Top 9 Cyber Security Certifications to Up Your Skills in 2024

Cyber Security Certifications 
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The software industry constantly changes, and staying competitive requires continual skill upgrading by attaining the most recent and sought-after certifications. Consider acquiring one or more certifications in 2024 to improve your professional opportunities and ensure your pay scale continues to rise. Here, therefore, are the best nine cyber security certifications to up your skills for 2024.

Cyber Security Certifications 

#1. Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP):

This certification confirms your advanced technical skills in monitoring and administering an organization’s IT infrastructure. ISC2 issues this intermediate-level security certificate; the exam fee is $263 plus additional charges. To take this exam, you must have at least 18 months of prior experience in IT security.

#2. CompTIA Security+:

This certification teaches IT workers the fundamentals of cybersecurity, including laws and regulations governing cyber risks and compliance, as well as incident response in cloud, mobile, and IoT contexts. Equally, you must have prior IT or system administration expertise to qualify for this $400+ test.

#3. GIAC Security Certification:

This certification is tailored for those with information systems and networking backgrounds and costs between $1000 and $1300. Completing a GIAC Security course and having three years of expertise in information security are prerequisites.

#4. CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional):

This advanced ISC2 certification is required for security executive, security manager, and security practitioner positions. Comparatively, you must have five years of experience in security and risk management, asset security, security architecture and engineering, communication and network security, security assessment and testing, software development security, and identity and access management to be eligible for this certification. The price is around $800.

#5. CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor):

This ISACA certification is appropriate for people who want to work as cybersecurity auditors. CISA prepares you to evaluate security vulnerabilities, validate the security framework, and report compliance violations. Candidates must have five years of experience in information security auditing, control, and assurance, and the exam will cost approximately $760.

#6. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH):

EC-Council offers this certification, which verifies abilities in penetration testing, attack detection, and prevention. CEH candidates will legally learn to spot security issues by simulating organizational hacking. This certification costs over $1200 to complete, and you must have at least five years of information security experience and instruction from a credible university.

Best Cyber Security Certifications 

Cybersecurity certifications demonstrate that you have an in-depth understanding of hacking and cyberattacks. These certifications indicate that you know the best practices and tactics for ensuring corporate privacy and security.

IT professionals who achieve certifications gain access to thorough training modules and exam prep materials. Along with knowledge, cybersecurity certifications can help employees’ organizations gain trust.

Entry-level certifications are a wonderful place to start if you’re just getting started in cybersecurity and wondering how to get started. Similarly, if you want to progress your career and earn higher cybersecurity pay, certifications can help you get there by enhancing your cybersecurity CV.

#1. CompTIA Security+ certification

CompTIA Security+ is a basic, important credential that validates foundational abilities for cybersecurity professionals. It is recognized as a top global certification. This designation is a stepping stone to mid-level positions and satisfies DoD 8570 compliance.

Students will gain technical competence in architecture and design, implementation, operations and incident response, governance, compliance, and other areas as they overcome difficulties using real-world examples.

#2. Microsoft Certified: Fundamentals of Security, Compliance, and Identity

This certification is ideal for anybody looking to gain a thorough grasp of Microsoft’s Security Compliance and Identity (SCI) solutions. Prospective students should be familiar with Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365. Additionally, they should also have experience with networks, cloud computing, and IT.

#3. CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)

(ISC)2 offers an intermediate-level certification, which is widely regarded in the cybersecurity area. The certificate is intended for professionals learning about security design, implementation, and management. Prospective CISSPs must have at least five years of experience to be eligible for the exam. Individuals with less experience may be interested in pursuing the Associate of (ISC)2 certification.

Note: The four-hour exam includes 125 to 175 questions. (ISC)2 offers exam preparation in various ways, including instructor-led online sessions, online self-paced modules, and private instruction.

#4. CISM®: Certified Information Security Manager

This ISACA certification, ideal for security professionals wishing to advance into management positions, covers tactical expertise in information security governance, risk and incident management, and program development. CISM candidates must demonstrate full-time industry experience and complete an application in addition to passing the exam.

#5. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)®

This certification is helpful for people in mid-level and entry-level cybersecurity jobs because it covers five areas: the auditing process for information systems; the governance and management of IT; the acquisition, development, and implementation of information systems; the operations and business dependability of information systems; and the protection of information assets.

Similarly, candidates must pass the exam and seek certification with suitable industry credentials, just like the CISM certification.

Entry-Level Cyber Security Certifications 

The cybersecurity certifications listed below are excellent approaches to strengthening your skill set and boosting your resume for hiring managers looking to recruit and retain the best personnel.

#1. Microsoft Certified: Fundamentals of Security, Compliance, and Identity

One of the “entry-level” credentials highly recommended is Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals. This certification, aimed at students, business users, and IT professionals, validates knowledge of various cybersecurity subjects, including general Microsoft 365 and Azure. It also considers general IT knowledge, job experience, and familiarity with cloud and networking computing ideas. To get certified, you must pass a single exam that costs $99.

