Security Consultant Courses

 

Security Consultant Courses

In many organisations a Security Consultant will be responsible for providing their consulting skills towards the analysis of potential and existing cyber threats, providing guidance on the implementation of security solutions to prevent breaches in future. Much of their knowledge will have been learnt during specialist security consultant courses. The skills they have will enable them to analyse the IT and cyber security infrastructure of their organisation.

Security Consultants may have a role in training more junior members of the organisations IT Security staff and other employees. As part of their consultancy role they will recommend changes improving both the organisations Information and Data security. Procedures and documentation relating to IT Security may need creating by them to aid in training staff.

A consultant will likely have learnt many of their existing skills on the job. However, as IT software and hardware are always fast evolving, they will also need to keep their knowledge of the field up to date.

Training in new trends within IT Security is often best achieved in a more formal setting; this enables the pupil to learn alongside peers comparing experience (and notes perhaps) as they go.

Practical skills will include up to date knowledge of IT Security, Network Security, Cloud and the various emergent new technologies in areas such as AI (Artificial Intelligence) and the Internet of Things (IoT).

A Security Consultant performs a senior role so will likely already have a university degree in fields such as Computer Science, Cyber Security or any Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) specialism.

The role necessitates deep knowledge of IT Security Architecture encompassing Network Management and Architecture, Virtual Private Network (VPN), Local Area Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN). Keeping up to date with all the latest developments means that Security Consultants will be expected to participate in various applicable courses.

 

Training to become a Security Consultant

For IT Security Consultants to keep their skills up to date there are many courses to choose from. These types of specialist course are likely still necessary in addition to any previous Bachelor of Science (BSc) or postgraduate PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) cyber security related education.

To keep on top of cyber security and all of its newly emerging threats, cutting edge knowledge are vital to their effectiveness on the job and ultimately, their career success!

 

Security Consultant Courses

Many different courses are available to give new skills to those involved in IT Security consulting. This guide will take you through some of the most popular courses.

Skills related to the management of networks including Virtual Private Network (VPN), Local Area Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN) will often be pivotal to the job role. Further knowledge of hacking, data encryption, Blockchain, AI, IoT and other Smart City related fields could also be necessary, depending on the roles envisaged by the individual.

 

Specific Security Consultant Courses

CompTIA

The well-regarded CompTIA is a not for profit Information Technology (IT) Association. Its overall objective is to enable IT professionals and IT Channel organisations to obtain professionally recognised qualifications within the IT Security sector. This organisation provides a varied mix of certification modules suitable for a wide variety of students. For Security Consultants that want to brush up their skills with up to date knowledge, they offer very useful courses.

Modules of interest to Security Consultants are as follows:

CompTIA Network+

This module offers vendor neutral networking skills relating to the design, configuration, management and troubleshooting of many networks.

CompTIA Security+

All the education necessary for the widely recognised SYO-401 exam

CompTIA Linux+

Providing the foundation skills necessary for Linux system administration covering configuration, management and troubleshooting of Linux systems.

CompTIA Server+

This module covers planning, securing and maintaining a variety of different server and storage equipment.

CompTIA Cloud+

The Cloud is a fast-evolving new way of working; this module means you can learn new skills relating to both the maintenance and optimisation of many cloud-based services. The skills necessary for the CVO-002 examination are all covered.

The general skills that a Security Consultant may need:

1) Planning – Deep understanding of an organisations IT, technology and Information Systems.

Consultants will need up to date understanding of security standards, various different authentication protocols and security systems. Their detailed knowledge will inform future decision-making driving new IT security solutions.

2) Security Design – Detailed design of security infrastructure.

Detailed design of IT Security infrastructure solutions, informed by knowledge gained in initial scoping and planning. Vulnerability testing and associated analysis skills are often useful for those working in security consultancy. Research into current IT Security best practice, perhaps learnt by attending security consultant focused courses, including all the latest hardware and software solutions. They will create network designs for WAN (Wide Area Networks), LAN (Local Area Networks) and VPN (Virtual Private Networks). Implementing Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), using Certification Authorities (CA), incorporating Digital Signatures when appropriate.

3) Security Implementation – Installation of new security solutions incorporating firewalls, routers, servers, software and networks.

Up to date skill in all these areas will be necessary for effective consultancy. Specific vendor based training courses may help security consultants in their work here.

4) IT Security Management and Maintenance – Technical documentation and Training

Future on-going maintenance and management of IT Security solutions needs to be planned for. IT Security Consultants will normally be expected to provide technical documentation and early technical support to the IT Security team. Corporate security policies and procedures may need developing, together with education regarding any new procedures implemented as a result of their consulting work.

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