An Intro to Cybersecurity Certifications
To get good reorganization in cybersecurity, having a cybersecurity certification can give you an edge over others. In this blog, we will discuss some of the well-known cybersecurity certifications.
Note to the readers: Every certification has its own cost and advantage. As it is impossible to cover all the details in a single blog, I will give a short brief about the certificates. Do not worry, links will be provided below each certification to know the upcoming exams, the fees, and the training for exams.
OK, It’s time to dive into this blog!
1. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is one of the most reputed certifications provided by the EC-Council. It tests your knowledge and understanding in the area of ethical hacking and pen-testing. Training is given by the EC Council itself. This certification can be taken by a beginner to test their basic knowledge in cybersecurity. It is easy to clear when compared to most other certifications. A wide range of topics are covered in CEH including database attacks and wireless technologies. Many versions of this certification are available. After completing this certification, you have a wide variety of job opportunities like Security Analyst and Pentester. Overall it’s a great one to begin your certification journey.
To know more about this certification, visit here: https://www.eccouncil.org/programs/certified-ethical-hacker-ceh/
2. CompTIA Certificate Series:
One of the most famous certifications you might hear about from cybersecurity enthusiasts is the CompTIA Certifications. CompTIA is one of the leading providers of IT certifications in the world. They provide a series of certifications like CompTIA: IT fundamentals, A+, Security+, Network+, Linux+, Cloud+, Server+, CySA+, CASP+, Pentest+, Project+, CTT+, Cloud Essentials+. Each certification has its own cost, reference material, and particular domain centered. This certification can help you get jobs like Network Administrator, Security Analyst, Security Operation Engineer, Help Desk Technician, Associate Network Engineer, etc. Again, the jobs are related to the certification you take.
To know more about this certification, visit here: https://www.comptia.org/home
3. Cisco Certification Series:
One of the most valuable certifications in cybersecurity is the one provided by Cisco. Cisco is a US tech company, best known for its networking products which develops, manufactures, and sells networking hardware, telecoms equipment, and other IT services and products. They are the kings of the networking industry.
They provide multiple levels of certifications: Entry level [CCNET, CCT], Associate level [CCNA], Professional level [CCNP,CCDP], Expert level [CCIE,CCDE], and Architect level[CCAr].
Here is a blog by Business Daily which goes into detail about these certifications: https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/10700-cisco-certification-guide.html (Not Promoted)
You can take any certification that aligns with your interest. There are lots of jobs you can get! Depending on the certification you can become a Network Engineer, Systems Administrator, IT Manager, IT Director, etc.
To know more about this certification, visit here: https://www.cisco.com/c/en_in/training-events/training-certifications/certifications.html
4. Certified Information Security Profession (CISSP):
CISSP is an information security certification created by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, also called (ISC)². It is one of the most respected, demanding, and elite certifications in information security. To become a security expert, you must broaden your vision in the field of Information Security. This certification also presents you with a variety of job opportunities. You can decorate your IT certification collection by placing this at the top. This single certification alone can make you stand out among your colleagues and enhance your experience in the field.
To know more about this certification, visit here: https://www.isc2.org/Certifications/CISSP
5. PEN-200 and OSCP:
Do you wish to perform real-time hacking and make a career out of it? (just like Elliot :)) How would you like to root a machine within a deadline (which is challenging in itself) and write reports on every pen-testing you do? Then, the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)certification is for you. It is a real-world penetration testing certification that you must finish in 24hours. Since you have to apply your understanding and test your pen-testing skills, it is a highly technical skill-demanding one. It is one of the hardest certifications to get.
PEN-200 is the foundational course for OSCP. It introduces penetration testing tools and techniques via hands-on experience. According to OSCP, “PEN-200 trains not only the skills but also the mindset required to be a successful penetration tester. Students who complete the course and pass the exam earn the coveted Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) certification.”
To know more about this certification, visit here: https://www.offensive-security.com/
6. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM):
CISM is offered by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA). This certificate validates you as a highly-skilled person in developing, managing an enterprise’s Information Security teams. Having this in your portfolio will enable you to stand out among your employees. You will also be in high demand in managing the Information Security of your enterprise. Like the above two certificates, this one also demands quite an amount of experience in the InfoSec field.
To know more about this certification, visit here: https://www.isaca.org/credentialing/cism
7. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA):
CISA refers to a designation issued by ISACA. This certification is for those interested in information systems audit, control, and security. Similar to CISM, having this certification will boost your career options. You can get recognized at an international level, as a professional with the knowledge, skills, and credibility to offer solutions and to audit all areas related to information systems. Specializing as an IT auditor and earning the CISA certification is a rewarding step for anyone interested in technology, data analytics, and risk assessment.
To know more about this certification, visit here: https://www.isaca.org/credentialing/cisa
Conclusion:
There are many more certificates that we have not discussed, but these are the most common ones I have encountered. As many of the above are require various levels of expertise in various fields, we can gradually increase our knowledge and skills by getting the certifications starting from the lower level. If you are a beginner in this field, then you need not worry too much about these certifications right now. Having done them will give you an advantage though. As a line of motivation, having a passion for this field will help you shine out among your peers. Happy learning :)
