What is Cyber Security Certification?
Protecting data and infrastructure from cyberattacks is one of the important professions in the IT industry. As more and more enterprises adapt to remote work culture, cyber security remains one of the tech industry’s highest-demand jobs.
Here, we will explain to you why you need to get certifications for cyber security and some of the top cyber security certifications for 2022:
- Why You Should get cyber security Certification
- Entry level cyber security certifications
- Intermediate-level cyber security certification
- Expert-level cyber security certification
You can also go through Hiration's Cyber Security Resume Blog to get your resume crafted by professionals.
Why you should get Cyber Security Certification
The demand for cyber security professionals is growing.
According to RiskBased, in the first half of 2019, cyberattacks compromised 4.1 billion records. Not only that, the cyber security-related loss is projected to hit a whopping $6trillion in 2022.
This increase in cybercrimes has created a massive demand for skilled professionals in cyber security. The Bureau of Labour Statistics predicts that cyber security jobs will grow 31% through 2029. It is over seven times faster than the average job growth rate of 4% in the USA.
In order to be a part of this growth, you should consider acquiring a cyber security certificate.
The cyber security space is continuously changing, the technology in cyberspace is evolving, and so is developing the ways of cyberattacks.
So, if you’re up for a job that allows you to learn new things every day, read about the best cyber security certifications in the later section.
A cyber security certifications also give you the flexibility to work in the industry of your choice.
Starting your career in cyber security is easier
You don’t need to go back to school or university to do a four-year degree to enter into the cyber security space. If you want to get into cyber security, you just need to know about IT and get some relevant cyber security certifications.
The best way to get it is by taking up some entry level cyber security certifications. And then, gain some experience from a cyber security entry level job. These experiences will strengthen your resume and help you move forward in your career.
The earning potential in cyber security is vast.According to Forbes, the cloud security profession is one of the most lucrative careers right now. Then comes DevOps and application development security professionals.
That means, if you are looking for a job with a handsome pay, certifications for cyber security can help you get that job.
Top 15 Cyber Security Certifications for 2022
You can find a variety of cyber security certifications online. Different certifications focus on different skills and experience levels of the aspirants.
Let us explore the different cyber security certifications based on their experience level. And ensure that you pick the right certifications that align with your career goal.
Entry Level Cyber Security Certifications
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Certified ethical hacking or CEH is one of the cyber security certifications for beginners. This certification teaches aspirants to think like a hacker.
This certification covers a variety of tools and technologies hackers use against organizations.
CEH certification projects your knowledge in finding vulnerabilities in a system and solves them.
To take the CEH certification exam, you must have two years of working experience in the information security field.
Job Opportunities:
- Security Engineer
- Cyber Security Officer
- Security Analyst
- Information Security Analyst
- Penetration Tester
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Security+ is another entry-level cyber security certification. It covers the basics of IT concepts, such as:
- Network strategies and defense techniques
- Network and host-based security practices
- Encryption standard and products
- Effective Security policies
- Disaster Recovery
This certification teaches students how to install and run systems in a secure environment.
CompTIA Security+ certification will only help you get entry level cyber security jobs. But high-paying jobs will only be available as you gain more experience and add your resume with more advanced certifications.
Job Opportunities:
- Systems administrator
- Security administrator
- Security specialist
- Security engineer
- Network engineer
- IT auditor
- Software developer
- DevOps
CompTIA Network+
Network security is an integral part of cyber security. And if you want to start your career in network security, CompTIA Network+ certification is for you. It is an entry-level cyber security certification that covers:
- The basics of designing and implementing functional networks
- Configuring and managing essential network devices
- Implementing network standards and protocols
- Troubleshooting network problems etc.
CompTIA Network+ focuses on teaching the basics of understanding different networking concepts. That is why it’s a great starting point to get into an entry-level cyber security job.
