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Career Paper: Security Consultant

Abstract

In this paper, we will discuss the complexities of the cybersecurity career of security consultant and its interdependence on social science. With details on the career and its tasks, we will gain further insight into some of the foundational concepts of science that are included. There are many different relationships that relate back into this career, whether it be big or small. We can see how varying social concepts can be integrated with any cyber field. 

Keywords: social science, consultant, interdisciplinary, cybersecurity

Overview

A Security consultant’s main focus is advising organizations/groups on cybersecurity strategies, risk management, and that frameworks that each follow the rules and standards of the cyber world. This career is deeply interdependent on social science concepts, as it involves understanding human behavior, diverse dynamics, standardized frameworks, and ethical concerns/compliances. Consultants must grasp human behavior to assess risks like social engineering attacks, drawing on psychology, sociology, and behavioral economics. 

Being able to navigate organizational culture and communication dynamics allows groups to implement security measures aligned with their tailored values and objectives.. More so, consultants ensure compliance with regulations, benefiting from an understanding of legal systems and governance structures. Ethical considerations are crucial, prompting consultants to apply theories and principles related to cybersecurity practices. Effective stakeholder engagement demands an understanding of diverse perspectives, risk perceptions, and ethical values within organizations and groups (Kitsios et al., 2022). By integrating social science insights, security consultants can offer holistic guidance, mitigating risks and fostering cybersecurity resilience in complex socio-technical environments.

Class Concepts

Security consultants are increasingly “becoming an integral, necessary discipline within the security industry” (Sennewald, 2012). When we tie this discipline into outside concepts (from our course and other resources), we can see the inclusions of social theories. Security consulting in the cyber realm encompasses a broad range of activities aimed at safeguarding digital assets, systems, and information from threats. From our class concepts, we focus on cyber criminology, deviance, the NIST, and economics. 

Cyber criminology Within the scope of consulting, criminology concepts can be used to further identify the motivators and patterns of criminals. With the inclusion of criminology, consultants can predict and anticipate threats and vulnerabilities, leading to an increase of protection. Taking precaution and identifying the motives of cyber criminals can help to determine what an organization’s weakest points are, as well as understanding why certain elements are large targets. Consultants use their knowledge on cyber criminal behavior to generate detailed evaluations and assessments. 

Deviance By deviance, we refer to the behavior that strays from the norms and standards that have been set. In this career, being able to identify and respond to acts of defiance is important for ensuring integrity and increasing safety measures. When these devices are identified, consultants can make their evaluation based upon preventing and combating against them. This ties back into the interconnection between cybersecurity and the studies of human behavior.

NIST This stands for National Institute of Standards and Technology. Cyber specialists utilize the NIST framework in order to define the limits and standards of security measures and protocols within corporations/organizations. With the use of various risk management evaluations and studies, these standards allow consultants to prioritize hot zones and weak points for their clients. Having a grasp on an organization’s framework can assist in tailored consults and reports that best benefit their clientele (Krumay et al., 2018).

Economics We can relate the science of economics to any number of disciplines. In relation to cybersecurity and the career of security consulting, considering economics can enhance the results. Any organization requires some level of cyber security and safeguard frameworks. That being said, the consideration of cost vs. the benefits, including expensive investments. It is included in a consultants job to provide analysis of an organization financing and budgeting materials. This is important as it helps in identifying constraints and limitations that may bring about risks. 

Marginalized Groups 

In this career, consultants intersect with marginalized groups in several ways. Initially, communities and organizations face threats and attacks due to factors such as socioeconomic status, discrimination, racism, etc. In this career, there are many assessments and surveys that are used to determine these factors pertaining to specific groups. There is no limit to the source of a marginalized group. On another side, By recognizing and addressing the unique challenges faced by these communities, security consultants have the opportunities to create more inclusive and secure digital environments. 

Challenges

Within this field, there are numerous constraints and challenges that may arise. Some of the most notable can be argued as: managing budgetary restrictions, addressing insider threats, incident response, and much more. Many smaller organizations do not have the financial freedom to invest in everything that is needed. More so, it can be difficult to account for encroaching insider dealings. This cannot always be foreseen or prevented. Despite any measures that are recommended and utilized, threats and attacks can still occur and make their way into secure systems. Security consultants must possess a diverse skill set, including technical expertise, regulatory knowledge, communication skills, and the ability to adapt to evolving threats and technologies.

References

Kitsios, F., Chatzidimitriou, E., & Kamariotou, M. (2022). Developing a Risk 

Analysis Strategy Framework for Impact Assessment in Information 

Security Management Systems: A Case Study in IT Consulting Industry. Sustainability, 14(3), 1269

Krumay, B., Bernroider, E. W., & Walser, R. (2018). Evaluation of cybersecurity 

management controls and metrics of critical infrastructures: A literature review considering the NIST cybersecurity framework. In Secure IT Systems: 23rd Nordic Conference, NordSec 2018, Oslo, Norway, November 28-30, 2018, Proceedings 23 (pp. 369-384). Springer International Publishing.

Sennewald, C. A. (2012). Security consulting. Butterworth-Heinemann.