Cybersecurity is the activity of securing computers, networks, and data from theft, damage, loss, or unwanted access.
As our interconnection grows, so does the potential for thieves, vandals, and disruptors. A growth in cybercrime has increased the demand for cybersecurity specialists. If you are interested in the cybersecurity area, continue reading this article as we will explore popular cyber security certifications.
Top CyberSecurity Certification that Companies are Hiring For
Even though the majority of cybersecurity professionals have at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, many employers prefer candidates with a certification that verifies their understanding of best practices. There are hundreds of such certificates, ranging from general to vendor-specific and from introductory to advanced levels.
Before investing money and effort in certification, it is essential to ensure that it will give you a competitive edge in your field. The following is a list of the leading CyberSecurity Certification programs:
1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) - The cybersecurity professional organization (ISC)2's CISSP certification is one of the most sought-after qualifications in the business. CISSP certification validates IT security expertise and the ability to plan, implement, and manage a cybersecurity program.
This certification is for seasoned security professionals who wish to develop their careers in positions such as:
- Director of information security
- Protection Administrator
- IT security professional
- Senior security advisor
- Analyst of information assurance
2. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) - This ISACA certification demonstrates your proficiency in analyzing security vulnerabilities, devising and implementing controls, and reporting compliance. It is one of the most well-recognized certificates for cybersecurity auditing careers.
The CISA is targeted at IT workers with intermediate experience who wish to advance to positions such as:
- IT audit manager
- Auditor for network security
- Analyst in information security
- IT security professional
- IT project manager
- Compliance program manager
3. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) - With the CISM certification, also offered by ISACA, you may demonstrate your knowledge of management-related aspects of information security, such as governance, program creation, and program, incident, and risk management.
If you want to transition from the technical to the management side of cybersecurity, CISM certification could be a suitable alternative. Among the occupations that employ the CISM are:
- IT manager
- Officer of information systems security
- Information risk expert
- Chief information security officer
- Data governance administrator
4. CompTIA Security+ - CompTIA Security+ is an entry-level certification that verifies the fundamental security abilities required for any cybersecurity position. Demonstrate your ability to analyze the security of a business, monitor and secure cloud, mobile, and internet of things (IoT) environments, comprehend rules and regulations related to risk and compliance, and recognize and respond to security incidents by obtaining this certification.
Obtaining the Security+ credential can assist you in roles such as:
- Systems Administrator
- Help desk manager
- Security Expert
- Cloud engineer
- Protection Administrator
- IT auditor
- Software Engineer
5. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) - Ethical hacking, also known as white hat hacking, penetration testing, and red team, is the practice of legally hacking businesses to identify weaknesses before harmful actors do. CEH Certified Ethical Hacker is a credential offered by the EC-Council. Earning this credential demonstrates your proficiency in penetration testing, attack detection, attack vectors, and prevention.
The CEH certification enables you to think like a hacker and have a more proactive stance toward cybersecurity. Consider this credential for positions such as:
- Penetration examination
- Cybersecurity incident analyst
- Analyst, threat intelligence
- Security architect for cloud
- Cybersecurity specialist
The Takeaway
Certifications can strengthen your résumé and offer credibility to your abilities. Certifications, when coupled with a graduate degree in cyber security, can help you acquire a lucrative leadership job at a number of the nation's leading firms. Consequently, certificates are frequently most valuable when accompanied by information security or cyber security degree. Due to the limited scope of certifications, they can serve as good complements to a degree but rarely as a replacement for one. The finest source for a disciplined and systematic methodology that integrates information security and risk management into the system development life cycle is the RMF textbooks.
