What Certifications Should a Cybersecurity Program Have?
Have you ever wondered if cybersecurity certifications were available? Learn.org identifies the best cybersecurity certifications to pursue for success in the field.
Cybersecurity is a constantly evolving career that encourages professionals to continue learning throughout their careers. To keep up with the changes, cybersecurity professionals have become reliant on certifications.
Certifications are a great way for professionals to demonstrate their knowledge and skillset in a particular area of cybersecurity. Because the field is so broad, there are so many certifications available that cover all areas within the field.
This article explains the importance of cybersecurity certifications and provides a list of some of the best ones to pursue in the industry.
What Is A Cybersecurity Certification?
Cybersecurity certificate programs present individuals with an opportunity to further their careers in the field. The programs are available to individuals actively employed in the field as well as new recruits in search of new credentials.
Each certification requires that each student pass an exam that tests their knowledge in a specialized area within cybersecurity and information technology.
The certifications help to validate an individual's abilities to take on advanced positions in cybersecurity and allow professionals to impress companies and organizations who are in search of new recruits.
What Types Of Cybersecurity Certification Programs Are Available?
Certifications in cybersecurity can be ideal for new or experienced professionals in the field. Below is a list of the common certifications seen in the cybersecurity industry.
1. CompTIA Security+
The CompTIA Security+ certification is considered to be the first certification any aspiring cybersecurity professional should pursue.
The certification primarily covers a wide variety of topics, such as:
- assessing attacks, threats, and vulnerabilities
- security design
- governance, risk, and compliance
- implementation of security solutions
Ultimately, the certification provides individuals with the core skills needed for success in cybersecurity and is appropriate for individuals in entry-level positions.
This certification is also ideal for professionals with two years of experience in IT administration and who have completed a CompTIA Network+ course.
To earn this certification, participants must pay a $392 fee as well as pass an exam.
2. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
A Certified Information Security Manager certification is primarily available for individuals who are interested in entering the management side of cybersecurity.
The three areas of the exam include:
- information security governance
- information security risk management
- incident management
Security managers focus on ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements as well as leading the overall security strategy.
Throughout the certification course, participants are provided with different skills and areas of knowledge as security managers.
There are experience requirements for taking the test and becoming certified. The application for certification is completed through the ISACA website. The exam costs $575 for members and $760 for non-members.
3. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
The CISSP is another advanced certification that is primarily designed for security practitioners, managers, and executives who are interested in software development security.
The areas that are covered are:
- security and risk management
- asset security
- security architecture and engineering
- communication and network security
- identity and access management
- security assessment and testing
- security operations
- software development security
In order to qualify for this certification, candidates must have at least five years of paid work experience in two or more of the areas listed above.
After gaining the certification, candidates can explore numerous career fields, such as:
- chief information security officer
- director of security
- IT manager
- security manager
4. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
The CEH certification is ideal for ethical hackers in cybersecurity.
Throughout the certification program, candidates take a variety of modules, such as:
- scanning networks
- vulnerability analysis
- system hacking
- malware threats
- session hijacking
- hacking web servers
The CEH certification is another industry standard for individuals interested in hacking and penetration testing.
This particular certification is aimed towards:
- cybersecurity auditors
- cyber defense analysts
- warning analysts
- network engineers
- cybersecurity consultants
The CEH exam costs $950 and has multiple vendors providing the required courses.
5. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
The CISA certification is designed for professionals who are seeking a position in the auditing, controlling, and monitoring of information technology systems.
This area in cybersecurity is growing relatively fast and is becoming a popular area within the industry.
The overall areas included in the training and exam are:
- information systems and auditing process
- governance and management of IT
- information systems acquisition, development, and implementation
- information systems operations and business resilience
- protection of information assets
This certification is best for security engineers who are transitioning into auditing, or auditors who want to get certified. CISA holders must have relevant work experience in core practice areas and pay a fee.
Earn A Cybersecurity Certification Today
There is a wide range of cybersecurity certifications available to advance an individual's cybersecurity career. If any of these certifications interest you, please enroll in an online certification program today.