Cyber Security Certifications

Cybersecurity seems like only one term but it has several divisions under it. There is risk assessment, security testing, vulnerability analysis, and much more. And this indicates that there are professionals for each of these things. When you enter the IT industry, you may not be aware of all of them but with time you explore them in detail. Some of the key focus areas are –

• Application Security
• Business Continuity
• Cloud Security
• Data Security
• Database and Infrastructure Security
• Disaster Recovery
• End-User Education
• End Point Security
• Identity Management
• Mobile Security
• Network Security

Cybersecurity certifications are for individuals to get specific training in the above-mentioned departments. They are professional paid certificates that allow individuals to undergo proper training and enhance their skills. 

They are mainly of three types – basic entry-level, intermediate level, and expert level. Basic level deals with foundation principles and ground-level tools. While the last two deal with extensive topics for specific job profiles. They all have exams after the training to validate the certification.

It needs periodic renewal every 3-4 years to accredit the individual. 

How to get into cyber security?

• Getting a degree in computer science is the first step if you develop an interest in the early years. It can help you know the basics at a very young age. And once the theoretical knowledge is set, industries are more open to accepting your skills. 
• Start with an entry-level job in the IT industry to get hands-on experience in various departments. This will allow you to learn about your interests and explore more and more opportunities in the way.  
• Get an entry-level IT certification to expand your skill sets professionally. We saw that there are multiple certifications available for every field. And you should make use of them and boost your career growth. 

Major Cyber Security Certification Organizations

1. CompTIA

One of the highest-ranked certifications is CompTIA in the IT industry. It has specializations in cloud computing, software development, computer networking, and information security. The major ones include IT Fundamentals, A+, Network+, and Security+.

Not all four have security-related value in the industry but they do support the information security certifications groundwork.

2. ISACA

Information Systems Audit and Control Association is a 1969 organization of individuals who work together for better computer system control. They were the first ones to identify the need for a centralized source of information. This would ensure guidance to developing control audit field.

This approach inspired many IT professionals to go for ISACA certifications. 

3. EC-Council

It is mainly famous for Certified Ethical Hacker certification with a focus on roles and titles. It has certifications according to job profiles like – Penetration Tester, Ethical Hacker, Security Analyst, etc. it is an ideal platform for specific job seekers.

4. GIAC

The Global Information Assurance Certification is a 1999 organization for information security professionals. It offers certifications to thousands of companies and government agencies. It has certificates for – cyber defense, penetration testing, incident response, etc.

5. (ISC)2

The International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium has given us the well-known CISSP certification. It is a non-profit organization working with thousands of members across the world.

Most Promising Cybersecurity Certifications

1. CISSP

Certified Information Systems Security Professional is the go-to certification for every successful IT professional. It is not for beginners but for mid-level experiencers with at least five years of knowledge.

The CISSP Common Body of Knowledge has eight domains out of which, individuals should know at least two beforehand. (CBK).

2. SSCP

Systems Security Certified Practitioner Professionals is again for people with experience of five years. It is ideal for individuals wanting professional growth. This being said, these people should have at least one year of working experience in one of the seven domains.

Individuals with bachelor’s or master’s degrees may enter even without the domain experience. It is promising for network security administrator and security analysts roles. 

3. CCSP

Certified Cloud Security Professional is for individuals to show their designing, managing, and infrastructure skills in the cloud. It is also for experienced professionals with five or more years in an information technology role.

And above this, they should have one year of experience in one of the six domains.

4. CEH

Certified Ethical Hacker is another certification for both offensive and defensive security titles. It is an EC-Council certification for which individuals need to undergo EC-Council CEH training. And after this, they need to take the CEH exam and get an enrollment.

People can skip the test if they have two years of information security experience. 

5. LPT

Licensed Penetration Tester Professionals is also an EC-Council certification. It is for Penetration Testers and has a very challenging practical exam available. Individuals with a knowledge of the entire process of a penetration test are the only ones who can clear it. 

The format must align with the ECSA program training. It is advisable to take this exam after completing the CEH and ECSA certifications. 

6. CompTIA Security+

This is a beginner-level certification for cybersecurity job seekers with a wide coverage of threats, attacks, architecture, design, risk, and cryptography. It doesn’t require any specific eligibility to apply.

But experts advise completing CompTIA Network+ certification and few years of work experience before applying. 

