Cyber Security Consultant

Initial consult duration: 6-8 week estimate (opportunity to lead later project once approved)

Customer Sector: Education

OVERVIEW

We are seeking a Freelance EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) Consultant to evaluate, recommend, and optimize the cybersecurity infrastructure for an international education network. The consultant will focus on assessing the existing EDR solutions and providing expert recommendations for improving endpoint security across the organization’s systems, particularly for a diverse set of international schools and educational institutions. This project requires an experienced cybersecurity professional with a strong understanding of EDR technologies and their application in large & fragmented environments.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. EDR Assessment & Analysis:
   • Conduct a thorough evaluation of the current EDR solutions in place across the network, identifying gaps, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement.
   • Analyze the performance, cost-effectiveness, and coverage of existing EDR solutions, with a specific focus on meeting the cybersecurity needs of educational institutions.
   • Review current endpoint security configurations and assess whether the existing EDR tools are sufficient for the organization’s diverse IT environments, including both centralized and decentralized setups.
2. Solution Recommendations:
   • Provide expert recommendations on the selection of EDR tools that best meet the organization’s needs. This may include recommending alternative solutions, considering pricing models, feature sets, and scalability.
   • Advise on advanced EDR features and configurations, such as threat detection, incident response, real-time monitoring, and automatic remediation.
   • Assist in determining whether the current EDR tools (or others under consideration) integrate effectively with the organization's broader IT infrastructure, especially Microsoft-based systems.
3. Customization & Optimization:
   • Tailor recommendations to optimize the effectiveness of EDR tools within the unique context of educational institutions, considering the varying levels of IT maturity and resources available at each group entity (approx. 50 locations / customers within the group).
   • Ensure that proposed solutions are scalable, easy to manage, and can be efficiently deployed across multiple schools and international locations.
   • Work with internal teams to refine configurations and settings to enhance endpoint security posture and streamline operations.
4. Documentation & Reporting:
   • Prepare a comprehensive report outlining the findings from the EDR assessment, including a clear comparison of current and recommended solutions.
   • Present actionable steps for optimizing the existing EDR infrastructure and propose a roadmap for deployment, including cost and time estimates.
   • Provide clear documentation on recommended configurations, best practices, and potential risks associated with the implementation of new solutions.
5. Stakeholder Collaboration:
   • Work closely with the internal IT team, including engineers and IT managers, to understand the specific needs of each school and align EDR solutions accordingly.
   • Engage with key decision-makers to discuss findings and recommendations, ensuring buy-in from leadership for proposed changes.
   • The consultant is expected to provide a full evaluation and actionable recommendations by June, in time for the preparation of the new budget cycle starting in September.
   • Ensure that all deliverables are completed on time and that the recommendations can be seamlessly integrated into the existing IT infrastructure.

Key Requirements:

• Proven experience in EDR solutions and cybersecurity consulting, particularly in large-scale environments such as education or international organizations.
• Deep understanding of endpoint security technologies, including threat detection, response, and remediation.
• Familiarity with leading EDR solutions (e.g., CrowdStrike, SentinelOne, Sophos) and the ability to assess their suitability in diverse IT landscapes.
• Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision, while maintaining strong communication with internal stakeholders and leadership teams.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to diagnose and troubleshoot complex security issues related to endpoint protection.

Additional Information:

• The consultant will be required to attend key meetings on-site for stakeholder collaboration in London and surrounding areas (within a 1.5-hour radius). Travel expenses will be covered.
• This is a short-term freelance role with a focus solely on EDR-related needs, with the opportunity for continued collaboration on further IT security initiatives.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Contract

Job function

• Information Technology, Consulting, and Education

Industries

• Education, Hospitality, and Hospitals and Health Care

#J-18808-Ljbffr