Cybersecurity consultants have the important job of drawing attention to security vulnerabilities within businesses. Demand for these cybersecurity professionals has grown steadily over the last few years. Research indicates that the market size of the IT Security Consulting industry in the US has grown 3.6% per year on average between 2016 and 2021.

Whether you are already looking to hire a cybersecurity expert or you think your business is too small to work with one, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Read on to learn about the most important things you need to know before you hire a cybersecurity consultant.

Cybersecurity Consultants Aren’t Just for Big Companies

There is a common misconception that only large companies have the need for cybersecurity consultants. However, this is not necessarily the case when we consider the frequency of cybersecurity attacks for SMBs (small and medium-sized businesses) and their IT resources.

When it comes to ransomware attacks, for example, research shows that 55% of total enterprise attacks took place on companies with less than 100 employees, and 75% of attacks occurred on companies with less than $50 million in revenue. In addition, many SMBs lack adequate IT resources to keep their cybersecurity up to date. Working with a cybersecurity consultant gives SMBs the ability to fully manage cybersecurity risks so that they can protect their most important business data.

Look for Comprehensive Security Advisory Services

If you are looking to hire a cybersecurity consultant, their main job is to perform a thorough assessment of your business’s IT security. Therefore, you need to partner with someone who offers a wide range of security advisory services.

At the bare minimum, your consultant should offer both network and wireless security assessments. These are important to ensure you are protected for both internal and external access points. Additional services that are useful for your business include a cybersecurity gap assessment and a vulnerability assessment.

Consider a Partner With Multiple Cybersecurity Staff

In some cases, SMBs may choose to partner with a single-person cybersecurity consultant. SMBs may be attracted to working with one consultant based on pricing and simplicity. While it may sound easier to work on cybersecurity solutions with one person, it also has some disadvantages.

First, working with only one cybersecurity consultant may be challenging because they could be managing multiple clients – not just working with you. In addition, working with one person may slow down getting your security assessment results. Another disadvantage is that one person is unlikely to have as much knowledge as a team of security experts.

This information can help you narrow down who will make the best cybersecurity partner for your IT security consulting needs. Be sure to take these points into consideration when shopping for a cybersecurity consultant.

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