Top 10 Cyber Security Certifications

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Concern is rising worldwide as cybersecurity seems to be more at risk than before. Surveys show that jobs in cybersecurity are increasingly vacant, the unemployment rate is at zero and the gap between demand and skilled personnel is widening.

This also points out towards a clear direction for people interested in pursuing an IT career. If you’re thinking of professional conversion, maybe cybersecurity could spark your interest. Usually, the starting point is the most confusing when approaching unknown territory. Thus, we composed a list of certifications that will enable you to kick start your journey through tech security.

First off, you need to know that cybersecurity is composed out of various sectors such as: breach detection, secure coding, vulnerability testing or attack mitigation. You can opt for any of these considering your current skills and passions. Getting certified provides you with knowledge about tools, technique, and procedures in any of these sectors.

  1. C(ertified) I(nformation) S(ystems) A(uditor) – CISA

Focus points: informational system controls, monitoring, identifying vulnerabilities, protection of information, developing and implementing security systems

Issued by: ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association), global recognition

Eligible applicants: +5 years work experience, a minimum of 450 points scored on a 200-800 points test

  1. C(ertified) E(thical) H(acker) – CEH

Focus points: tools used by hackers to counteract malicious activity

Issued by: EC-Council (International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants)

Eligible applicants: 2 years of proven experience to take the 125 questions CEH exam

  1. GSEC – GIAC Security Essentials Certification

Focus points: information security systems

Issued by: GIAC (Global Information Assurance Certification), governmental and military global recognition

Eligible applicant: no previous training or experience, 180 question exam in 5 hours’ time

  1. EC–C(ouncil) C(ertified) S(ecurity) A(nalyst) – ECSA

Focus points: penetration testing, analysis of ethical hacking, hacking tools and technologies, risk assessment, security infrastructure in jobs like info security tester, system or firewall administrator

Issued by: EC-Council

Eligible applicants: possess CEH certification, although not mandatory

  1. GPEN – GIAC Penetration Tester

Focus points: security vulnerabilities identification, legal and technical implications

Issued by: GIAC (Global Information Assurance Certification)

Eligible applicants: no prior experience or certifications, 115 question exam

  1. C(ertified) in R(isk) and I(nformation) S(ystems) C(ontrol) – CRISC

Focus points: corporate risk, management of security controls and risk assessment

Issued by: ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association)

Eligible applicants: professionals in the security field with +3 years of experience, exam assess response to threat, risk identification skills, monitoring, and reporting.

  1. C(ertified) I(nformation) S(ecurity) M(anager) – CISM

Focus points: information auditing, management of information system, organizational security

Issued by: ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association)

Eligible applicants: 5 years proven experience, 200 question exam to test abilities to manage info security programs and handle incidents.

  1. C(ertified) I(nformation) S(ystems) S(ecurity) P(rofessional) – CISSP

Focus points: data and network security management practices, cryptography, architecture and models of security, access control, and telecommunications

Issued by: (ISC)2 – International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, a nonprofit organization

Eligible applicants: 3-5 years experienced professionals, 250 questions exam of ~6 hours

  1. CompTIA Security+

Focus points: security best practices – network security, risk management, cryptography and organizational security systems

Issued by: CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association)

Eligible applicants: no mandatory priors, 2 years of experience and a Network+ certificate recommended

 S(ystems) S(ecurity) C(ertified) P(ractitioner) – SSCP

Focus points: basic skills in cybersecurity, cryptography, malicious activity, access control, analysis and monitoring of data, communication, and networks, security administration

Issued by: (ISC)2 – International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium

Eligible applicants: no mentioned mandatory priors, recommended before the CISSP certificate

Moving on to a new year, we learn that demand in cybersecurity jobs is increasing opening up a gateway for professionals who are looking to up their game. The value of skilled and certified individuals on the security front will continuously grow and career expansion is not a bad idea.