Setting up a whitehat service

[PuLSe]

Hi all,

Has anyone seen or actually implemented themselves a company that offers WLAN security consultancy.

i.e. You are approached by (or you find) businesses with weak or open APs on their network and offer security advice.

If so, what is the best business approach?

* Direct payment by the company (per hour of service?)
* Commissioned sales from partnerships (training, nets consultants)

I am a graduate student (my thesis was WLAN security) and I feel I have a lot to offer as a freelance security consultant (UK based), I am producing a website to promote my company but I am not sure how to offer the services and propose a method of payment for them.

Any discussion would be great. Or any offers of partnership! (could see some UK WLAN business coming your way)

Rob

[Pandora]

Years ago there was a book published titled "Up the DP pyramid" and one of it's many services was to try and guide people new to the business of corporate and enterprise management structures in the way people achieve various positions.

Generally, from my own experience and that of others I've known (not to mention the book, which is dated but was great years ago when starting a new career) you should learn consulting by being employed by a consulting company. Not glorious, and far lower paid, however the ins and outs of the business side of consulting are a trade themselves.

If it helps any, reputation in a specific area helps considerably. Speaking on a topic at a convention where corporate management will attend also helps. As does writing articles to almost any reputable trade magazine/newsletter.

As to how payment is made, that varies considerably from company to company and based on what is specifically being bought/sold.

Having worked on network projects for xyz consulting organization for 2 or more years is a ton more helpful than having a post graduate degree specializing in wlan to open a door.

Collage generally doesn't concern itself so much with the politics, legacy, and various competing demands which a consultant will find in a real life situation. Generally a lapse which could turn an A+ into an A in college could become the basis for a very expensive lawsuit against a consultant/company.

It's best if you can to develop some experience by learning from those already active in the field :-)

Good luck!

[PuLSe]

Cheers Pandora,

I was thinking along the lines of freelance because of the difficulties I was having finding avenues with the current WiFi network leaders. However your advice is sound and I am looking at starting as an installation engineer for a hotspot provider.

Thanks.

- Rob

[Mayhem]

Originally posted by PuLSe
However your advice is sound and I am looking at starting as an installation engineer for a hotspot provider.

Thanks.

- Rob

Well, if you're willing to relocate to the Netherlands I might just have a job for you.

E.

[billbrigg]

Originally posted by Mayhem
Well, if you're willing to relocate to the Netherlands I might just have a job for you.

E.

I spent a couple of months in Den Haag in 2001 and loved it! Does this job require one to speak Dutch? If not, I am an experienced network engineer who just completed a Masters in Telecommunications and is looking for work in the Wi-Fi field!
Bill
bbrownrigg@iptimize.com

[Mayhem]

Originally posted by billbrigg
I spent a couple of months in Den Haag in 2001 and loved it! Does this job require one to speak Dutch? If not, I am an experienced network engineer who just completed a Masters in Telecommunications and is looking for work in the Wi-Fi field!
Bill
bbrownrigg@iptimize.com

Bill,

Dutch would be handy but is not a pre-requisite!
I basically manage the technocal department of a company that is doing a large wireless hotspot roll-out.
What I'm looking for is engineers who can carry out installs for me. The AP's used are an in-house developed product but are very easy to install & configure.
Send me your Cv and I'll have a look at it...

E.