In the digital age, where information is a valuable asset, the importance of cybersecurity has never been greater. With the rapid expansion of technology and its integration into various industries, cyber threats have become more sophisticated and widespread. To combat these challenges, cybersecurity professionals are in high demand. If you are looking to build a successful career in this field, enrolling in the right cybersecurity courses is crucial.

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is a popular course designed to train professionals to think like hackers. The goal is to understand how hackers exploit vulnerabilities in systems and networks, thereby equipping students with the knowledge to secure their organization's assets effectively. CEH covers various topics such as network security, penetration testing, cryptography, and malware analysis. This course is widely recognized and respected in the cybersecurity industry and is ideal for those seeking a career in ethical hacking and penetration testing.

Ethical hacking, also referred to as white hat hacking, penetration scrutiny, or red team operations, entails the authorized intrusion into systems to identify potential weaknesses before they are exploited by malevolent entities. The prestigious CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) certification is provided by the EC-Council to validate your capabilities in penetration testing, recognizing attacks, understanding attack vectors, and preventive measures.

The CEH certification equips you with the mindset of a hacker, fostering a more preemptive strategy towards cybersecurity. This certification is particularly beneficial for roles such as:

Penetration evaluation specialist - $90,673

Cybersecurity incident analyst - $62,445

Threat intelligence analyst - $101,393

Cloud security design expert - $125,252

Cybersecurity systems engineer - $91,933

Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible to sit for the CEH examination, you should have two years of professional experience in the field of information security or have completed a formal training program offered by the EC-Council.

Cost: The price ranges from $950 to $1,199, contingent upon the location of the examination.

Certified information System security Professional CISSP

The credential of CISSP from the cybersecurity-focused organization (ISC)² is one of the most highly valued qualifications in the sector. Achieving a CISSP certification serves as a testament to your adeptness and practical knowledge in IT security, including the development, enactment, and supervision of a cybersecurity scheme.

This high-level certification targets seasoned security experts who aim to progress their careers in positions such as:

Head of information security - $181,529

Security management specialist - $61,655

IT security systems engineer - $99,946

Lead security advisor - $108,379

Information security analysis specialist - $85,083

Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible to sit for the CISSP examination, you need to have accumulated a minimum of five years of professional experience in no less than two out of eight identified cybersecurity domains. The listed domains encompass Security and Risk Administration, Asset Security, Security Design and Engineering, Communication and Network Security, Identity and Access Governance, Security Evaluation and Testing, Security Operations, and Software Security Development.

Cost (US): $749

Journey Towards CISSP

Even if you are a novice in the field of cybersecurity and don't yet possess the required experience, you are not barred from attempting the exam to become an Associate of (ISC)². Once you succeed in the examination, a six-year window is opened for you to amass the pertinent experience needed to secure the comprehensive CISSP certification.

 Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

The CISA certification offered by the ISACA, an association dedicated to IT professionals, validates your proficiency in identifying security risks, creating and implementing security measures, and documenting compliance. It is a highly respected certification for those pursuing careers in cybersecurity auditing.

The CISA credential is tailored for intermediate-level IT professionals seeking career advancement in roles such as:

Manager of IT auditing - $109,050

Cybersecurity audit specialist - $77,583

Information security analysis expert - $83,109

IT security systems engineer - $99,946

IT project coordination officer - $94,137

Compliance project manager - $91,915

Eligibility Criteria: A minimum of five years of work experience in IT or IS auditing, security, assurance, or control is required. However, a two or four-year degree can be used as a substitute for one or two years of experience, respectively.

Cost: The examination fee is $575 for ISACA members and $760 for non-members.

CompTIA Security+

The CompTIA Security+ is a foundational security credential that verifies the essential abilities required in any cybersecurity capacity. This certification allows you to demonstrate your proficiency in evaluating an organization's security, overseeing and safeguarding cloud, mobile, and Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystems, comprehending laws and regulations related to risk and compliance, and identifying and reacting to security incidents.

Securing your Security+ certification can benefit you in roles such as:

System management professional - $75,676

Customer support manager - $80,298

Security systems engineer - $92,117

Cloud systems specialist - $102,622

Security management specialist - $61,655

IT compliance auditor - $74,108

Software engineering professional - $88,568

Prerequisites: There are no rigid prerequisites for taking the Security+ examination. However, it's recommended to first acquire your Network+ certification and accumulate at least two years of IT experience with a concentration on security.

Cost: $370

Is investing in a cybersecurity certification worthwhile?

According to a study conducted by (ISC)², it was discovered that 70% of US-based cybersecurity professionals surveyed were mandated to possess a certification by their respective employers. The same research also indicated that obtaining a security certification could potentially lead to a salary increment of around $18,000. Possessing the appropriate certification can enhance your appeal to job recruiters and hiring managers alike.

Deciding on a Cybersecurity Certification

Acquiring a cybersecurity certification not only affirms your hard-earned skills but can also facilitate career progression. Here are a few aspects to consider when deciding which certification aligns best with your objectives.

Experience Level: Start by selecting a certification that complements your existing skills. Opt for a certification that you are confident you can attain and use it as a stepping stone towards more complex certifications later in your career. If you're an IT novice, consider exploring beginner-level IT certifications and certificates.

Cost: Acquiring a certification usually involves an investment of several hundred dollars or even more, in addition to maintenance fees. While the right certification could provide access to enhanced job opportunities or increased salaries, it's crucial to make an informed investment.

Focus Area: If you are just embarking on your cybersecurity journey or aspire to transition into a managerial role, a more generic certification may be suitable. As your career evolves, you might decide to focus on a specific area. A certification that aligns with your specialization can provide credible evidence of your skills to potential employers.

Prospective Employers: Review job listings of companies you're interested in or job roles you intend to apply for, to understand what certifications are frequently sought after.

Embarking on a Career in Cybersecurity: Initial Steps

Entering the sought-after field of cybersecurity often necessitates a level of prior experience in the domain or its IT equivalent. If you are setting your career sights on this high-demand sector, there are proactive measures you can undertake to garner the required experience.

Pursue a Degree in Computer Science While a degree is not an absolute prerequisite for a fruitful career in cybersecurity – as evidenced by 8% of the professionals surveyed having only a high school diploma – it can significantly contribute to establishing a robust groundwork. Numerous revered certifications may relax their work experience stipulations if you possess a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science or a cognate discipline.

Begin with an IT Entry-Level Position 

Acquiring hands-on experience can often prove to be the most effective method for preparing for certification examinations. Initiate the accumulation of work experience with an entry-level cybersecurity analyst role. It is common for many cybersecurity professionals to commence their careers in more generalized IT roles.

Obtain an Entry-Level IT Certification 

Keen on honing both technical and occupational skills for a future in cybersecurity? The Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate offered on Coursera could act as your springboard towards job roles such as a security analyst, SOC (security operations center) analyst, among others. Upon completing the course, you gain privileged access to a job platform with over 150 employers scouting for entry-level cybersecurity roles, in addition to other resources designed to assist you in your job search.

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