Cybersecurity certifications help you acquire the latest cybersecurity skills and knowledge and demonstrate your expertise and ability to perform various kinds of cybersecurity tasks efficiently
As technology is advancing and cyber threats are becoming more and more prevalent, innovative, and sophisticated, organizations are looking for skilled and certified cybersecurity professionals who can help them secure their digital infrastructure and sensitive data while protecting their systems and networks from continuously looming cyber threats.
The demand for cybersecurity professionals is higher than ever and with the cybersecurity solutions market expected to grow up to $222.66 billion by 2026 (According to Grandview Research), employment in this sector will also boom. So, whether you are looking to just start your career in cybersecurity or are an established professional looking to advance your cybersecurity skills, there are various kinds of cybersecurity certifications to help with your career goals.
In this article, let us explore various cybersecurity certification programs that might be just right for you.
Why do you need cybersecurity certification?
A lot of students and professionals are often confused about whether they should go for cybersecurity certifications or not. Well, these certifications are nothing more than a piece of paper and an extra credential which aren’t even mandatory for jobs. So, why certifications?
Though not mandatory, employers give higher preference to candidates having cybersecurity certifications under their belt from recognized institutions or credentialing bodies. They are more than a simple credential when earned from reputed and credible institutes such as ISC2, USCSI®, EC-Council, etc.
The cybersecurity field is ever-evolving and cyber criminals come up with new attack tactics. These are the top institutes that update their course curriculum regularly to empower you with the top skills and knowledge to combat evolving and emerging cyber threats.
Moreover, certifications are also a great way to gain practical experience, network with other cybersecurity professionals, increase chances of employability and also help you negotiate higher salaries as it demonstrates your commitment to lifelong learning.
So, earning a certification is by far the best investment you can make.
Best cybersecurity certifications
So, here are some of the best cybersecurity certification programs you can consider to start or grow in your cybersecurity career.
1. Beginner-level cybersecurity certifications
These certifications cover the fundamental concepts of cybersecurity and will help you start your career.
- CompTIA Security+
This is a vendor-neutral certification and is considered the foundation of a cybersecurity career. This program covers cybersecurity concepts like threats, vulnerabilities, incident response, and others.
- Certified Cybersecurity General Practitioner (CCGP™)
CCGP™ is offered by the United States Cybersecurity Institute (USCSI®) and it is designed for students and professionals with less than 2 years of experience who want to get started with their cybersecurity career. This is a self-paced online learning program and helps applicants master the foundational concepts of cybersecurity.
2. Intermediate-level certifications
These are designed for mid-level cybersecurity professionals and cover topics to efficiently implement and manage cybersecurity measures within their organizations.
- Systems Security Certified Practitioner
This certification is offered by ISC2 and validates the candidate’s ability to implement, monitor, and administer the security controls. Applicants can enhance their skills in network architecture, cryptography, identity and access management, and others.
- Certified Ethical Hacker
Offered by the EC-Council, this certification validates applicants’ skills and expertise in ethical hacking. Penetration testing is an in-demand cybersecurity skill where these professionals help organizations identify vulnerabilities within their systems and networks by simulating an attack in a controlled environment. These vulnerabilities are then corrected before a real attack occurs. CEH will help demonstrate your ethical hacking skills to your employers and it is highly recognized around the world.
3. Advanced Level certifications
These are focused on specific cybersecurity domains and validate your ability to handle complex cybersecurity issues.
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
It is among the most sought-after cybersecurity certifications that help professionals validate their knowledge and expertise in information security. It covers several important topics including security architecture and engineering. It requires a minimum of 5 years of work experience in information security and related fields to apply for the certification.
CSCS® is an advanced certification program offered by USCSI® that covers essential topics for cybersecurity specialists and leaders and empowers them with tools and techniques to efficiently implement the latest cybersecurity strategies in their organization and strengthen the overall cybersecurity measures.
This is also a self-paced online learning program and covers security leadership and regulations, applications of cryptography, management and business continuity, detecting cybersecurity threats with AI, and other such leadership and management topics.
All USCSI® certifications offer these unique features:
- Provide a personalized dashboard consisting of study materials including eBooks, lecture videos, and practice codes
- Certification can be completed within 4-25 weeks and requires 8-10 hours a week of learning
- Get a sharable digital badge upon completion of certification
- Applicants from partner institutes and organizations can avail of attractive discounts on their program fees through USCSI’s Speedster program
Vetted by industry experts and recognized in over 150+ countries, cybersecurity certifications from USCSI® should be your first choice.
Conclusion
Finding the right cybersecurity certification for you is not a difficult task. however, you must identify your current career position, future goals, and the skills you want to learn. Learning modes, curriculum, and cost are some other factors you must consider as well. This will help you help you decide the right program for you. And the above-listed certifications are some of the best and most widely recognized programs for various levels in your career. Apart from these, you can also find other popular certifications offered by credible institutes and universities as well. Overall, cybersecurity certifications are a great addition to your resume and you must go for it for a rewarding career.
