Becoming a Trusted Expert: What Does a Business Cybersecurity Consultant Do?

Cybercriminals target businesses of all sizes. Large businesses represent high-value targets; as stewards of massive customer databases, they offer hackers a treasure trove of potential illicit revenue streams. Smaller businesses, which often cannot afford robust cybersecurity measures, tend to deliver smaller returns but are more vulnerable to attacks. Regardless of size, businesses must remain constantly vigilant against phishing attacks, ransomware, malware, denial-of-service attacks, and database corruption.

This is where business cybersecurity consultants play a vital role. These professionals bridge the gap dividing technology, compliance, and strategy, helping companies navigate an increasingly complex digital landscape. With thousands of new cyber attacks reported to the FBI each day, businesses can no longer afford a reactive approach. They need proactive solutions. Consultants can deliver them.

This article explores the work of business cybersecurity consultants, the value they bring to organizations, the skills needed to thrive in this career, and how earning a master’s degree in business cybersecurity can position professionals for success in this high-demand industry.

What Is a Business Cybersecurity Consultant?

Business cybersecurity consultants assist organizations in refining their security strategies to effectively manage risk and comply with industry-specific regulations. They often work with sectors that aren’t primarily technology-driven—such as healthcare, finance, or manufacturing—to evaluate existing security protocols and uncover potential vulnerabilities. Consultants then develop customized plans that reflect each organization’s particular operational needs and compliance obligations.

Beyond technical solutions, consultants assist businesses in developing robust security policies, training employees on best practices, and implementing incident response plans to handle potential breaches. They ensure that all aspects of security—technology, processes, and people—work together effectively. By advising leadership on emerging threats and recommending proactive measures, consultants enable companies to reduce risks and stay ahead of cyber challenges.

Top Responsibilities of Business Cybersecurity Consultants

Business cybersecurity consultants help organizations protect their operations and assets in an increasingly digital world. They use analytical expertise and strategic thinking to develop solutions aligned with technical and business needs. Their top responsibilities include:

• Identifying vulnerabilities and mapping risk: Business cybersecurity consultants review an organization’s network, systems, and processes to find weaknesses. They then create risk maps to help businesses focus their security efforts on the biggest threats.
• Aligning cybersecurity with business goals: Business cybersecurity consultants design custom strategies that align with a company’s objectives to ensure that cybersecurity investments protect the business and support its long-term growth and success.
• Supporting compliance and regulatory requirements: With constantly evolving cybersecurity laws and regulations, consultants help businesses navigate requirements such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS to stay compliant and avoid costly fines.
• Leading or advising on cybersecurity projects: Whether upgrading security systems or implementing multi-factor authentication, business cybersecurity consultants lead or advise businesses on critical projects that enhance their overall cybersecurity.
• Communicating threats and recommendations clearly to stakeholders: A significant part of a consultant’s role is explaining complex cybersecurity risks in simple terms to non-technical individuals, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions about security investments and company priorities.

Career Paths and Job Titles To Know

As businesses increasingly prioritize cybersecurity, cybersecurity professionals can pursue a range of career options across industries. Whether starting in a hands-on entry-level position or advancing to a more strategic senior-level role, cybersecurity consultants find opportunities for career growth at every level.

Early-Career Roles

• Risk analysts help identify and assess risks associated with the business’s information systems and recommend solutions to mitigate those risks. The position provides excellent training in understanding risk management in the context of business security.
• Compliance analysts ensure that an organization’s cybersecurity practices align with industry regulations. They play a vital role in helping businesses protect sensitive data and avoid compliance pitfalls.
• Cybersecurity analysts monitor networks for potential threats, assess vulnerabilities, and implement security measures to protect systems. This role enables professionals to gain hands-on experience with security tools and procedures.
• Business cybersecurity analysts protect an organization’s information and systems from cyber threats. They bridge the technical and business aspects of cybersecurity, assess security risks, and develop solutions that align with organizational goals.

