As well as having at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, most cybersecurity professionals will also have a certification that validates their knowledge and understanding of best practices in the industry. In addition to the number of certifications available, there are dozens of vendor-specific certifications available at all levels, from entry-level to advanced.
Before you spend your hard-earned money and time on a certification, it’s crucial that you look for one that will give you a competitive edge in your career and give you a competitive advantage. The following is a list of US job listings across three different job sites that require these cybersecurity certifications in order to be considered for a job.
1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
One of the most sought-after credentials within the cybersecurity industry is the CISSP certification from the cybersecurity professional organization (ISC)2. The CISSP certification demonstrates that you have experience in IT security issues as well as the ability to design, implement, and monitor cybersecurity programs in order to ensure that they are effective.
As a security professional with extensive experience, you will find this advanced certification beneficial to your career advancement in the following roles:
- The salary of the Chief Information Security Officer is $202,390 per year
- The salary for the position of security administrator is $71,512
- The salary for an IT security engineer is $94,971 per year
- The salary of a senior security consultant is $143,410 per year
- Analyst, Information Assurance – $110,061 a year
To qualify for the CISSP exam, you must have a minimum of five years of cumulative work experience in at least two of the eight domains of cybersecurity in order to qualify for the exam. A few of the areas covered by these security based services include Security and Risk Management, Asset Security, Security Architecture and Engineering, Communication and Network Security, Identity and Access Management, Security Assessment and Testing, Security Operations, and Software Development Security.
In order to satisfy the work requirement, a four-year degree in computer science must be completed. Work performed on a part-time basis and internships that are paid are also counted.
The cost (US) is $749
The path to CISSP
Despite a lack of experience in cybersecurity, you can still take the exam to become an Associate of (ISC)2. Once you pass the exam, you will have six years to complete the relevant experience needed for full CISSP certification after passing the exam.
2. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
Having this certification from the IT professional association ISACA demonstrates your expertise in assessing security vulnerabilities, designing and implementing controls, and reporting on compliance in the IT environment. It’s widely recognized as one of the most prestigious certifications for careers in cybersecurity auditing.
Designed for IT professionals at the mid-level who are looking to advance into higher-level positions such as:
- The salary for the position of IT audit manager is $142,459
- 94,454 dollars for a cybersecurity auditor
- Analyst, information security – $104,567 per year
- The salary for an IT security engineer is $114,128.
- The salary for the position of IT project manager is $110,612 per year
- Manager of compliance programs – $110,452 per year
You must have at least five years of experience working in IT audit, control, security, or assurance in the IT field. There is no restriction on substituting one or two years of experience with a two- or four-year degree.
There is a cost of $575 for members and $760 for non-members
Information Systems Auditing, Controls and Assurance
In addition to being listed as one of the Best Free Online Courses of All Time, the course has also been named as the Best Online Course of the Year (2021 Edition)….
The average time it takes to complete a project is one month
Adapt your learning pace to meet your needs
Skills you’ll build:
There are several topics that address information security(INFOSEC), information technology (IT) management, auditing, management of risks, change management.
3. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
If you obtain the CISM certification from ISACA, which is an international certification body, you will be able to acquire a proof of your expertise in matters related to information security management, such as governance, program development, incident management, and risk management.
You might be interested in getting your CISM if you’re seeking to switch from being in the technical side of cybersecurity to a more managerial role. In addition to these types of jobs, the CISM can also be used in:
- A salary of $117,510 is offered to an IT manager
- Security officer for information systems – $96,854
- Consultant in information risk – $96,953 per year
- Information security director – $177,911 per year
- Manager of data governance – $121,208
For you to be eligible to take the CISM exam, you must have worked in the information security sector for at least five years. In order to satisfy this requirement, you must have a minimum of two years of general information security experience. Additionally, if you already have a certificate in good standing or have a graduate degree in an area related to information security, you may be able to waive one or two years.
Members pay $575, non-members $760
Managing Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity management. Organizational cybersecurity management: mastering the basics
Time: 9 months on average
The pace at which you learn is up to you
Skills you’ll build:
Security Management, Network Security, Risk Management, Security Governance, Computer Security Incident Management, Security vulnerabilities and treatments, Threats to cybersecurity, Cybersecurity terminology, cybersecurity program elements, Cybersecurity planning, Cybersecurity performance measurement, Risk identification, Risk treatment, Wireless Security, Intrusion Detection System, Firewall (Computing), Computer Network, Business Continuity, Disaster Recovery, Incident response planning, Cyber-Security Regulation, Cybersecurity Staffing, Contingency Plan, Cybersecurity Governance
4. CompTIA Security+
Obtaining CompTIA Security+ certification is an entry-level security certification that certifies the core skills that are needed for successful job performance in cybersecurity. As part of this certification, you will demonstrate that you are knowledgeable about assessing an organization’s security, monitoring and securing cloud, mobile, and internet of things (IoT) environments, understanding risk and compliance laws, identifying and responding to security incidents and identifying and managing risks.
