Cybersecurity Consulting

Cybersecurity consultants help businesses protect against cyber threats through security assessments, vulnerability testing, policy development, compliance guidance (HIPAA, PCI-DSS, SOC 2), security training, and incident response.

Growing cyber attacks and regulations drive demand.

Services include risk assessments, penetration testing, security audits, compliance consulting, security awareness training, and virtual CISO (fractional security leadership).

Success requires deep security knowledge, ethical hacking skills, understanding business risk, and communication abilities.

Certifications like CISSP, CEH, or CISM increase credibility and rates.

Pricing ranges from $3,000-15,000 for assessments to $5,000-20,000 monthly for vCISO retainers or $150-400 hourly for consulting.

Startup costs include certifications ($3,000-8,000), security tools and subscriptions, insurance, and marketing totaling $10,000-25,000.

Target markets include healthcare (HIPAA requirements), financial services, professional services, and growing businesses.

Building practice requires demonstrating expertise through content, speaking at industry events, partnering with MSPs and IT consultants, and leveraging security incidents in news.

Revenue comes from assessments, penetration tests, compliance projects, retainers, and training.

Operating costs include tool subscriptions, continuing education, cyber insurance, and certifications.

Challenges include evolving threat landscape requiring constant learning, proving ROI for prevention, and communicating technical risks to business leaders.

Success requires staying current on threats and solutions, balancing security and business usability, clear communication, and demonstrating risk reduction value.