Certifications To Know For Cyber Security

(By reciprocity labs for the (ISC)2 Miami Chapter)

Cybercrime is an ever-present threat for businesses operating in the current technological landscape. Global losses from cybercrime nearly reached $1 trillion in 2020, forcing small and big companies to ramp up their cybersecurity efforts. Companies can shield themselves from cyber threats by hiring cybersecurity professionals to protect their digital data and resources. If you work in IT, cybersecurity certifications can earn you a salary raise, promotion, or a better job. The most in-demand cybersecurity certifications include:

1. Certified Ethical Hacker

Hackers are always devising new tactics to launch attacks, which makes it challenging to defeat them. Your best bet against opportunistic hackers is ethical hackers who think like their black hat counterparts. An ethical hacker will penetrate computer systems to seek out vulnerabilities and apply preventative countermeasures.

The EC-Council provides the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification. The credential equips IT professionals to identify hacking practices and prevent cyber-attacks. CEH topics include:

• Vulnerability analysis to identify security gaps in a company’s digital infrastructure

• Malware analysis to detect different kinds of malware

• System hacking methodologies

The EC-Council has options for self-study, instructor-led training, and video lectures. According to Payscale, IT experts who are certified ethical hackers can seek penetration jobs, where the average salary is $85,615.

2. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

The CISM certification is reputed as one of the best credentials for information security management professionals. The non-profit, independent association ISACA provides it for experts in information security, governance, and risk management. The certification is ideal for information security managers and IT consultants who oversee infosec program management. You can expect to learn:

• Risk management

• Information security governance

• Information security management

• Response management

• Information security program management

An aspirant for CISM requires a minimum of five years in cybersecurity. CISM holders commonly apply for a CISO title, which has an average annual salary of $164,936, according to Payscale.

3. CompTIA Security+

If you are new to cybersecurity, the CompTIA Security+ certification will take you through general IT security concepts. Cybersecurity has becomemore urgent than ever, and IT professionals need to protect systems, hardware, and software. You will gain the skills to assess security systems, recommend improvements, monitor and protect hybrid environments such as the cloud, and respond to security incidents. Other concepts covered by CompTIA Security+ include:

• Encryption standards

• Disaster recovery and business continuity

• Network threats and defenses

• Elements of successful security practices

This certification offers a springboard for various IT security jobs, including network administrator, security engineer, systems administrator, junior IT auditor, and security consultant.

4. Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP)

CISSP is among the most sought-after cybersecurity certifications. The (ISC)2 gives this advanced-level credential for cybersecurity analysts who want standardized knowledge in the field. The CISSP exam takes six hours, and it consists of 250 questions in multiple areas, including:

• Access control systems

• Physical security

• Security management practices

• Telecommunications and networking security

• Business continuity planning

• Cryptography

• Professional ethics

Earning a CISSP accreditation will show that you can design, implement, and oversee a first-class cybersecurity program. The certification will equip you for careers like security manager, security analyst, and technical security officer.

5. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

A CISA certification will prove your expertise in IT auditing, control, and security. Like CISM, CISA requires five years' experience for aspiring IT auditors. CISA IT experts are tasked with securing and maintaining an organization’s critical assets. You will also learn:

• Auditing process for information systems

• Management and governance of IT

• Protection of information assets

• Business resilience

According to Payscale, CISA experts earn an average salary of $103,043.

6. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

Traditional monitoring tools are not adequate for the cloud, and there is a need for IT experts to understand cloud security design and operations. CCSP is the leading cloud security certification for IT professionals involved with the cloud. You will learn:

• Cloud data security

• Cloud concepts, design, and architecture

• Cloud application security

• Legal, risk, and compliance

• Cloud security operations

Aspirants must have at least 5-years’ IT experience in a cloud environment. The CCSP will prepare you for roles like security architect, enterprise architect, security administrator, and systems architect.

7. Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI)

Ransomware attacks are increasing by over 350% annually, resulting in damages worth billions of dollars. Organizations need to have the capabilities to extract evidence in case of cyberattacks and conduct audits to discourage subsequent attacks. The CHFI certification provides participants with the skills to undertake an effective digital forensics investigation. A CHFI expert will be able to:

• Perform computer forensics

• Examine and analyze digital images, text, graphics, and multimedia

• Perform a thorough analysis of electronic data storage media such as computer hard drives

• Generate and maintain an audit trail that will support an investigation

• Analyze all response activities linked to cyber incidents

Conclusion

IT professionals with cybersecurity certifications are in high demand, given the increasing threat of cyber-attacks. These certifications will equip your IT staff to detect, prevent, and analyze cybersecurity events. The credentials will also advance the careers of IT professionals, with perks that include better pay and opportunities.