Has your home been recently burglarized? Or has a violent incident occurred at your workplace? You may want to consider hiring a security consultant in order to prevent future issues from arising.
What Does a Security Consultant Do?
An experienced team of consultants will be able to help you identify and assess your specific security vulnerabilities. They are ultimately responsible for determining the best course of action to prevent future issues from developing. Whether you are looking for software to protect your computer systems from cyberattacks or trying to better protect your home from burglars, security consultants will find the solution that best fits your individual needs.
Where Do Security Consultants Work?
A security consultant can work in a variety of industries, ranging from asset protection to cybersecurity. For the most part, their work can be categorized into two sectors: physical security solutions and IT security solutions.
Physical Security
Security consultants on the physical front often work with homeowners or businesses to develop effective measures to protect infrastructure or inventory. They provide a host of services such as site assessments and penetration testing, in addition to optimizing facility signage, labeling, and wayfinding.
Site Assessments
The security consultant will evaluate corporate, educational, private, or entertainment institutions for security vulnerabilities.They will provide home and business owners, educators, and executives with valuable guidance regarding the best practices to prevent future theft.
Penetration Testing
The security consultant will evaluate the physical security features in use at institutions and private residences to reveal any weaknesses or vulnerabilities. They can help individuals and companies optimize their cameras, alarms, and gates in order to prevent unauthorized access.
Improving Facility Signage
The security consultant will evaluate the facility’s use of signage to address ineffective labeling and wayfinding. They can improve items like exit and arrow signs to effectively route visitors and decrease first responder response times and confusion.
IT Security
Security consultants on the IT front often work with companies to protect their technology and infrastructure. From installing protective software to assessing databases and computer systems, IT security consultants work to prevent hackers from exploiting network vulnerabilities.
With that in mind, many technical skills are needed to become an IT consultant. Experience with firewalls, proxies, and VPNs are essential to the job. Coding and computer skills are especially relevant in today’s security climate, where cyberterrorism and data breaches are more common than ever. Clearly, the job of a security consultant is extremely important; that is why choosing the right firm for your needs requires careful consideration.
What to Look For in A Security Consultant
When searching for a security consultant, it is important to ensure that they have a sturdy foundation of skills, education, and experience. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that most security consultants require at least a bachelor’s degree to enter the field. With that said, confirm your potential consultant’s credentials before signing any contracts.
If you’re looking for a physical security consultant, they should have a business degree or related workplace experience. However, if an IT security consultant is what you’re after, then they should have a criminal justice or IT degree. Many security consultants also hold certifications in a wide range of relevant skills. Certifications in loss prevention, safety, and logistics can make a difference when choosing which consultant is better equipped to serve you or your business.
Having mentorship experience from a senior security consultant is also a plus.
If they have extended experience in the field, a mentor will prove to be invaluable in the search for security solutions.
The Right Security Consultant for You
If you are looking to hire a security consultant in an effort to prevent future risks, South & Associates would be a wise choice. Our experienced team of consultants is eager to find the solutions for your business and personal security needs. Contact us today to get started.