultant should be able to connect the dots.

Be a good listener, and try to link the client's problem with the business use cases. We the technical guys usually can't grab the business essence of the problem which results in losing the client overall. Think like a manager.

First of all listen to your customer. This is the beginning of a successful communication. After that ask proper questions to make sure you really understand the root cause of the problem.

Enhance your communication skills by practicing active listening, refining your ability to explain complex concepts in simple terms, and seeking opportunities to present findings and recommendations persuasively. Additionally, consider workshops or courses focused on professional communication to further develop your proficiency in written and verbal interactions within diverse business settings.

Training your soft skills, connecting with different audiences, crafting presentations, and building rapport is critical to achieving your objectives. Stakeholders want to understand how this impacts the company's objectives in their terms - usually risk, availability, trust from customers, and money, to name a few.

Don't fake promise anything. Only commit to what you can deliver with the proper ETR/SLA. Think like a Manager. Don't go into the nitty-gritty at the start. Be a good listener, try to see the big picture and then only There is no harm in saying 'I will get back to you',

Effective communication is indispensable for a freelance security consultant. Articulating complex concepts clearly to diverse stakeholders, writing concise reports, and presenting findings persuasively are essential skills. The ability to adapt communication style to different audiences and situations, while actively listening and providing constructive feedback, fosters successful collaborations. In my view, this multifaceted communication skill set is pivotal for building trust, conveying security issues, and ensuring overall project success.

Critical and creative thinking are essential for a freelance security consultant, demanding strong analytical skills. The ability to research, collect, and analyze data from diverse sources, including logs, reports, tools, and online resources, is pivotal. Identifying patterns, trends, and anomalies enables drawing logical conclusions and making informed decisions. Anticipating and preventing security threats, coupled with a swift and effective response to emerging incidents, underscores the need for proactive analytical capabilities. In my opinion, this blend of critical thinking and analytical prowess equips a security consultant to navigate the dynamic landscape of cybersecurity with foresight and agility.

Think like a Manager. Don't go into the nitty-gritty at the start. Be a good listener, try to see the big picture and then only suggest/recommend. Moreover, there is no harm in saying 'I will get back to you', so don't convey false information or promise anything which you can't do. Remember there is no 100% security.

Try to not assume too much, before you get relevant input or verify your assumptions. In some cases, the business might be creating cybersecurity risks because they are not aware of alternatives or because the current alternative is simply impractical and too invasive or time-consuming.

To facilitate learning as part of your day-to-day, plan for the following activities: -Security conferences & events to visit and exchange ideas and knowledge and build your network of security people -Security courses to take to sharpen your specialty area or to broaden your knowledge areas -Certifications that are recognized in your expertise area -Lab projects that lets you explore and learn security concepts

Learning is a continuous cycle. Some tips for being up-to-date are: - subscribe to some infosec/cybersecurity magazines, newsletter - subscribe to some YouTube channels related to your sub-category in security, so that you may get new videos of related trends - keep learning from learning platforms like INE, Udemy, or others.

In addition, understand the human side of your clients. Knowing their holidays, important dates, and other details helps strengthen and build a relationship and build trust - which ultimately must go both ways in a consultancy.

Practise explaining complex topics in a simplified, abstracted way without removing essential elements Think of ways of making cybersecurity an engaging topic when you present or explain things; don't assume everyone has the same level of interest as you Be diplomatic; always look for a compromise when it comes to solutions that address cybersecurity risks, don't order or boss people around as an authoritarian figure Be mindful of how other people perceive your words & actions; ask for feedback and strive to always be the better person

This one is fairly simple; 1) Know how to sell. 2) Understand how to turn complex topics into simple ones. 3) Ability to speak to tech resources as well as CxO/Board Members

Make sure you are supporting your customer to achieve their target. Never try to just make money! Instead of that , Build your legacy!

Credibility is key. 1) Just because your LinkedIn/Website lists your title as a CISO does not make you one. If you have not held that post for a material amount of time - don't mislead your potential customers/partners. 2) A cert does not make you an expert, experience does...focus on that. 3) Running a blog and/or commenting on LI posts does not make you a cybersecurity expert...research expert perhaps...

In my view, feedback and continuous improvement are absolutely essential for success as a freelance cybersecurity consultant. Establish a feedback loop with clients and peers, fostering open communication that provides valuable insights. Embrace constructive criticism and be adaptable in implementing improvements. Recognize areas where your skills can grow and actively seek relevant training. Keep the client at the center, tailoring your services based on their feedback to consistently exceed expectations. Streamline processes to boost efficiency, maintain high-quality standards, and leverage feedback for market insights. Remember, the journey of improvement is ongoing, ensuring long-term growth and relevance in the competitive landscape.