Cybersecurity breaches can affect anyone, from small startups to large corporations such as Facebook and Uber. The Bureau of Labor Statistics places the rate of growth for jobs in information security at around 37%, from 2012 to 2022. The same report also points out that there will be (and are) more job openings than certified professionals to fill them.
Arguably, the best way to start a career in information security is through cybersecurity certifications. Without further ado, here are the top five information security certifications that can help you start and advance your career in this space:
1. Certified Ethical Hacker: CEH
Identifying how hackers think and act in order to use vulnerabilities in the system is the first step towards protecting the system. IT professionals who do this to expose security flaws in existing systems and improve them are known as White Hat hackers or white hats.
The Certified Ethical Hacker or CEH, is an important credential of the middle tier, provided by the International Council of E-commerce Consultants. IT professionals in the security fields should absolutely get certified as CEH.
These professionals possess the basic skills and knowledge required to combat common hacking attacks, like reconnaissance, footprinting, hijacking, scanning, SQL injection and so on.
It has to be updated every 3 years and can be taken after either a 5-day training or in self-study mode, with proof of two years of experience in cybersecurity.
The next step is a six-hour-long rigorous practical exam, performed on live virtual machines.
2. Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP)
There are a number of companies that consider it a basic requirement for their employees to be CISSP certified before they enter the world of network security. The course involves training in Access controls, telecommunication, networking, and cryptography, and requires you to have three to five years of experience in the industry.
The highest certification of its kind, it can open doors to some very interesting offers. While it could significantly boost salaries for many security positions, it is a must-have for those who are looking at the position of Chief Information Security Officer.
Some even go as far as to call it the crown jewel of the certifications in the field. Passing the training and the exam could take you a long way indeed.
3. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
With a number of companies, both large and small, moving their operations to the cloud platform, cloud security and data privacy have become factors that demand consideration.
Cloud requires tailor-made security solutions. They cannot use the tried and tested network solutions developed for other platforms, and thus need a more innovative way of thinking.
CCSP provides professionals with a cloud-centered perspective, familiarizing them with the architecture and operations of cloud technology, and enabling them to understand cloud security better. It also sheds light on the legal and compliance aspect of the cloud, making professionals well suited to the changes that cloud brings in their section or organization.
This is a must-have InfoSec certification for candidates who wish to work on the cloud domain, as cloud security is the way to the future.
4. Cisco Certified Network Associate Security (CCNA Security)
A number of organizations use Cisco networks and require professionals who can protect these networks from malicious attacks. CCNA is proof that you are capable of protecting Cisco networks and could propel your career forward in the network security domain.
It is a very strong foundation, and also proves that you can assess and identify potential threats, mitigate the risks, and develop a good security infrastructure, all on a Cisco network. This infosec training is very relevant for organizations using Cisco networks, and for network engineers looking to improve their Cisco skills sets.
CCNA is going to change after February 2020, so getting certified before that is a great idea.
5. GIAC Security Essentials
Aimed at those looking at entry-level certs, this is a great start. The training and examination together equip you to deal with common attacks, access controls, password management and so on.
It requires renewal every four years so that professionals can keep themselves updated with what's new in the industry. They must obtain 36 continuing credits, making it a very valuable certification to have.
With the number of certifications available, it is wise that you opt for one that could give you the maximum competitive edge in the current cyber scenario. With attackers finding new methods to exploit vulnerabilities, it is vital that security professionals are in the loop and can protect systems and networks from those with malicious intent.
Infosec is a very important field as far as data is concerned, and this data is safe in the hands of those equipped to deal with it. That is why such infosec training and courses make one a valuable addition to any organization.
How InfoSec Certification can Boost Your Resume
InfoSec courses can help you acquire new skills that will help you make your mark in the cybersecurity world. It could open up a number of new career opportunities like cybersecurity Engineering, specialist, analyst or architect. While this is just the beginning of cyber roles, adding new skills to your skillset is a great way to advance your career, and that can only be achieved if you have a strong foundation.
A large number of people have been upgrading their skills in this sector, with infosec classes and certifications. Recent research reports that were put together by the sslstore states that 70% of employees in the IT sector lack a basic understanding of cybersecurity and related practices.
This is a field that could use a lot of growth and innovation. Infosec certification is a sure-shot way of ensuring that your value increases in the competitive industry while keeping your skills constantly updated. It could make you an invaluable asset in the workplace and open up new roles as well.
If you have questions about information security, go ahead and ask them. And if you want to check out the training we have, please go to our course catalog and start your free trial today.