ICT security consultant
Also known as: IT security expert, ICT security advisor, information communications technology security consultant, ICT security consultants, IT security advisor, IT security consultant
About this occupation
ICT security consultants advise and implement solutions to control access to data and programs. They promote a safe exchange of information.
Essential skills and knowledge
- manage IT security compliances
- information security strategy
- manage disaster recovery plans
- identify ICT system weaknesses
- organisational resilience
- implement ICT risk management
- verify formal ICT specifications
- develop information security strategy
- analyse ICT system
- keep task records
- perform risk analysis
- educate on data confidentiality
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Information Security Analysts (O*NET 15-1212.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Develop plans to safeguard computer files against accidental or unauthorized modification, destruction, or disclosure and to meet emergency data processing needs.
- Monitor current reports of computer viruses to determine when to update virus protection systems.
- Encrypt data transmissions and erect firewalls to conceal confidential information as it is being transmitted and to keep out tainted digital transfers.
- Perform risk assessments and execute tests of data processing system to ensure functioning of data processing activities and security measures.
- Modify computer security files to incorporate new software, correct errors, or change individual access status.
- Review violations of computer security procedures and discuss procedures with violators to ensure violations are not repeated.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Conventional, Investigative, Realistic
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Active Listening, Complex Problem Solving, Speaking, Writing
US median pay: US$129,180 a year (2025), 190,650 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (4.3)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.3)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (3.7)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyImportant (3.0)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Information Security Engineers
- Penetration Testers
- Digital Forensics Analysts
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators
- Computer Systems Analysts
- Computer Network Support Specialists
- Database Administrators
- Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
- Computer Network Architects
- Blockchain Engineers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.