As technology is developing at an unprecedented rate, cybersecurity becomes critical. Organizations relying on remote workforce and virtual support often suffer from asset loss and data breaches. To deal with this ever-growing concern, the demand for formally qualified professionals has peaked.
Many online-operating companies hire cyber security experts to deflect cyberattacks and protect cloud resources and services. They are ready to pay seasoned pros that hold worldwide accepted certifications more. And while these aren’t always a must, providing a formal verification of your skills will add value to prospective employers.
This article outlines the best globally acknowledged certifications for information security professionals. Learn what it takes to stand out from the crowd, earn more, and move up the career ladder of highly-rewarding jobs.
1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional
CISSP certification tops our list as it is in high demand by enterprises. It has a far-reaching global relevance and provides solid earning opportunities. Offered by the (ISC)2, the cybersecurity certificate is ideal for experienced specialists. Hence, if you’re a novice in the field, you might want to start elsewhere.
Moreover, CISSP requires five-year prior exposure as a security analyst and involves a three-year recertification cycle. Once you pass the exam, you can become a CISO and earn $150k per year. The cybersecurity program focuses on networks and communication security, managing risks, asset security, identity and access management, and testing.
The training time needed to complete the CISSP depends on your expertise and the selected learning method. You can opt for intensive five-day classroom lectures or self-paced learning. Typically, spending 200 hours of study should be enough to pass the $749 examination.
2. Certified Information Security Manager
Under the guidance of ISACA, CISM certification is a high-end diploma for cybersecurity professionals with over five-year work experience. The module boosts your expertise in managing programs, network security governance, and incident response and remediation. Once passed, you can pursue different IT careers, including managerial roles.
In today’s highly computerized world, the stress falls on CISOs. Aaron Levi, who is a cybersecurity training officer and also works as a writer for PapersOwl, claims: “Security leaders are under a lot of pressure to show quick wins while knowing full well that everything they do will be heavily scrutinized and challenged, and ultimately, they will pay the price for things that are not under their control’’.
Like other certifications, there’s a 36-month reassessment period that requires study credits. The passing score is 450 out of 800 points in a final four-hour test. The fee to acquire the certificate is $575 for members and $760 for non-members, plus $50 to apply. Preparation costs range depending on whether you prefer in-person or online self-study training.
3. Certified Information Systems Auditor
CISA is another valuable certification for cyber security specialists that strive toward leadership positions. Entry-level IT employees who want to build on their skillset can also join the course, but they need to have five-year experience. Still, waivers are possible.
CISA certifications target cybersecurity areas such as computer systems auditing, acquisition, development, governance, and implementation. Other fields you must cover include IT systems operations, business resilience, and assets protection.
Learning can be intensive and in-person, but you can also choose to grasp the material through online tutorials. Candidates must earn 450 out of 800 points to pass the examination every three years for recertification. Besides the $50 application cost, the exam fee is $575 for members and $760 for everybody else.
4. EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker
The CEH certification is among the top courses for developing security analysis and penetration testing skills. It arms you with the latest TTP and ransomware attack trends. Plus, it offers prerequisites for defensive and offensive security, ethical hacking, cryptography, and reconnaissance techniques.
The certification prepares eager specialists to pinpoint vulnerabilities before malicious actors attack. Exactly 20 modules covering over 270 attack technologies contain everything you must know about cybercriminals’ practices.
The certification is valid for three years, with recertification as a must. Prior two-year involvement in InfoSec or a CEH certificate is essential to sit the exam. As for the formal course, it takes intensive 40 hours over five days to complete. The minimum passing score is at least 60% or 75 out of the 125-question quiz. The overall cost is $1,199 plus $100 to apply.
5. GIAC Security Essentials Certification
GSEC is another highly appreciated module in 2022 available to IT specialists ranging from beginners to experienced administrators. Yet, prior knowledge of IT fundamentals would be an incredible asset. The primary areas of this course are vulnerability scanning, active defense, incident response and handling, cryptography, and Windows and Linux security.
Jobs you may consider include information security administrator, forensic analyst, or penetration tester. To this end, you must undergo six-day in-person sessions or explore affiliate lessons. The exam format includes up to 180 questions with a passing score of 73% as the bare minimum.
Note that recertification occurs at four-year intervals. The cost for taking the exam and two practice tests is $2,499.
6. CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner
CASP+ is an advanced-level certification with hands-on sessions for security practitioners. The course addresses the following technical and operational skills: governance, compliance, security architecture, risk management, engineering, and cryptography.
The three-year validity of CASP+ certification means continuing education is necessary. Moreover, CompTIA believes that applicants with ten-year operational and five-year security experience are ideal for the exam. The 90 questions are multiple-choice and performance-based with a pass or fail option.
Interested applicants can get a self-paced study guide before taking the 165-minute exam. The starting fee is $480, while the e-learning bundle is $1,299.
Final Thoughts
So, is a cybersecurity certification worth the time and effort, and how do you pick the right course? Almost 70% percent of security specialists had to provide formal proof to their employer. Hence, credentials can help you land a lucrative job faster and with fewer requirements.
Earning an information cyber security certificate can validate your adeptness and bolster your career. To excel, consider your background, skills, and upfront investment when choosing the best cybersecurity course.
Working as a cyber security solutions architect, Alisa focuses on application and network security. Before joining us she held a cyber security researcher positions within a variety of cyber security start-ups. She also experience in different industry domains like finance, healthcare and consumer products.
