Could be.
The IRS has a short list of points on IC vs Employee and the burden of proof is on the employer.
Done properly it works out well for all, as in the IT consultant that works for a fee or rate but is not an employee.
Done improperly you get employers who don’t pay taxes or insurance and end up screwing over the guys they hire.
*Some* security contractors have left their guys holding the bag when things go wrong because they don’t *owe* the same allegiance to ICs that they would to employees.
I think you said it right.
At least that’s what I’m getting from what I’ve read and heard.