7. CompTIA CySA+

The CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst is like an advanced version of Security+ certification. It covers complicated topics like threat and vulnerability management, security architecture, etc. Individuals with Network+ certification and Security+ certification can apply for this course.

If not this then they need to have at least four years of industry experience. 

8. GSEC

GIAC Security Essentials certification is an entry-level program but deep learning of information security beyond terminology and concepts. It promotes practical learning for all individuals rather than just theoretical knowledge.

It doesn’t have eligibility criteria but individuals with a basic understanding of IT security and networking should apply.

9. GMOB

GIAC Mobile Device Security Analyst is for professionals building careers in mobile device security. It allows individuals to explore this knowledge both personally and professionally. It also prefers candidates with a basic understanding of the industry.

This certification validates that they are capable of assessing and managing mobile device and application security.

10. GCFA

GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst Professionals is a certification for individuals looking to grow as a forensic analyst. It provides training in incident response, digital forensics, memory forensics, threat hunting, and intrusion response. 

11. GPEN

GIAC Penetration Tester is a certification to learn about target network assessment and security vulnerabilities. It provides deep training in password formats and hashes and pen test planning. It also trains in kerberos attacks and exploits with experience in web application reconnaissance.

12. CISA

Certified Information Systems Auditor is a well-known certification for information security audit control and security. It validates individuals’ capability to assess vulnerabilities and take security controls of the organization. 

13. CISM

Certified Information Security Manager is a certification for individuals looking to expand their knowledge of information security management. It is an ISACA certificate that guarantees high-paying scale jobs in the industry. It is ideal for individuals with experience in management, design, and information security. 

14. COBIT 5 

It is a certification that guides professionals with the latest theories on enterprise governance. It offers international standard management techniques, principles, practices, and tools. These are for increasing an organization’s trust in information systems.

15. CRISC

Certified in Risk and Information System Control is a certification for professionals building a career in IT, Business Risk, and Business Systems Control. It trains individuals to face real-world threats with up-to-date information.

It is a boosting career certificate for IT, risk, and control professionals as well as business analysts and project managers.

16. CHFI

Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator is a professional-level certification for incident response and forensic. It allows professionals to gather evidence and prosecute offenders by analyzing attacks and conducting audits.

It trains for recovering deleted, encrypted, or damaged files and performs analysis of computer-based evidence.

17. CCNA

It is a Cisco Certified associate-level certification suitable best for professionals building careers in CISCO Security. It trains you to identify threats and vulnerabilities in the CISCO network and then mitigate them accordingly. This certification is ideal to learn to build an effective security infrastructure

18. CCSK

Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge is a very famous certification for cloud security credentials. It deals with cloud architecture, governance, and security as a service, etc. It is a beginner-level certificate applicable for individuals with CSA guidance and control familiarity.

20. CASP+

CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner is for individuals with a keen interest in technology over management. It trains them about enterprise security domain, securing cloud and virtual technology, and cryptography. It is a higher-level course for individuals with at least ten years of IT experience.

How to choose a cybersecurity certification?

Level of experience – All the certifications need a level of experience for individuals to understand the concepts clearly. It is important to know your capability before taking up any certification. 

Cost – All certifications have different fees structure and you must research about them before signing up. The cost should align with what the course is offering and what you can afford.

Area of focus – What is it that you are looking for? Make sure that you know what your interest is and then you make a call. It is always better to explore as much as possible and then conclude. 

Potential employers – If you are taking up certification for career growth then know your recruiters. See if there is any professional future in it or not. And will it bring you good opportunities in the future?

Cyber Security Job Profiles

• Security Specialist
• Security Administrator
• Cryptographer
• Security Architect
• Security Analyst
• Chief Information Security Officer
• Security Auditor
• Security Director
• Penetration Tester
• Security Consultant
• Security Engineer
• Vulnerability Assessor
• Incident Responder
• Forensic Expert
• Source Code Auditor
• Security Manager
• Cryptanalyst

Conclusion

All IT professionals need to have some exposure to cybersecurity needs to work in any organization. And this is why these certifications are very prominent in the industry. They allow professionals to grow and explore their fields more.

And there are several certifications to choose from according to personal interest. They promise positive career growth at all ends. Be it a beginner-level certificate or an expert level one, growth is everywhere.