6 Best Cybersecurity Certifications to Boost Your Cybersecurity Career

In today’s digital age, cybersecurity has become an increasingly important field. With cyberattacks becoming more sophisticated and frequent, businesses and organizations are seeking skilled professionals to help protect their networks, systems, and data.

One way to demonstrate your expertise in this field is by obtaining a cybersecurity certification. In this article, we will explore the best cybersecurity certifications and provide feedback from students who have obtained these certifications.

What is a Cybersecurity Certification?

A cybersecurity certification is a credential that verifies an individual’s knowledge and skills in the field of cybersecurity. These certifications are typically earned through a combination of training, education, and testing. They are awarded by various organizations, including universities, professional associations, and technology vendors.

Why is a cybersecurity certification important?

A cybersecurity certification demonstrates to employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to protect their networks, systems, and data. It can also increase your earning potential and open up new job opportunities. Additionally, obtaining a cybersecurity certification can help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in the field.

What are the Best Cybersecurity Certifications?

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

The CISSP certification is one of the most widely recognized and respected cybersecurity certifications. It is awarded by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC)². To obtain this certification, you must have at least five years of experience in the field of cybersecurity and pass a rigorous exam covering eight domains, including security and risk management, asset security, and software development security.

Student feedback: “I obtained my CISSP certification last year, and it has been a game-changer for my career. I’ve been able to land higher-paying jobs and work on more challenging projects. The certification process was tough, but it was worth it in the end.”

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

The CEH certification is awarded by the International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants (EC-Council). It is designed for individuals who want to learn how to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in networks, systems, and applications. To obtain this certification, you must pass an exam covering topics such as network security, system hacking, and web application security.

Student feedback: “I obtained my CEH certification earlier this year, and it has helped me better understand how to protect my company’s networks and systems from cyber threats. The certification process was challenging, but it was well worth the effort.”

CompTIA Security+

The CompTIA Security+ certification is an entry-level certification designed for individuals who are just starting out in the field of cybersecurity. It is awarded by CompTIA, a non-profit trade association that provides training and certification for IT professionals. To obtain this certification, you must pass an exam covering topics such as threat management, cryptography, and network security.

Student feedback: “I obtained my CompTIA Security+ certification last year, and it helped me land my first cybersecurity job. The certification process was relatively easy, and the study materials were very helpful.”

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

The CISM certification is awarded by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA). It is designed for individuals who are responsible for managing, designing, and overseeing the security of information systems. To obtain this certification, you must have at least five years of experience in the field of information security, pass an exam covering four domains, and agree to abide by a code of ethics.

Student feedback: “I obtained my CISM certification a few years ago, and it has helped me advance my career in information security management. The certification process was challenging, but the study materials provided by ISACA were very helpful.”

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

The CISA certification is awarded by the ISACA and is designed for individuals who are responsible for auditing, controlling, and monitoring IT systems and infrastructure. To obtain this certification, you must have at least five years of experience in information systems auditing, control, or security, pass an exam covering five domains, and agree to abide by a code of ethics.

Student feedback: “I obtained my CISA certification a few years ago, and it has been invaluable in my career as an information systems auditor. The certification process was challenging, but the exam covered all the important areas in information systems auditing.”

Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

The CCSP certification is awarded by the (ISC)² and is designed for individuals who are responsible for securing cloud-based applications and infrastructure. To obtain this certification, you must have at least five years of experience in the field of IT, including three years in information security and one year in cloud security, pass an exam covering six domains, and agree to abide by a code of ethics.

Student feedback: “I obtained my CCSP certification last year, and it has helped me better understand how to secure cloud-based applications and infrastructure. The certification process was challenging, but the study materials provided by (ISC)² were very helpful.”

Cybersecurity Certifications Roadmap

If you are passionate about cybersecurity and would like to dive deep into all the possible cybersecurity certifications that’s available in the market, this below map from Paul Jerimy must be very helpful.

The website is updated periodically, so bookmark it to see any new certifications added to the list.

