When hiring a cybersecurity consultant, you should consider various factors that impact your organization's/business's sensitive information. It is also important to understand the scope of the cyber security consulting services. The consultant should be able to assess various risks, develop policies, perform incident response planning, and conduct an external vulnerability scan, to name a few aspects of your security needs.
Moreover, it is ideal if they have a good track record of assisting businesses like yours with their services. Cybersecurity threats can vary with industries, and the complexities faced by a banking organization can be different from those faced by an aviation company.
What does a Cyber Security Consultant do?
The role of a cybersecurity consultant is not restricted to dodging threats businesses may face. It also involves monitoring and improving ever-evolving cybersecurity programs.
Therefore, it becomes increasingly important to make a precise choice amongst the top information security consulting services so that they best suit your business's needs.
Why you shouldn't ignore their services?
- Many businesses aren't well equipped to tackle the complex cybersecurity problems and risk violating certain norms (GDPR, HIPAA, etc)
- DIY services are more vulnerable to threats like Phishing, Data Breaches, Supply Chain Threats, and Ransomware attacks.
- You won't miss out on key services that they provide, like Penetration testing, Security Assessments, External Vulnerability Scanning, Compliance and Regulatory Guidance, and Continuous monitoring.
Brief Guide to the Services They Provide
- Security Audits- Plugging in gaps and holes that exist in your current security systems
- Penetration testing (Ethical hacking)- Simulated attacks on your system to test it's defensive capabilities.
- Compliance and Regulatory Parameters- Regulatory guidance and compliance like HIPAA, PCI-DSS, GDPR, ISO 27001
- Designing Security Structure- Check existing security infrastructure and redesign it if needed, ex-, firewalls, encryption, network segmentation, etc.
- Incident Response Planning (IRP)- Developing IRPs for better cyber-attack preparedness.
- External Vulnerability Scanning- Scanning your network area for external attacks. Includes outdated software, open ports, and misconfigured firewalls.
Now that you are familiar with the services Cybersecurity experts provide, choosing the best of the lot that resonates with your requirements is an absolute must.
What should you know and ask before hiring a consultant?
Hiring an incompatible Security compliance consulting service may widen the existing security gaps. So, choosing someone well qualified, relevant to your business, and able to communicate threats efficiently is ideal. Further, you can look for the following points in whom u want to hire :
Do they understand your industry and the cyber risks associated with it?
Learn whether they have prior experience with your industry and know the potential risks associated with it (e.g., SaaS, Finance, Healthcare)
Do they serve startups and large firms and understand your financial and technical requirements?
Relevance- Every sector and industry has its own threat models and compliances to deal with it.
Are they up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity threats?
Cyber threats evolve daily, as does Cybersecurity, so being outdated with old processes and methods to manage such threats won't help.
So, ask them whether they attend conferences, subscribe to the latest newsletters, or even contribute to research related to Cybersecurity.
Relevance—If they can't explain the latest threats, such as AI-powered phishing, that's a potential red flag.
Do they have credible certifications?
Certain industries recognize specific certifications that consultants must hold to prove their trustworthiness in that sector. These may include-
CISM (Certified Information Security Manager)
CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)
OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional)
CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
Relevance- A professional without relevant experience and certifications might be unable to detect potential threats, putting your compliance at risk.
Can they provide sample deliverables and references?
Approach them for sample reports and client testimonials to check what people say about their work.
Relevance- These provide insights regarding a consultant's communication style, technical knowledge, and client retention.
Do they follow a set framework or methodology?
Ask them if they follow pre-established frameworks or guidelines like-
NIST Cybersecurity Framework
ISO/IEC 27001
OWASP Top 10 (for app security)
Relevance- A cybersecurity advisory service may skip some crucial steps if they don't follow a set methodology.
Avoiding Common Mistakes when Hiring a Cybersecurity Consultant
1 Price-specific choice—While choosing a consultant at a low price may be tempting for small businesses, it can very well lead to underqualified services and consultants.
2 Undefined Objectives—Many companies select their consultants without set objectives, which may lead to resource waste if not directed in the right direction.
3 Avoiding Post-Engagement Support—Many CyberSecurity Consultants provide a report and walk away, leaving out the key phase of implementation. Security is a continuous process, and without post-engagement support, critical findings may remain unsolved. What should you know and ask before hiring a consultant?
Conclusion: Make an Informed Choice
By now, you must have understood why external vulnerability scanning, Security Audits, Protection from Phishing and ransomware attacks, and Incident Response Planning are non-negotiable.
Avoiding common mistakes, such as choosing less expensive consultants or ignoring post-engagement support, can make a big difference between a secured infrastructure and a costly breach.
So, if you're looking for the best security risk consulting service for your business, ask the right question without compromising its Cybersecurity.
Because the threat is real.
