Cybersecurity (also known as computer security or information security) is the activity of securing computers, networks, and data from theft, damage, loss, or unwanted access. It is also known as information security or computer security.
Because of our increasing interconnectedness, bad actors have more opportunity to steal, destroy, or disrupt our lives. Because of an increase in cybercrime, there is a greater demand for cybersecurity personnel. Between 2019 and 2029, the employment outlook is predicted to expand by 31%.
10 cybersecurity qualifications for which organizations are actively recruiting
Most cybersecurity experts have at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science; however, many employers prefer candidates who also hold a certification, which verifies their understanding of best practices. There are literally hundreds of certifications available, ranging from generic to vendor-specific, and from entry-level to expert levels of proficiency.
Choosing a certification that will provide you with a competitive advantage in your job is critical before you invest your money and effort in it.
Using three major employment platforms (LinkedIn, Indeed, and Simply Hired), we conducted a search for more than 300 different cybersecurity certificates to see who was available. These ten credentials were found in the biggest number of total job advertisements in the United States (as of June 2021), indicating that these are the certifications for which employers are actively recruiting at this time. Furthermore, the number of overall job ads including our top 10 credentials has increased by 33% since December 2020, according to our data.
Let’s take a look at each of them one by one as we go on.
Table of Contents
1. Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
(CISSP) certification is one of the most sought-after qualifications in the business. Earning your CISSP proves that you have IT security experience and can plan, implement, and manage a cybersecurity program.
This advanced certification is for security professionals with expertise who want to further their careers in roles such as:
- Chief information security officer – $170,793
- Security administrator – $85,742
- IT security engineer – $100,605
- Senior security consultant – $111,250
- Information assurance analyst – $82,070
Requirements: You must have five or more years of cumulative work experience in at least two of the eight cybersecurity domains to take the CISSP exam. 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 are just a few of the topics covered.
2. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
This certification from the ISACA (Institute of Supply Chain Management) helps you demonstrate your experience in identifying security vulnerabilities, devising and implementing controls, and reporting on compliance. It’s one of the most well-known qualifications in the field of cybersecurity auditing.
The CISA is for IT professionals in their mid-career who want to develop into positions such as:
- IT audit manager – $122,254
- Cybersecurity auditor – $69,083
- Information security analyst – $99,372
- IT security engineer – $93,526
- IT project manager – $102,743
- Compliance program manager – $92,829
Requirements: You must have at least five years of IT or IS audit, control, security, or assurance experience. One or two years of experience can be substituted for a two- or four-year degree, respectively.
3. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
You can certify your knowledge in the management side of information security with the CISM certification from ISACA, which covers issues like governance, program creation, and program, incident, and risk management.
Earning your CISM could be a smart choice if you want to go from the technical to the managerial side of cybersecurity. The CISM is used in the following jobs:
- IT manager – $108,353
- Information systems security officer – $96,568
- Information risk consultant – $92,624
- Director of information security – $173,387
- Data governance manager – $119,816
Requirements: You must have at least five years of experience in information security management to take the CISM exam. With general information security experience, you can satisfy up to two years of this prerequisite. With another valid certification or a graduate degree in an information security-related discipline, you can also skip one or two years.
4. Security+
The CompTIA Security+ certification is an entry-level security certification that verifies the essential abilities required in any cybersecurity position. Demonstrate your ability to assess an organization’s security, monitor and secure cloud, mobile, and internet of things (IoT) environments, comprehend risk and compliance rules and regulations, and identify and respond to security issues with this certification.
Obtaining your Security+ certification can assist you in a variety of positions, including:
- Systems administrator – $74,086
- Help desk manager – $70,531
- Security engineer – $109,863
- Cloud engineer – $110,152
- Security administrator – $85,742
- IT auditor – $78,633
Requirements: While there are no mandatory prerequisites for taking the Security+ test, it is recommended that you first obtain your Network+ certification and achieve at least two years of IT experience with a security focus.
5. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Ethical hacking, also known as white hat hacking, penetration testing, or red team hacking, is the practice of legitimately hacking businesses in order to find weaknesses before harmful actors do. The CEH Certified Ethical Hacker certification is offered by the EC-Council. To demonstrate your knowledge of penetration testing, attack detection, vectors, and prevention, earn this badge.
The CEH certification teaches you how to think like a hacker and how to be more proactive when it comes to cybersecurity. Consider this qualification if you want to work in the following fields:
- Penetration tester – $104,116
- Cyber incident analyst – $86,454
- Threat intelligence analyst – $90,269
- Cloud security architect – $158,536
- Cybersecurity engineer – $100,636
Requirements: If you have two years of information security job experience or have completed an official EC-Council program, you can take the CEH test.
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