Do you currently, or do you want to, work in the cybersecurity profession?
The industry will be nearly 2 million short of trained cybersecurity professionals by 2022. It’s the perfect time to hone those ethical hacking skills.
Do you know which qualifications you need to stay ahead of the game and impress employers?
Here are the 5 most important cybersecurity certifications you should have on your resume.
CompTIA Security+
The CompTIA Security+ is one of the best cybersecurity certifications for beginners. CompTIA is one of the most recognizable associations offering IT certifications for both beginners and more advanced IT professionals.
Security+ is the first certification you should look to get if you’re looking to become a cybersecurity professional. It’s a great beginner cybersecurity certification path. It gives a very significant grounding in the basics of cybersecurity.
It helps to prepare new cybersecurity professionals to recognize potential threats and respond to crises. It’ll also teach you to perform crucial security audits and design secure networks.
Not convinced? Here are 10 reasons why you should study for the CompTIA Security+ certification.
Cisco Certified Network Associate Security
Cybersecurity is all about identifying and responding to vulnerabilities before they’re exploited. It also helps to know how to respond to those threats as they occur.
For workers looking for a real grounding in network security, the CCNA Security certification is a must-have.
It’s industry recognized and respected. Cisco is the market leader in networking equipment. Full familiarity and experience with their equipment are going to make your resume stand out.
It gives you Department of Defense Directive 8570 clearance. This will allow you to gain work in the most lucrative of public sector roles.
You can also combine it with other Cisco certifications to expand your skills and increase your earning potential. You can switch to other job roles, such as penetration testing if you decide to specialize.
It has similarities to the Security+ certification, geared at working with Cisco equipment. You’ll become skilled in risk management, secure network building, and vulnerability testing.
CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP)
Already familiar with CompTIA certifications? Studying for the CompTIA Advanced Security Practioner (CASP) certification would be a sensible step upwards.
CompTIA certifications like Security+ and Network+ are lower-end certifications aimed more at beginners. The CASP isn’t, with an expectation that you already have much of the experience already. You need around a decade’s worth of IT experience in administration, with at least half of that in an IT security role.
It looks to build upon your existing knowledge and experience, as well as fill in any gaps that could be preventing you from advancing further.
You’ll become an expert in analytical research skills. These will help you to manage risk and root out security vulnerabilities in enterprise environments. You’re expected to build on your existing experience with the CASP certification.
If you’re thinking about more lucrative management opportunities, the CASP certification should help.
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
At the stage of your career when you’re looking to progress further into management? The CISM Certified Information Security Manager certification aims to develop your management skills. It’s offered by ISACA, another well respected IT body.
You need a minimum of five years in the field of IT security. At least three of these will need to be in some kind of management role in one of the CISM-designated content areas. These are security and risk management, compliance, and program development.
It’s not aimed at making you a cybersecurity expert. If you’re gaining this certification, you’re already qualified in the field. What it’s designed to do is develop the skills to make you an expert security manager.
You’ll learn what it takes to build effective enterprise policies for security. You will also learn how to analyze the security risk to businesses and organizations.
In a management role, it’ll be up to you to decide what steps to take to protect important assets. The CISM certification will give you the confidence to make those decisions.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Thinking about your long-term career options? Cybersecurity certifications salary options are now as high as approximately $400,000. You need certifications that will help give you the chance to compete for these top management jobs.
Becoming a Certified Information Systems Security Professional will put you in contention. The CISSP isn’t a short-term qualification. Like the CISM, you’ll need full-time experience of around five years to be able to study for it.
What makes the CISSP certification stand out is how well respected it is. It’s the oldest security certification for IT professionals. It’s regularly updated to meet new standards and challenges.
Studying for the CISSP isn’t a quick solution to advance your career. It takes commitment, with several years needed to study and show needed experience.
If you don’t have the experience, then it’s even more work. You can still take the exam, but need to gain the requisite experience. You will usually have around six years to do this to become CISSP certified.
Don’t let the time frame put you off. Obtaining the CISSP certification will put you at the top of your field, even though we list it as one of the 7 hardest cybersecurity certifications.
Don’t Miss These Cybersecurity Certifications
With these cybersecurity certifications, graduates and seasoned professionals can advance their careers.
Looking for work with the military? These certificates will help you meet the Department of Defense Directive 8570. This will open up thousands of opportunities for ambitious IT professionals like yourself.
Looking at cybersecurity certifications online? Take a look at whether our live online training courses could meet your needs.