Microsoft advises using its self-paced Microsoft Learn content to increase your chances of getting this certification. Microsoft also recommends attending training events, taking practice exams, and shadowing security, compliance, and identity management professionals. 

#2. The Fundamentals of ISACA Cybersecurity

ISACA is well-known in the security business for its long-standing certifications, such as Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), and comparable credentials, many of which grant intermediate to advanced credentials. They are specifically intended for IT professionals who want to assist in preventing and mitigating network security risks and vulnerabilities.

#3. GIAC Fundamentals of Information Security (GISF)

The GISF certification is designed for system administrators, managers, and information security officers who require a thorough understanding of computer networks, security policies, incident response, and cryptographic principles. 

The GISF test is more complex than the CompTIA Security+ exam. GIAC certification tests generally demand test takers apply knowledge and problem-solving abilities. Therefore, training or on-the-job experience is recommended.

The GISF examination costs $949. Even though GIAC offers two practice examinations in the certification-attempt package, this exam is rather expensive.

Google Cyber Security Certifications

The Google Cybersecurity Certificate focuses on basic business aptitude abilities such as communication, critical thinking, collaboration and teamwork, prioritization, escalation, and the skills required to be a cybersecurity analyst.

In the certificate program, you’ll master these job-ready abilities through interactive content (hands-on tasks, discussion prompts, and quizzes) in under six months, with 5-10 hours of weekly study. You’ll finish a curriculum that Google experts with years of experience will be teaching along the way.

After completing the program, you will have access to career tools. Afterward, you will be connected directly with over 20 employers who have committed to evaluating Google Career Certificate graduates for open entry-level positions.

Moreover, you’ll learn how to use security programming (e.g., SQL, Linux, and Python) as well as security information and event management systems (e.g., Chronicle and Splunk). You’ll also employ an intrusion detection system (for example, Suricata), frameworks and rules to inform security operations (for example, NIST CSF, NIST RMF, CIA Triad), and packet capture and analysis (for example, tcpdump, Wireshark).

#1. Cybersecurity Foundations

This course introduces cybersecurity and emphasizes the essential skills and information required to become a cybersecurity analyst. It provides instructions on how cyber attacks affect business operations, standard technologies IT security specialists use, and ethical security considerations.

#2. Security Risk Management

This section of your cybersecurity certificate addresses the most critical threats, hazards, and vulnerabilities that affect corporate operations. Students will use basic cyber-security tools such as Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) and incident response playbooks.

#3. Network Security

In this section from Google’s cybersecurity certificate program, learn about the many kinds of computer networks, how data travels through them, and how to protect your network from typical cyberattacks.

#4. SQL and Linux Security Tools

This curriculum section focuses on the importance of computer hardware, software, and operating systems in cyber security. Students will learn how to accomplish typical security tasks using various platforms, like Linux and SQL.

#5. Assets and Vulnerabilities

This Google cybersecurity certificate course will teach you how to classify assets, examine attack surfaces for vulnerabilities, and recognize common cyber threats such as malware, social engineering, and web-based exploits.

What Certificates Should You Get for Cyber Security? 

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is a management-oriented certification, while the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is a more technical, hands-on approach. These usually necessitate a few years of relevant expertise.

What Is the Basic Cyber Security Certification? 

CompTIA Security+ certification

It is regarded as one of the best entry-level cybersecurity certifications for any new or aspiring security professional because it verifies your qualifications for an entry-level cybersecurity career. Attacks, threats, and vulnerabilities are among the topics covered in the exam—architectural and design work.

Is the Certified in Cybersecurity Worth It? 

For starters, security certification indicates your professional dedication to information security. Secondly, it can assist you in finding work, and thirdly, it can boost your earning potential. Earning a certification demands commitment as well as a financial and time investment.

Can I Learn Cyber Security in 6 Months? 

In less than 6 months, at fewer than 10 hours per week of part-time study, most students may get their Google Cybersecurity Certificate for less than $300. On the other hand, Google Career Certificates may be less expensive in places where they are offered.

Can I Get a Cybersecurity Job Without a Degree? 

The simple answer is no; you may enter the field of cybersecurity without a degree by attending an intensive, hands-on boot camp or educating yourself independently. Each option has benefits and cons, so examine your learning preferences before picking the ideal path.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Cyber Security Certification? 

The costs associated with these certifications vary, with the Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) priced at $249 and the GIAC Security Essentials priced at $2,499.

Is the Cyber Security Exam Hard? 

This is not a simple exam for new students. Even experienced participants find it difficult. However, if you spend enough time planning, you will undoubtedly succeed. So, make sure you give yourself enough time to review the material so you may feel secure when taking the exam.

Is Cyber Security Hard for Beginners?

Learning cybersecurity can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be, especially if you’re interested in technology. Develop an interest in the technologies you’re working with, and you could discover that complex abilities become easier to learn.

Conclusion

In conclusion, certifications at the entry-level can help you take off, advance, or otherwise steer a successful IT career. IT certifications are particularly valuable since they show prospective employers that you are dedicated to learning and growing in your field.

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References

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