Cybersecurity is a competitive area that necessitates a high degree of technical understanding, and it can be difficult for entry-level employees with little or no experience to obtain credentials. However, there are a number of cybersecurity certifications for beginners that can help newer workers improve their resumes. Obtaining one or more cybersecurity certificates demonstrates to potential and current employers that you are willing to learn new skills that will benefit them. We explain why these certificates are vital in this article, as well as provide a list of 11 cybersecurity certifications for beginners.

What are the benefits of cybersecurity certifications for beginners?

Because becoming a cybersecurity specialist necessitates sophisticated education that may not be available through other means, cybersecurity certifications for beginners are essential. While some cybersecurity professionals have earned a bachelor's degree in the discipline, others may have majored in a field unrelated to cybersecurity or in general information technology. For those with or without a cybersecurity degree, a certificate can provide specialized information on cybersecurity procedures.

It's critical to find a cybersecurity certification that is appropriate for beginners, as some of the more complex programs need prior experience that beginners lack. However, these specialists will need some training to obtain that experience, which is where cybersecurity certificates for beginners come in handy. Many businesses may also urge even their fresher cybersecurity specialists to get additional certifications in order to develop abilities unique to specific systems or procedures.

The following is a list of beginning cybersecurity certificates.

It can be difficult to identify which cybersecurity certifications are right for you if you are new to the field. Many of these credentials are available as examinations that you must study for on your own or through a boot camp. For novices, here are some of the greatest cybersecurity certifications:

Certified Ethical Hacker

The exam for the Certified Ethical Hacker certification takes two years of experience, so it's not entirely beginner-friendly, yet it is accessible to people in their early phases of their professions. Whether or whether you have two years of experience, you can still prepare for the exam by attending a training program. The goal of becoming a Certified Ethical Hacker is to improve your ability to block hackers from gaining access to your company's systems by acquiring hacker techniques. It's a vendor-agnostic certification that can be used in a wide range of cybersecurity scenarios.

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Although it is not specifically geared at cybersecurity experts, this credential can be particularly useful for people who work with Cisco systems. It serves as proof that you are familiar with Cisco equipment, including how to troubleshoot when necessary. It's a certificate that can be used by network and other IT professionals as well as cybersecurity experts. Furthermore, because Cisco is a well-known brand, the certification can help you advance in your profession even if you aren't working with Cisco equipment.

CompTIA A+

A+ is a certification that proves you can customize, install, operate, and repair personal computers. This certification does not specifically address cybersecurity, but because PCs are frequently used in business systems, it can be useful. Because it is so broad, you may apply it to a wide range of IT jobs, giving you a lot of options for your future career.

CompTIA Network+

Network+ is similar to A+ in that cybersecurity is not a priority. Network+, on the other hand, is a certification for people who work on developing functioning networks, network maintenance, network management, network configuration, and information security policies and procedures. Given the importance of networks in today's IT, this certificate can be very useful for cybersecurity experts that work with networks.

CompTIA Security+

Security+ is the cybersecurity-focused certificate from CompTIA that is vendor-neutral and extremely entry-level, which means it can be very beginner-friendly. This certificate teaches many of the basics of cybersecurity including topics like risk management, technologies and tools, cryptography and PKI, identity and access management and threats, attacks and vulnerabilities.

GIAC Information Security Fundamentals (GISF)

Another comprehensive cybersecurity credential for a variety of IT workers, including cybersecurity specialists, is the GISF. It covers defense-in-depth strategies, risk management, information assurance concepts, security policies, and business continuity planning. GIAC offers a beginner's look at cybersecurity that can be useful for a variety of people, although cybersecurity professionals may want to specialize more with future certificates.

GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)

The GSEC is a general cybersecurity certification like GISF, but is slightly more advanced. Having a GSEC shows that you understand the basics of cybersecurity and how to apply them in the real world. Some topics covered include active defense, cryptography, defensible network architecture, vulnerability scanning, Linux security, security policy, web communication security and Windows security.

(ISC)2 Associate

The Associate certification from (ISC)2 is particularly useful for those who are new to the cybersecurity field and don't have a lot of experience yet. The Associate designation is actually a step towards getting a more specific certification as you wait to earn enough experience. You can put the Associate designation on your resume while you work towards certificates such as Cybersecurity Strategy and Implementation, IT/ICT Security Administration, Cloud Security and Healthcare Security & Privacy.

(ISC)2 Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)

The SSCP is one of the certifications mentioned above that becomes accessible when you become an (ISC)2 Associate. The SSCP is a globally recognized certificate that a variety of IT professionals can use, but particularly those in cybersecurity. The SSCP is particularly focused on the network aspects of cybersecurity and is one of many certificates offered for cybersecurity professionals by (ISC)2.

ISACA CSX Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate

ISACA offers the Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate as an entry-level option to go with their more advanced cybersecurity certificates for more experienced professionals. Some topics covered in this certificate include architecture principles; network, system, application and data security; security of evolving technology and incident response. Besides being a good entry-level option, it is also fairly low-cost.

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) Security Fundamentals

The MTA Security Fundamentals certificate is meant for high school and college students, and those hoping to change careers, but can also be a great introductory cybersecurity certificate for entry-level professionals. The exam covers network security, operating system security and software security, as well as basic security principles. It is another low-cost option that can look good on a resume.