Cybersecurity Certifications and Potential Jobs

Obtaining a cybersecurity certification can open up various job opportunities in the field of cybersecurity. Here are some examples of jobs that students can aim at after completing each of the mentioned certifications:

1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Students who obtain this certification can aim at various cybersecurity jobs such as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), IT Security Manager, Security Consultant, Security Analyst, Security Architect, and Network Security Engineer.
2. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Students who obtain this certification can aim at various cybersecurity jobs such as Penetration Tester, Information Security Analyst, Network Security Analyst, Security Consultant, and Cybersecurity Analyst.
3. CompTIA Security+: Students who obtain this certification can aim at various cybersecurity jobs such as Security Specialist, Security Administrator, Systems Administrator, Network Administrator, and Cybersecurity Analyst.
4. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM): Students who obtain this certification can aim at various cybersecurity jobs such as Information Security Manager, IT Risk Manager, IT Security Consultant, Compliance Manager, and Security Architect.
5. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA): Students who obtain this certification can aim at various cybersecurity jobs such as Information Systems Auditor, IT Compliance Manager, Security Consultant, and IT Audit Manager.
6. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP): Students who obtain this certification can aim at various cybersecurity jobs such as Cloud Security Architect, Cloud Security Consultant, Cloud Security Engineer, and Cloud Security Administrator.

It’s important to note that the job titles and roles may vary based on the organization, industry, and the student’s previous experience and qualifications. However, obtaining a cybersecurity certification can help students stand out in the job market and demonstrate their expertise in the field of cybersecurity.

Security Vendors that offer Best Cybersecurity Certifications

Many top security vendors offer cybersecurity certifications for their software products. These certifications are designed to validate the skills and knowledge of professionals who use and manage the vendor’s products, and demonstrate their proficiency in implementing, configuring, and securing the software.

Here are some examples of top security vendors that offer cybersecurity certifications for their software,

Security Vendors	Cybersecurity Certifications
Cisco	Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Security certification and the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Security certification
Microsoft	Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate Certification Microsoft 365 Certified: Security Administrator Associate Certification
Symantec	Symantec Certified Specialist (SCS) Certification Symantec Certified Professional (SCP) Certification
Palo Alto Networks	Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE) Palo Alto Networks Certified Security Automation Engineer (PCSAE)
Check Point	Check Point Certified Security Administrator (CCSA) certification Check Point Certified Security Expert (CCSE) certification

Cybersecurity certifications from top security vendors can be valuable for professionals who use and manage the vendor’s products. These certifications demonstrate a high level of proficiency and knowledge in implementing and securing the software, and can be an excellent addition to a cybersecurity professional’s resume.

Free Cybersecurity Certifications for Students

There are some free cybersecurity certifications available online. Here are a few examples:

1. Cybersecurity and Information Security (Cybrary): Cybrary is an online learning platform that offers free cybersecurity courses and certifications. Their courses cover a range of topics, including network security, ethical hacking, digital forensics, and cloud security. Students can earn a certificate of completion for each course they complete.
2. Introduction to Cybersecurity (Cisco): Cisco offers a free course on cybersecurity called “Introduction to Cybersecurity.” The course covers topics such as cybersecurity principles, security architecture, and security governance. Students can earn a certificate of completion after completing the course.
3. Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) Security Fundamentals: Microsoft offers a free certification called MTA Security Fundamentals. The certification covers topics such as security layers, operating system security, network security, and security software. Students can prepare for the certification exam by taking a free online course or using study materials provided by Microsoft.
4. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Exam Preparation (OpenEDG): OpenEDG offers a free course on CISSP Exam Preparation. The course covers topics such as access control, cryptography, and security architecture. Students can earn a certificate of completion after completing the course.

While these certifications may not be as recognized or prestigious as some of the paid certifications, they can still be a valuable addition to a student’s resume and demonstrate their knowledge and commitment to the field of cybersecurity.

In conclusion, obtaining a cybersecurity certification is a great way to demonstrate your expertise in the field of cybersecurity. It can help you increase your earning potential, open up new job opportunities, and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in the field.

The best cybersecurity certifications include the CISSP, CEH, CompTIA Security+, CISM, CISA, and CCSP. Feedback from students who have obtained these certifications indicates that the certification process can be challenging, but the benefits are well worth the effort.

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