As a result of achieving your Security+ certification, you will be able to perform the following tasks:
- The salary for this position is $93,197 per year
- There is a salary of $91,768 available for the position of help desk manager
- The salary for a security engineer is $113,661 per year
- The salary for the position of cloud engineer is $117,167
- The salary for the position of security administrator is $71,512
- There is a salary of $97,138 for an IT auditor
- There is a salary of $111,751 for a software developer
Although there are no strict requirements for taking the Security+ exam, you should consider earning your Network+ certification first in order to gain at least two years of IT experience focusing on security as well as having earned your Network+ certification.
It costs $370 to participate in this program
In the early stages of your career, CompTIA recommends that you obtain a Google IT Support Professional Certificate if you are just getting started in information technology (IT). In this course, you will acquire foundational skills in the field of information technology, while preparing for the CompTIA A+ exams, the first step on the path to CompTIA certification.
Google IT Support
If you are interested in a career in IT, this is the path you need to take. In less than 6 months, you will be able to gain a wide range of skills that will make you job-ready with in-demand skills. It is not necessary to have a degree or experience in order to apply.
Average time: 6 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you’ll build:
This course covers a variety of topics, including debugging, encrypting algorithms and techniques, customer service, networking protocols, cloud computing, binary code, customer support, Linux, Linux Troubleshooting, DNS, IPv4, Network Models, Powershell, Linux File Systems, Command-Line Interface, Directory Service, Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP), Backup, Cybersecurity, Wireless Security, Cryptography, Network Security and more.
5. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
An ethical hacker is someone who hacks lawfully into an organization to discover vulnerabilities that can be exploited by malicious players before they do it themselves. This is also known as white hat hacking, penetration testing, or a red team. There is an Ethical Hacking certification offered by EC-Council called the CEH Certified Ethical Hacker . As a pentester, it is important to prove that you are capable of identifying attacks, detecting their vectors, and preventing them.
As a CEH certified professional, you will be able to think like a hacker and will be able to take a more proactive approach to cybersecurity. If you are looking for a job in the following fields, consider this certification:
- There is a cost of $108,520 for the penetration tester
- The salary for the position of cyber incident analyst is $83,276 per year
- The salary for this position is $102,523 per year
- Security architect for cloud computing – $150,509 per year
- Engineer specializing in cybersecurity – $111,025 per year
If you can demonstrate two years of work experience in the field of information security or if you have completed a EC-Council approved training course, you are eligible to take the CEH exam.
If you can demonstrate two years of work experience in the field of information security or if you have completed a EC-Council approved training course, you are eligible to take the CEH exam
Exploiting and Securing Vulnerabilities in Java Applications
This course will provide us with the opportunity to wear a wide variety of hats. In the form of our Attacker Hats, we will exploit Injection issues to steal data, exploit cross-site requests to steal information, and so on.
Average time: 1 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you’ll build:
There are many benefits to using Java as a secure programming language.
6. GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC)
An entry-level security credential offered by the Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC), this certification is suitable for seasoned professionals who have some experience when it comes to information systems and networking. It is important for you to earn this credential in order to verify your skill set in security related topics such as active defense, network security, cryptography, incident response, and cloud security.
If you have some experience in IT and want to move into cybersecurity, you should consider taking the GSEC exam. Skills demonstrated by the GSEC can be applied to the following job roles:
- The salary for the position of IT security manager is $137,487
- A computer forensic analyst earns an annual salary of $81,534
- There is a cost of $108,520 for the penetration tester
- The salary for the position of security administrator is $71,512
- There is a salary of $97,138 for an IT auditor
- The salary for this position is $133,864 per year
The GSEC exam does not require any specific requirements in order to take it. Become familiar with information systems and computer networking first so that you are set up for success in the future.
Two practice tests are included in the cost of $2,499
7. Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
Using this intermediate security credential from (ISC)2, you can demonstrate to employers that you are adept at designing, implementing, and monitoring a secure IT infrastructure according to the latest industry standards. The exam evaluates the candidate’s ability to identify and analyze risks, administer security policies, respond to incidents, employ cryptography, and ensure security of networks, communications, systems, and applications for each of these areas.