Job Opportunities:
- Computer Technician
- Help Desk Technician
- System Engineer
- IS Consultant
- Network Field Engineer
- Network Analyst
OSCP: Offensive Security Certified Professional
OSCP is one of the most popular entry level cyber security certifications on penetration testing. The OSCP certification is well-known and respected in the cyber security field. OSCP certified professionals have the skills to conduct controlled cyber attacks to find vulnerabilities in the system.
The prerequisites for taking the certification are:
- Solid understanding of TCP/IP
- Linux and windows administrator experience
- Basic understanding of Bash scraping with Python or Perl
Job Opportunities:
- Penetration Tester
- Ethical Hacker
- Security Analyst
- Security Engineer
- Information Security Analyst
- Senior Security Consultant
GIAC Information Security Fundamentals (GISF)
If you are completely new to cyber security, then GISF certification is for you. GISF certification covers key areas such as:
- Cyber security terminologies
- Security terms and policies
- Basics of computer networks
- Cryptography principles
GISF certified professionals can understand and describe the key concepts in information security. The topics covered in GISF are like CompTIA Security+ certification but more challenging..
There are no prerequisites to take the exams, but having basic and technical computer knowledge is recommended.
Job Opportunities:
- Information Security Analyst
- Security Analyst
- Auditing Manager
- Cyber Security Analyst
- Consulting Manager
- Information Systems Audit Manager
- Information Technology Specialist
Intermediate-level cyber security certifications
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
The CISSP certification is an essential certification for career advancement in cyber security. The aspirants need at least five years of paid work experience in two or more cyber security domains. .
The exams are related to 8 CISSP domains:
- Security and Risk Management
- Security Architecture & Engineering
- Asset Security
- Communication and Network Security
- Identity and Access Management
- Security Operations
- Software Development Security
- Security Assessment & Testing
CISSP certified means you have the advanced skills to develop and manage different cyber security programs.
Job Opportunities:
- CIO
- Director of Security
- CISO
- Network Manager
- IT director
- Network Architect
- Security Analyst
- Security Architect
- Security Auditor
- Security Consultant
HealthCare Information Security and Privacy Practitioner (HCISPP)
If you want to build your career in healthcare information security, HCISPP certification is for you. HCISPP is the only cyber security certification that combines cyber security with healthcare.
HCISPP certified means you have the skills to implement and manage security and privacy protocols in healthcare organizations.
The certification exam revolves around the seven healthcare domains:
- Healthcare industry
- Information governance in healthcare
- Regulatory & standard environment
- Information technology in healthcare
- Privacy and security in healthcare
- Risk management and assessment
- 3rd Party risk management
HCISPP certification aspirants must have two years of work experience, of which one year must be in the healthcare industry.
Job Opportunities
- Information Security Analyst
- Information Security Officers
- Risk Analyst
- Security Consultant
- Auditing Manager
- Privacy Officer
CompTIA PenTest+
CompTIA PenTest+ is not an entry-level cyber security certification. It requires the aspirant to complete CompTIA Security+ certification and have 3-4 years of work experience in the information security field.
CompTIA PenTest+ certification verifies you for the following skills:
- Planning and scoping
- Finding a vulnerability in the network by gathering information
- Exploiting vulnerabilities, performing pen testing
- Analyzing the results and develop strategies to mitigate the vulnerabilities
- Learning tools to perform pen-testing: Bash, Ruby, Python, Powershell
Job Opportunities:
- Penetration Tester
- Vulnerability Tester
- Security Analyst
- Vulnerability Assessment Analyst
- Network Security Operations
- Application Security Vulnerability
Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
CRISC is an intermediate-level cyber security certification. It verifies IT professionals’ knowledge and expertise in risk management.
If you intend to pursue a career in enterprise risk management, business risk identification, and execution of business system control, you must take the CRISC certification exam.
CRISC certification requires a minimum of 3 years of work experience in two of the four domains:
- IT Risk Identification
- IT Risk Assessment
- Risk Response and Mitigation
- Risk and Control Monitoring and Reporting
Job Opportunities:
- IT Risk Management
- Control Professionals
- Project Manager
- Business Analyst
- CIO
- CISO
Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK)
Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge or CCSK is a widely recognized cloud security certification available in the industry. It helps the aspirant understand how to secure cloud data and help them pursue a career in cloud security.
