The surge in cybercrime is driving an unprecedented demand for cybersecurity consultants. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a nearly 30% growth in information security analyst roles through 2034. Over 15 million cybercrime incidents occurred globally in 2024, according to Statista.

Cyberattacks now cost more than $10 trillion annually in damages, the report notes. Common threats include phishing, spoofing, extortion, and data breaches. In a striking example, disabled breathalyzer devices left hundreds of U.S. drivers stranded, as detailed by IEEE Spectrum.

To help meet this need, the IEEE Computer Society has released a guide titled “What Makes a Great Cybersecurity Consultant.” The 23-page PDF outlines essential skills, certifications, and key conferences. It features advice from experts John D. Johnson, an IEEE senior member and CEO of Aligned Security, and Ricardo J. Rodriguez, an associate professor at Universidad de Zaragoza.

“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.”

Background

Cybersecurity consultants protect organizations from digital threats. Their role has become critical as remote work expands and attackers exploit new vulnerabilities. The IEEE guide was created to bridge the skills gap in this rapidly growing field.

The guide emphasizes both hard and soft skills. Hard skills include IT fundamentals: operating systems, communication protocols, network architecture, and programming languages like C++, Java, and Python. Security auditing, firewall management, penetration testing, and encryption technologies are also listed.

“To be able to defend a system well, you first have to know how to attack it,” Rodriguez explains. Ethical hacking and coding knowledge are considered essential.

Soft skills—such as problem-solving, communication, and adaptability—are equally valued. The guide notes that consultants must explain complex risks to non-technical stakeholders.

Technologies Shaping the Field

New tools are helping consultants monitor threats and automate responses. Security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR) platforms streamline incident response and collect security data. Rodriguez highlights advances in domain name system security extensions (DNSSEC), which use digital signatures to prevent DNS spoofing.

Emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and quantum computing will further transform cybersecurity. The guide recommends staying current through IEEE conferences and certifications.

What This Means

The cybersecurity consultant role offers high job security and lucrative opportunities. With demand far outstripping supply, candidates who acquire the right skills can quickly distinguish themselves. Certifications such as CISSP, CISM, or CEH are recommended.

For businesses, the shortage means higher costs and greater risk. Investing in cybersecurity consulting is no longer optional—it’s essential. The IEEE guide serves as a roadmap for both aspiring consultants and organizations seeking to fortify their defenses.

Learn more about the field’s background or understand the implications for your career or company.