If you are looking for a competitive edge in promoting your cybersecurity career, then having a cybersecurity certification is one of the first steps you’ll need to take to get started. This article will explain some of the most crucial cybersecurity certifications and the conditions to get into the cybersecurity field.
The research found that 66% of clients would be reluctant to do business with an organization that has been hacked. Thus, cybersecurity professionals play a significant role, and their service will increase requirements in the future. Keep on reading further to explore the top Cybersecurity Certifications you should be familiar with.
1. CompTIA Security+
Are you new to the cybersecurity field? Then you should start your journey by earning CompTIA Security+ certification, a base level certification. To be eligible for this certification, you need to have two years of experience in the IT field. Security+ certification is classified as general certification as it doesn’t involve definite brands or product lines.
It’s a reputable certification since the U.S. Department of Defense has made it mandatory for all employees to have it. The certification refers to cybersecurity and other jobs such as PC support analysis, sales, marketing, management, and application developers. Therefore, it’s a certification that’s going to be handy in the future.
2. Certified Ethical Hacker
Want to know what it needs to stop a hacker? You have to think like one! The Certified Ethical Hacker certification was designed to explore the hacking technologies hackers use, comprising the latest vulnerabilities and information about security law.
Real-life scenarios are explored with penetrating testing jobs that permit you to hack a network. This cybersecurity line requires a lot of trusts, but the outcomes can be huge, depending on the project’s nature. CEH certification is best suited for site administrators, security professionals, security officers, and auditors.
3. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
Cloud security is a flaw, as stated by 84% of organizations. That’s because conventional IT security teachings don’t move well to cloud-based systems. ISC2 CSSP certification helps perceive more about cloud system architecture– it’s important to realize how a system functions before you can secure it.
It’s an advanced certification, so you’ll require prior IT experience before the beginning of the process. The certification is appropriate for seasoned systems engineers, systems architects, security administrators, security managers, and enterprise architects. To meet the prerequisite for the ISC2 CCSP certification exam, you need to have 5 years of prior experience in a cloud-based environment.
4. Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP)
CISSP, offered by ISC2, is one more sought-after cybersecurity certification that’s maintained by many organizations as a hiring requirement. You’ll get evaluated in the areas of telecommunications, cryptography, networking, and access control.
Similar to the CompTIA Security+ certification, this certification is not vendor-specific. It’s considered as a greatly advantageous certification that can bring about lucrative cybersecurity job opportunities.
How to Obtain a Cybersecurity Certification
If the cybersecurity field attracts you or looking to advance your career, then it could be beneficial to have a cybersecurity certification. Here is an answer to how to do it:
- Do you really need a certification
- Figure out the best certification for your career path
- Know the requirements of certification
- Fulfill requirements and take the exam
1. Do You Really Need a Cybersecurity Certification?
Cybersecurity Certification could be beneficial for your career, regardless of its financial cost. If you’re aspiring to start in the field of security, a certification can be beneficial to receive the trust, confidence, and esteem of your potential organization. Those are all important aspects when you’re in the security field, and earning certification demonstrates you’re dedicated to learning security and that you’ve obtained from industry professionals.
Also Read: How to Transition a Career into Cybersecurity From General IT
Having said that, if you have a lot of experience in security and don’t own a certification, you have options. There is a large number of opportunities to learn new things in cybersecurity by preparing for certification exams, some of which come at a little degree of the cost of security certification and can be used on your CV. No matter what you select, think of investing in cybersecurity certification as it makes you a more valuable employee.
2. Figure Out the Best Cybersecurity Certification for Your Career Path
Once you’ve decided to earn the certification, it’s time to figure out which certification is best for you. According to your experience, qualification backgrounds, and future planning, you should decide which certification to earn. If you have no or little experience in the field, then CompTIA Security+ could be the best move. If you are planning to move ahead in the cloud security domain, then you should go for CCSP certification.
3. Know the Requirements of Certification
Every certification comes with its own requirements. Some may demand you to have 40-hours of online coursework. Others may want you to take your exam at an approved test center. Others still might take place totally in a classroom. Each will have some prior experience requirements, also.
Before you register for the exam, make sure you know all the prerequisites to sit for the certification exam.
This can entail experience, like time spent working with a particular process.
4. Fulfill Requirements and Take the Exam
Once you have registered for the exam, you will need to satisfy certain requirements to get certified. This is usually some amount of education or experience come after an exam. After completion of the certification exam, you’ll be given a certificate. At that time, you can put the certification on your resume and share it on your Linkedin profile.