SSCP is a certification offered by the SSCP Institute, which is designed for IT professionals who work closely with the security systems of an organization. In order to qualify for this credential, you will need to perform the following tasks:
- Engineer specializing in network security – $118,565 per year
- The salary for a system administrator is $72,647 per year
- The salary for a systems engineer is $102,175 per year
- The salary for the position of security analyst is $96,018
- A database administrator earns a salary of $97,781 per year
- There is a salary of $87,135 for a security consultant
The candidates for the SSCP are required to have a minimum of one year of paid work experience in one or more of the areas that will be tested. There are also options that can satisfy this requirement if you have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a field related to cybersecurity.
There is a cost of $249 for this course
(ISC)2 Certified Systems Security Practitioner (SSCP)
Take your IT career to the next level with cybersecurity skills. Learn at your own pace with self-paced learning to gain more flexibility.
The average time it takes to complete this task is six months
The pace at which you learn is up to you
Skills you’ll build:
Managing assets, managing risks, controlling access, managing controls, using security software, securing cloud computing, securing wireless devices, detecting and responding to incidents
8. CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)
In contrast to the CASP, the CASP+ is designed for cybersecurity professionals who have demonstrated advanced technical skills but still want to work in technology (as opposed to managing). As part of the exam, you will be able to find out more about advanced topics such as enterprise security domains, risk analysis, software vulnerabilities, cloud security, and encryption techniques for securing cloud and virtualization technologies.
With a CASP+ certification, you will be able to find advanced roles in architecture, risk management, and enterprise security integration. You may be able to find a job with the following title:
- The salary of a security architect is $157,713 per year
- Engineer specializing in security – $113,661 per year
- Engineer specializing in application security – $117,423
- The salary for the position of technical lead analyst is $137,042.
- The salary for the position of vulnerability analyst is $103,523 annually
This exam does not require any formal prerequisites in order to be taken, so there is no formal requirement. According to CompTIA, it is recommended that individuals with experience in cybersecurity administration are at least ten years old (with at least five of those years having been spent working with security).
There is a cost of $466 for this service
9. GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
By becoming a GCIH you have demonstrated your comprehension of offensive operations, as well as your capability to detect, respond, and defend against attacks and your understanding of common attack techniques and vectors. During the exam, you will be examined on incident handling, computer crime investigation, hacker exploits, and hacker tools used by hackers.
Anyone who works in the incident response field would benefit from this certification. In some cases, job titles may include the following:
- Assist in the handling of security incidents – $62,758
- It is estimated that the salary of a security architect is $157,713 per year
- In the United States, the average salary for a system administrator is $72,647 per year
In order to take the GCIH exam, it is not necessary to possess any formal prerequisites, although it is a good idea to possess an understanding of security principles, networking protocols, and how to use the Windows Command Line in order to do well.
Among the three tests that are included in the price of $2,499 (which includes the training), there are two practice tests.
Response to cyber incidents
Take the first step towards launching your career in Incident Response. It is essential that you master the technical skills that will enable you to respond effectively to incidents.
It usually takes 4 month(s) for the procedure to be completed
Adapt your learning pace to meet your needs
Skills you’ll build:
As part of this course, students will learn how to analyze, respond to incidents, conduct computer security incident management, analyze malware, examine memory, analyze traffic, conduct continuous functions, verify and validate (V&V), order pairs, represent state transfer (REST), use the domain name server (DNS), resolve images, understand breaches (security exploits), and analyze packets
10. Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
There are many certifications that penetration testers can earn, but the OSCP certification by Offensive Security is one of the most popular among them. As part of the exam, you will be asked to demonstrate your ability to compromise a series of target computers using multiple exploitation steps and to report the results of each penetration test in detail.
There are a number of jobs that may be suitable for the OSCP, including:
- There is a cost of $108,520 for the penetration tester
- I was paid $116,243 for my work as an ethical hacker
- There is an annual salary of $83,882 for a threat researcher
- Security analyst for application development – $110,714 per year
In order to take the exam, you do not have to meet any formal requirements. There are many courses that can be completed using Kali, such as Penetration Testing with Kali and Penetration Testing with Linux, but the course we recommend is titled: Penetration Testing with Kali.
A basic package starts at $999 (which includes a Penetration Testing using Kali Linux (PWK/PEN-200) course and 30 days of lab access plus one attempt at taking the exam.)