- The CCSK certification will help you understand the capabilities of cloud computing and provide you the knowledge to design cloud security programs by global acceptance standards
- Teach you about application security, data encryption, cloud incident response, and more
- Teach you to do security assessments using Cloud Controls Matrix
Job Opportunities:
- Cloud Administrator
- Cloud Engineer
- System Engineer
- Security Administrator
- Cloud, Security and Enterprise Architect
- Advanced-level cyber security certifications
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
CISM is an enterprise-level cyber security certification
It is for professionals who want to move from the technical realm to management.
This certification is not for everybody. To get CISM certification, you need to have at least five years of proven work experience in the cyber security space.
A CISM certification in your resume proves that you have advanced knowledge in these domains:
- Information security governance
- Information risk management
- Information security program development & management
- Information security incident management & response
The validity of CISM certification is three years.
Job Opportunities:
- Information System Security Officer
- Privacy Risk Consultant
- Information Security Manager
- CTO
- Director of Security & Compliance
GSEC: GIAC Security Essentials
GSEC is an intermediate to expert level security certification for cyber security professionals. The advantage of GSEC is that it does not need any study material. Instead, it tests your skills based on your practical experience.
GSEC certification proves your knowledge & expertise in information security and demonstrates your eligibility for hands-on IT security roles.
GSEC certification covers various technical skills, such as:
- Access control
- Password management
- Cryptography
- Defensible network architecture
- Network security
- Linux security
- Network mapping
- Web communication security and many more
The GSEC certification is valid for four years.
Job Opportunities:
- Cyber Security Analyst
- Information Security Analyst
- Security Analyst
- Cyber Security Engineer
- Security Engineer
- Information Security Engineer
- Information Security Manager
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
CISA is an advanced level cyber security certification that focuses on information auditing. Five years of experience in information security auditing is needed to take this certification.
CISA certification validates expertise in five domains:
- Information system auditing process
- Governance and IT management
- Information system acquisition
- Information system operations
- Information asset protection
Job Opportunities:
- Internal Auditor
- IS Analyst
- IT Security Officer
- IT Audit Manager
- IT Project Manager
- IT Risk and Assurance Manager
- Privacy Officer
- CIO
Systems Security Certified Practitioner(SSCP)
SSCP is a globally recognized security administration and operation certification.
It's an ideal certification for IT and security professionals with more than five years.
The SSCP certification evaluates your knowledge in these seven security domains:
- Access Controls
- Security Operations and Administration
- Risk Identification, Monitoring, and Analysis
- Incident Response and Recovery
- Cryptography
- Network and Communications Security
- Systems and Application Security
Job Opportunities:
- Information Security Analyst
- Cyber Security Analyst
- Security Analyst
- Security Engineer
- Information Security Engineer
- Information Security Specialist
- Security Architect
Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
If you want to build your career in cloud security, getting a globally recognized CCSP certification is a viable option. CCSP certification provides you knowledge on cloud security architecture, design, operations, and services.
This certification is for security professionals with minimum five years of experience.
The CCSP certification evaluates your knowledge in these six domains:
- Cloud Concepts, Architecture and Design
- Cloud Data Security
- Cloud Platform & Infrastructure Security
- Cloud Application Security
- Cloud Security Operations
- Legal, Risk, and Compliance
Job Opportunities:
- Information Security Analyst
- Information Security Manager
- IT Security Architect
- Senior Engineer Manager
Conclusion
All the cyber security certifications mentioned above are globally recognized. These certifications will help you pursue your cyber security career.
Each certification gives a boost to your resume to pursue higher career opportunities. On that note, if you want to create your entry level cyber security resume, visit our Online Resume Builder, and get your ATS-optimized resume in minutes.
Go to Hiration career platform which has 24/7 chat support and get professional assistance with all your job & career-related queries. You can also write to us at support@hiration.com and we will make sure to reach out to you as soon as possible.
