Boost Your Career with Cybersecurity Certifications

As the digital age continues to expand, the importance of cybersecurity increases. Cybersecurity threats pose a serious risk to businesses of all sizes, which is why those who specialize in preventing and managing such breaches are in high demand. Whether you are just starting out in your career or simply looking to advance, acquiring cybersecurity certifications can boost your career and open up endless opportunities. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about how cybersecurity certifications can help take your career to the next level.

Why Cybersecurity Certifications are Important?

With the ever-increasing sophistication of cyber threats, organizations are under pressure to ensure their networks and systems are fortified against potential intruders. Cybersecurity certifications give organizations the assurance that their employees are well-equipped and trained to handle any threats to their network. Not only do organizations rely on these certifications for their employees, but the certifications can also pave the way for career opportunities, higher salaries and job security.

Certifications play an essential role in demonstrating an individual’s expertise in cybersecurity, providing recognition of their skills in the field, and increasing trust and credibility among organizations and clients. In fact, cybersecurity certifications are typically preferred by many employers when they are looking to hire security professionals.

Top Cybersecurity Certifications

In the cybersecurity industry, there are numerous certifications available, each focusing on different aspects of the field. Below we have compiled the top certifications most respected by employers:

1. CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional

   CISSP is an advanced-level certification that focuses on securing organizations’ information systems. It is designed to validate an individual’s technical and managerial skills, including their abilities in risk management, fraud prevention, and security management practices. The certification requires you to have at least five years of experience in two or more of the domains covered by the CISSP exam.

2. CISM – Certified Information Security Manager

   CISM is designed for professionals who possess expertise in developing and managing information security programs, policies, and strategies. The certification validates the individual’s skills and knowledge in designing and creating security architecture, and managing security risks, governance, and compliance. The certification requires at least five years of work experience in Information Security management.

3. CEH – Certified Ethical Hacker

   CEH certification validates the knowledge and skills required to identify weaknesses and vulnerabilities in an organization’s network, web application, and infrastructure through hacking techniques. The CEH certification is designed for penetration testers, security professionals, and network administrators.

4. OSCP – Offensive Security Certified Professional

   The OSCP certification is one of the most respected certifications in the industry, focusing on hands-on technical skills in penetration testing. The certification requires the individual to demonstrate their technical skills using various tools and techniques to exploit vulnerabilities in different operating systems.

5. Security+ – CompTIA Security+

   The CompTIA Security+ certification is an entry-level certification that covers cybersecurity basics such as network security, cryptography, threat management, and access control. The certification is ideal for beginners who are starting their career in cybersecurity.

How Cybersecurity Certifications Can Boost Your Career

1. Higher Salaries

   In the cybersecurity industry, having certifications proves to employers that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to handle complex security threats, resulting in higher salaries and bonuses. According to Payscale.com, the average salary for a cybersecurity professional with a CISSP certification is $126,000 per year, whereas, without a certification, the average salary is $96,000 annually.

2. Increased Opportunities

   Obtaining a cybersecurity certification opens endless employment opportunities, which would otherwise be inaccessible without the certificate. Most government agencies and large corporations require their IT personnel to have a cybersecurity certification such as CISSP, CISM or Security+ before considering them for a cybersecurity position. Even more, industry certification is a great opportunity for professional development. It shows that you’re continuing to learn and enhance your skills, which can open doors for senior-level positions in the future.

3. Job Security

   Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing sectors in IT, and the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals is higher than ever. Obtaining a cybersecurity certification can greatly impact job security since it shows that you have taken the time and effort to specialize in the field. Skilled cybersecurity professionals are scarce, with industry research showing that cybersecurity positions remained unfilled for an average of 12 weeks. Having a cybersecurity certification demonstrates that an individual is serious about their profession, committed to their work, and continuously upgrading their skills to remain current and compatible with industry trends.

4. Professional Credibility

   Acquiring a cybersecurity certification is an excellent way to demonstrate your professional credibility, recognizing you as an expert in the field of cybersecurity. This recognition is crucial to developing trust with both your clients and peers while attracting new, high-value clients. Clients need to have trust in cybersecurity professionals since allowing an individual to access an organization’s sensitive data and private information is a significant investment. The certification demonstrates that you possess the necessary knowledge and skills to handle sensitive information and mitigate any potential cybersecurity attacks that could harm their system.

How to Get Certified

1. Choose a Certification that suits your career goals

   Choosing an appropriate certification that aligns with your career goals is crucial. This consideration will help you to identify what technology or area of interest you want to specialize in. For example, if penetration testing interests you, the OSCP certification would be the right fit, but if you need a certification as an entry-level into cybersecurity, the Security+ certification may be more appropriate.

2. Attend an Authorized Training Course

   To get certified, you will need to enroll in a training program authorized by the certification provider. The training course will require a fee, and the prices may vary depending on the certification course you choose. Furthermore, based on the course being chosen, the certification training may require weeks to months to complete.

3. Prepare for and pass the exam

   Once you have completed the authorized training course, you will need to sit for the official certification exam. You must pass this exam to earn your certification. The exams typically take between three to four hours each and may require a certain level of industry experience to be eligible to sit for it.

Conclusion

Getting certified in cybersecurity is an investment in your future. It enables you to enhance your professional standing, establish credibility, increase earning potential, and access niche job positions. The cybersecurity industry is rapidly growing and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Therefore, keeping up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies through certification courses will keep you competitive and prepared to tackle evolving cybersecurity threats. Take your shot and gain the relevant cybersecurity certifications to advance your career today!