A cloud security consultant, also sometimes known as a cloud security specialist, is in charge of creating and implementing cloud security strategies for an organisation. They plan and monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. What does a cloud security consultant do?
What is Cloud Security Management?
Cloud security management is directly related to the role of a cloud security consultant. The process, also called security posture, involves securing data and assets that are stored in the cloud. This is done by way of encryption, authentication, monitoring of security threats and more.
Security posture management is a framework of cloud security management and involves consultants using cloud security posture management (CSPM) tools to monitor and improve the security of cloud infrastructure.
An effective CSPM strategy includes things like:
- Automated visibility
- Alerting
- Threat detection
- Remediation of risks and more.
According to statistics, cloud environments were frequently targeted in 2023 with 39% of breaches having an average cost of $4.75 million.
This makes the role of a cloud security specialist highly valuable.
Responsibilities of a Cloud Security Consultant
Before we talk about the responsibilities of a cloud security consultant, note that sometimes, the responsibilities of a cloud security ‘consultant’ and a ‘specialist’ can differ.
A specialist typically focuses more on the technical aspects of cloud security, such as developing and implementing policies whereas a cloud security consultant typically deals more with the business side of things such as creating a plan for an organisation’s security posture.
Typically though, these two roles are interchangeable and as such, a cloud security consultant is in charge of the strategic, operational and tactical plan of cloud security. They evaluate existing infrastructure and identify potential threats and create effective cloud cybersecurity solutions for the company.
They build and implement cloud security services and controls, perform root cause analysis, and recommend process improvement opportunities by identifying risks and any relevant mitigating controls.
Cloud security specialists conduct regular audits and assessments and assist with incident response and recovery. They also manage AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) policies and ensure AWS environments comply with relevant security standards.
What are the responsibilities of a cloud security specialist?
- Create a strategic, operational and tactical plan of cloud security
- Evaluate existing infrastructure
- Identify potential threats
- Create effective cloud cybersecurity solutions
- Build and implement cloud security services and controls
- Perform root cause analysis
- Recommend process improvement opportunities by identifying risks and any relevant mitigating controls
- Conduct regular audits and assessments
- Assist with incident response and recovery
- Manage AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) policies
- Ensure AWS environments comply with relevant security standards
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Skills of a Cloud Security Consultant
A cloud security consultant has intensive knowledge of cloud security solutions and experience with developing these solutions on platforms such as AWS and Azure.
These professionals also have working knowledge of cloud security standards such as NIST, CIS, and NCSC, and have experience working with platforms like Forticloud, Prisma Cloud, and more.
Cloud security specialists have the ability to come up with and document design and implementation approaches for secure cloud architectures and have a good understanding of identity concepts like SAML, JWT, Oauth etc.
In terms of soft skills, they have strong communication skills and have a knack for articulating complex issues and incorporating feedback. They also have strong analytical thinking and good presentation and organisational skills.
What are the skills of a cloud security specialist?
- Intensive knowledge of cloud security solutions
- Experience with developing solutions on cloud platforms such as AWS and Azure
- Working knowledge of cloud security standards such as NIST, CIS, and NCSC
- Experience working with platforms like Forticloud, Prisma Cloud, and more
- Ability to come up with and document design and implementation approaches for secure cloud architectures
- Good understanding of identity concepts like SAML, JWT, Oauth etc.
- Strong communication skills
- Knack for articulating complex issues and incorporating feedback
- Strong analytical thinking
- Good presentation skills
- Good organisational skills
- Strong listening skills
- Ability to co-operate and work well with others
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Background and education
A cloud security consultant usually has at least a Bachelor’s degree in Cloud Computing, Cyber Security, IT, or a related field. They also have professional qualifications relevant to Information Security and Business Continuity.
These professionals also have a background (certifications or experience) that relates directly to the industry in which one works.
Examples of come certifications that can help you as a consultant are shown below:
- Cloud Security Specialist Certification
- CCSP – Certified Cloud Security Professional
- Professional Cloud Security Engineer
- Cloud Security Complete Course
Salary of a Cloud Security Consultant
A cloud security specialist typically earns around $134,200 per year on average in the US. On the higher end, they can make around $192,500 per year whereas on the lower end, security consultants can make around $21,000 per year.
In Germany, cloud security consultants make approximately €60,000 – €101,800 whereas in the UK, they make £30,000 – £57,000 per year.
How much do cloud security consultants make?
| US | $21,000 – $192,500 |
| Germany | €60,000 – €101,800 |
| UK | £30,000 – £57,000 |
How much do freelance cloud security consultants make?
Cloud Security Consultant on freelancermap charge on average:
Rates in the Cloud Security Industry range between $40 and $96/hour for most freelancers.
The daily rate for Cloud Security Consultants (8 working hours) would be around:
