Increase your skills as a cybersecurity professional by getting certified. Here is a list of some of the best cybersecurity certifications available today.
Cyber attacks continue to increase. We can blame it on rapid technological advancement or the inability of companies to keep up (or both). Either way, the threat is serious.
According to Accenture’s recent State of cybersecurity resilience report, cybersecurity attacks increased by 31% between 2020 and 2021. In 2021, companies experienced an average of 270 attacks.
One attack is too many for any company. IBM’s recent Cost of a data breach report found that 2021 had the highest average data breach cost in 17 years: $4.24 million.
While these numbers are alarming, companies can improve their security posture by implementing more robust security practices, such as zero trust.
TO SEE: Why organizations love zero trust, but are slow to adopt it? (TechRepublic)
Unfortunately, these complex security practices require highly trained cybersecurity professionals to implement and manage them. If you are a professional looking to join the world of IT and cybersecurity, now is the time to do so.
If you’re looking for work, one of the best ways to make sure your resume stands out is to get a certification in your chosen field. Fortunately, there are several cybersecurity certifications to choose from. Here we dive into some of your options.
Why get a cybersecurity certification?
A cybersecurity certification can help you demonstrate your skills in cryptography, SecOps, and other cybersecurity disciplines. Plus, it can help you stand out to potential employers when applying for new positions. If you are currently employed, a cybersecurity certification can help you progress in your role, opening the door to many possibilities.
TO SEE: 19 of the Best Tech Certification Preparation Tools (TechRepublic)
Best Cybersecurity Certifications
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
The Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP) certification is offered by (ISC)². According to (ISC)², this certification helps professionals prove their skills in designing, implementing and managing cybersecurity programs.
The CISSP is best suited for experienced cybersecurity professionals such as analysts and architects, as well as those in the C-suite such as Chief Information Officers. If the CISSP isn’t for you, (ISC)² also offers certifications such as the CCSP for Cloud Security and the HCISPP for Security and Privacy in Healthcare†
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA is a leader in certification for professionals within the tech industry. The CompTIA Security+ certification is sought after by many employers. In fact, according to CompTIA, this certification is chosen by more companies than any other certification on the market.
The CompTIA Security+ certification covers topics such as forensics, risk management, and cloud operations. Unlike many other certifications, the CompTIA Security+ certification requires professionals to prove their practical problem-solving skills.
CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)
For security professionals looking for a more advanced CompTIA certification, this may be the one for you.
The CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) certification is intended for “advanced practitioners” in security, not individuals in management positions. The CASP+ is best for security architects or engineers who get their hands dirty every day within critical networks.
CASP+ covers how to build a security architecture and how to implement the right solutions to protect it. Practitioners learn the ins and outs of governance, risk, and compliance, as well as cryptography and other disciplines.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
The Certified Ethical Hacker EC-Council (CEH) certification is the highest-rated ethical hacking certification. This certification provides security professionals with knowledge about the hacking tools and techniques used to hack ethically.
Within this certification, professionals have access to hands-on hacking exercises, live demonstrations, and more. Subject matter covers everything from cloud computing to web applications used for hacking.
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
The Certified Information System Auditor (CISA) is designed for professional security auditors who want to prove their expertise. This certification covers audit processes, governance, information systems development, asset protection, and much more.
The CISA is best for entry-level to mid-level professionals with a basic understanding of information systems. Those interested in this certification will find a wide variety of exam preparation materials such as an online assessment course and assessment guides.
GIAC Information Security Fundamentals (GISF)
The Basics of GIAC Information Security (GISF) certification is the perfect option for entry-level cybersecurity professionals, including non-IT security managers and those who have recently transitioned into a career in cybersecurity.
This certification covers the absolute basics of cybersecurity, including terminology, the basics of computer networking, incident response, password usage, network communications, risk management, wireless security, and cryptography.
GIAC also offers additional certifications for cybersecurity professionals, including the GIAC Security Operations certified (GSOC) certification and the GIAC Public Cloud Security (GPCS) certification.