Mid-Senior Roles

• Cybersecurity consultants work on client projects to assess cybersecurity risks, recommend solutions, and assist in implementing strategies to safeguard digital assets.
• Information security advisors help companies strengthen their security posture by identifying vulnerabilities and recommending effective strategies; they also assist organizations in developing robust policies tailored to their specific needs.
• Governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) consultants assist organizations in implementing effective governance frameworks and ensuring compliance with relevant security regulations and risk management practices.

Job Outlook and Demand in 2025 and Beyond

Organizations face a significant shortage of cybersecurity professionals; over half struggle to recruit qualified candidates. With more than 750,000 unfilled cybersecurity positions in the U.S. and a global shortage of 4 million, the demand for experts has never been greater. This skills gap comes at a steep cost—almost 90% of organizations experienced a breach in 2023 that they attribute, in part, to a lack of cyber expertise. 

Cybersecurity professionals who understand risk, business systems, and leadership are especially needed to protect organizations while aligning security practices with broader business objectives. Those who balance technical skills with business insight are essential in guiding organizations through the evolving threat landscape.

Skills That Set You Apart in This Field

To thrive as a business cybersecurity consultant, professionals must strike a balance between technical expertise and business acumen. Employers today seek consultants who can effectively analyze risk, communicate clearly with leadership, and support both compliance and business strategy. Key skills that set top consultants apart in this high-demand field include:

1. Strong analytical and risk management skills: Consultants assess vulnerabilities, prioritize risks, and align technical challenges with business priorities to ensure that security strategies effectively support organizational goals.
2. Knowledge of programming languages and security tools: Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and C++, combined with expertise in security tools, enables consultants to identify vulnerabilities and implement solutions that address security concerns while supporting business needs.
3. Business strategy alignment and cybersecurity governance: Consultants align cybersecurity strategies with business goals to ensure security efforts support operational success. They then communicate these strategies to leadership for informed decision-making.
4. Expertise in cyber laws, regulations, and compliance: Consultants help businesses understand complex regulations, ensure compliance, and guide leadership in managing risks while minimizing disruptions.
5. Network security and systems integration: Consultants protect an organization’s infrastructure by adding security measures to business systems, ensuring both security and productivity.
6. Incident response and crisis management: Consultants develop plans that balance technical containment and business continuity. They also lead crisis management efforts to minimize disruptions and ensure businesses continue to operate smoothly during incidents.

Why Earn a Master’s in Business Cybersecurity?

As cybersecurity threats become increasingly complex, companies require professionals who cannot only react to attacks but also develop proactive security strategies that align with their business goals. 

A master’s degree in business cybersecurity—such as the University of Tennessee (UT), Knoxville’s online Master of Science in Business Cybersecurity (MSBC)—prepares professionals with the technical skills, strategic mindset, and leadership experience necessary to navigate today’s evolving cyber landscape. Graduates emerge prepared to lead, advise, and protect organizations by striking a balance between risk management, regulatory compliance, and business growth.

UT’s online MSBC caters to working professionals looking to advance their careers. It offers:

• A well-rounded curriculum that blends technical and strategic training, covering topics such as cybersecurity fundamentals, risk management, governance and ethics, network security, and security architecture 
• Faculty with industry expertise that provides students with real-world insights from cybersecurity professionals and business leaders
• Flexible, part-time study options that allow students to earn their degrees while balancing work and life commitments

Conclusion: Step Into a Trusted Role That Businesses Need

The cybersecurity landscape is poised to become increasingly perilous as generative AI enables hackers to identify vulnerabilities more quickly and automate cyberattacks. Fortunately, the technology also holds promise for creating new cyber defenses. One thing is certain: cybersecurity is poised to become increasingly complex, necessitating professionals with sophisticated expertise.

UT’s online MSBC can help you gain the expertise, confidence, and credentials needed to excel as a business cybersecurity consultant. Ready to take the next step? Explore the program and schedule an application walkthrough today.