There is a growing demand for cybersecurity specialists in the IT industry due to the increasing number of security breaches. In 2019, for instance, it was reported that more than 4.1 million records were tracked by security breaches in the first half of 2019. This is a significant increase from 2018. This was a higher number than the 2018 incidents. This means that cybersecurity training is in high demand, and professionals who can mitigate these threats, is growing.
The IT certificates are a strong indicator of one’s ability, commitment, and excellence in cybersecurity skills. If you want to improve your career in 2020, then you should consider obtaining one of the top cybersecurity credentials. This article will discuss the top certifications you can pursue to increase your marketability in cybersecurity.
1. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).
EC-Council CEH, a mid-level certificate, is for professionals who are interested in ethical hacking. It validates their competence at five stages. These are reconnaissance, gaining access and enumeration. They also cover tracks and maintain access. The CEH credential entitles an individual to the knowledge and skills related to hacking practices. This includes footprinting and reconnaissance, system hacking and denial-of-service attacks, social engineering and Trojans. They include knowledge of cryptography and session hijacking, sniffers SQL injection, evading IDS attacks, penetration testing honeypots, hacking websites servers, firewalls, and IDS evasion.
A candidate must pass one exam to be eligible for this certification. Before taking the exam, it is recommended that the candidate complete a 5-day training program. Students with at least two years experience in information security can not take the official course, but they must provide documentation from their employer to prove it. The prerequisite exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions. It can take up to 4 hours to complete. Register for your test through Pearson VUE by paying the $1,199 fee.
2. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM).
ISACA CISM certification is a top-level designation that is intended for specialists who manage and develop information security systems in enterprise-level applications. It is also for individuals who strive to create the best security practices within their organization. The CISM credential will give you the advanced knowledge and skills required to manage security risks, program development & management, and governance.
This certificate requires that you agree to the ISACA code of ethics and pass an extensive exam. You must also have at least 5 years experience in information security. You must also be able to follow the vendor’s continuing education policy. For consideration, test takers must also submit a written application. The exam fee for members is $575 and non-members $760. It costs $50. The certification test consists of 150 questions and takes four hours.
3. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).
ISACA CISA is the gold-standard in terms of one’s knowledge and skill in information security, assurance, and audit control. Candidates for this certification must be able to identify and evaluate organizational vulnerabilities. They must also be able to provide security control and organizational guidance. They should be able to demonstrate their skills in a variety of job areas for CISA. These include auditing, acquisition and governance & management, asset preservation & maintenance management, development & implementation, and security control.
Candidates must agree to the code of professional ethics, submit an online application, pass one exam and accept the requirements for continuing professional education. Students must pay a $575 or $760 fee to take the certification exam. This fee depends on whether they are members. This exam is similar to the CISM exam and has 150 questions.
4. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
One of the most sought-after cybersecurity certifications is (ISC)2 CISSP. It is for IT professionals who are passionate about information security and is at the Advanced level. This credential is for decision makers who have technical knowledge and expertise in the development, management, and implementation of security policies, procedures, or standards in their organizations.
The applicants must reapply to obtain this certificate.