A Day in the Life of a Cybersecurity Consultant in the UK By Ashrin Haque

As a cybersecurity consultant based in the UK, my role combines technical expertise, strategic thinking, and client engagement. Each day presents new challenges, from assessing vulnerabilities in enterprise networks to advising on compliance with regulations such as the GDPR and the NIS2 Directive.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this role is helping organisations understand that cybersecurity is not just a technical issue but a business imperative. Whether it's conducting penetration tests, designing incident response plans, or delivering awareness training, the goal is always the same: to reduce risk and build resilience.

The UK cybersecurity landscape is dynamic. With increasing threats from ransomware groups and nation-state actors, companies are investing more in proactive defence strategies. As consultants, we must stay ahead of the curve, keeping up with threat intelligence, emerging technologies, and evolving regulatory frameworks.

What sets a good consultant apart is not just technical skill, but the ability to communicate complex risks in a way that stakeholders can act on. It's about translating cybersecurity into business language.

Interview Tips for Cybersecurity Consultant Roles

If you're preparing for a cybersecurity consultant interview, here are some practical tips to help you succeed:

1. Understand the Role

• Be clear on whether the position is more technical (e.g., penetration testing, threat hunting) or advisory (e.g., risk assessments, compliance).
• Familiarise yourself with the company’s client base and typical engagements.

2. Demonstrate Technical Competence

• Be ready to discuss tools and methodologies you’ve used (e.g., Nessus, Burp Suite, MITRE ATT&CK).
• Expect scenario-based questions, such as how you would respond to a ransomware attack or secure a cloud environment.

3. Show Business Awareness

• Highlight your ability to align cybersecurity with business objectives.
• Discuss how you’ve helped clients meet regulatory requirements or improve their security posture.

4. Communicate Clearly

• Practice explaining technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Consultants often work with executives, so clarity and professionalism are key.

5. Prepare for Behavioural Questions

• Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure responses.
• Examples might include handling a difficult client or managing a project under tight deadlines.

6. Ask Insightful Questions

• Show genuine interest in the company’s approach to cybersecurity.
• Ask about team structure, typical client challenges, and opportunities for professional development.

Certifications That Add Value

Certifications are often used to validate your expertise and can significantly strengthen your profile during interviews. Here are some of the most respected certifications for cybersecurity consultants in the UK:

General & Strategic Certifications

• CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) – Ideal for consultants involved in governance, risk, and compliance.
• CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) – Focuses on managing and designing enterprise security programs.
• CRISC (Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control) – Valuable for consultants working in risk management and control environments.

Technical Certifications

• CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) – Recognised for penetration testing and ethical hacking roles.
• OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) – Highly respected for hands-on offensive security skills.
• CompTIA Security+ – A good foundational certification for those entering the field.

Cloud & Compliance Certifications

• CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional) – Useful for consultants working with cloud security architecture.
• ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Implementer/Auditor – Important for consultants involved in compliance and audit work.
• GDPR Practitioner Certificate – Relevant for consultants advising on data protection and privacy.