Enhance your information security profession with these highly sought-after cybersecurity certifications. Cybersecurity is the activity of preventing theft, damage, loss, or illegal access to computers, networks, and data. It is also commonly referred to as information security or computer security. Our growing interconnectedness presents more opportunity for thieves, vandals, and disruptions. The need for cybersecurity experts has increased due to an increase in cybercrime. In this article, we have provided a summary of the best cybersecurity certifications in 2024.

5 Cybersecurity Certifications Companies Are Hiring For

Although the majority of cybersecurity specialists hold a computer science bachelor’s degree or above, many employers choose applicants who also hold a cybersecurity certification that attests to their familiarity with best practices. There are hundreds of cybersecurity certifications to choose from, ranging from general to vendor-specific, basic to expert. Related Best Online Finance Certification Courses

Before you spend money and effort on a certification, make sure it will provide you with a competitive advantage in your field. If you’re new to cyber security, consider obtaining an entry-level credential such as the Google Cyber Security Professional Certificate. You can develop job-ready skills while receiving a shareable certificate from an industry leader.

1. CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ is an entry-level security certification that validates the fundamental skills required for any cybersecurity profession. This certification demonstrates 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.

Earning your Security+ certification can benefit you in professions such as:

• System administrator – $83,951 average salary
• Help Desk Manager – $90,966 average salary
• Security engineer earns $134,387 average salary
• Cloud engineer salary: $148,835 average salary
• Security administrator, $98,908 average salary
• IT auditor salary: $111,874 average salary
• Software Developer – $130,439 average salary

CompTIA Security+ Entry Requirements:

While there are no formal criteria 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.

Cost of CompTIA Security+ certification :

CompTIA Security+ certification costs $404.

If you’re just getting started in information technology (IT), CompTIA recommends that you get your a+_ cyber specialization first. You’ll build foundational skills in cybersecurity while preparing to pass the CompTIA A+ exams—the first step in the CompTIA certification path.

2. Certified Information Security Professional (CISSP)

The CISSP certification from the cybersecurity professional organization (ISC) is a highly sought-after industry credential. Earning your CISSP proves that you have experience with IT security and can create, administer, and manage a cybersecurity program. This advanced certification is for experienced security professionals that want to enhance their careers in CISSP:

Average salary of some CISSP roles

• Chief Information Security Officer: $358,800
• Security administrator: $98,908
• Security engineer;$134,387.
• Senior Security Consultant: $212,412.
• Information assurance analyst; $113,829

Certified Information Security Professional (CISSP) Entry Requirements:

To take the CISSP exam, you must have five years or more of total work experience in at least two of the eight cybersecurity fields. These are 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. A four-year degree in computer science meets one year of the job requirement. Part-time work and paid internships are also considered.

Cost of a Certified Information Security Professional course

The Certified Information Security Professional course costs $749.

3. Certified Information Systems Auditors (CISA)

This certification from the IT professional society ISACA demonstrates your skill in identifying security vulnerabilities, devising and implementing controls, and reporting on compliance. It is one of the most widely recognized certificates for professions in cybersecurity auditing.

Certified Information Systems Auditors (CISA) average salary

• IT audit manager: $112,241.
• Cybersecurity auditor: $162,067.
• Information security analyst: $140,653.
• Security engineer: $134,387.
• IT project manager: $121,042.
• Compliance Program Manager: $115,994

Requirements:

A minimum of five years of experience in IT or IS auditing, control, security, or assurance. A two- or four-year degree can replace one or two years of experience, accordingly.

Cost: $575 for members; $760 for non-members.

4. GIAC-certified incident handler (GCIH)

Earning the GCIH certifies your knowledge of offensive operations, including common attack strategies and vectors, as well as your ability to identify, respond to, and defend against them. The certification test includes incident management, computer crime investigations, hacker exploits, and hacker tools. This qualification is intended for anyone working in incident response.

Job titles may include:

• Security incident handler: $61,662
• Security Architect: $156,094.
• System administrator: $83,951.

Requirements:

There are no specific requirements for taking the GCIH exam, although it is a good idea to comprehend security principles, networking protocols, and the Windows command line.

Cost: $979

5. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Ethical hacking, often known as white hat hacking, penetration testing, or red teaming, is the practice of legitimately hacking businesses in order to identify flaws before harmful players do. The EC-Council provides the CEH Certified Ethical Hacker certification. Earn it by demonstrating your proficiency in penetration testing, attack detection, vectors, and prevention.

The CEH certification teaches you to think like a hacker and adopt a more proactive approach to cybersecurity.

Consider this certificate for positions like:

• Penetration tester: $137,195
• Cyber incident analyst: $104,548
• Threat intelligence analyst: $163,428
• Cloud security architect: $234,881
• Cybersecurity engineer: $159,846

Requirements:

You can take the CEH exam if you have two years of work experience in information security or if you complete an official EC-Council training.

Cost: $950-$1199 depending on testing location

How to choose a cybersecurity certification

Earning a certification in cybersecurity can validate your hard-earned skills and help you advance your career. Check out some things to consider when choosing which certification is best for you.

Your degree of expertise:

Select a certification that is in line with your present skill set first. Invest in a certification that you are confident you can earn, then use it to progress in your career toward more difficult qualifications.

Price:

Typically, the cost of certification is several hundred dollars or more, not to mention the ongoing expenses for maintaining certification. It’s crucial to make sensible investments even though the correct certification can lead to greater career opportunities or higher pay.

Prospective companies:

Look through job titles you want to apply for or job postings of companies you might want to work for to find out what credentials are typically needed.

Conclusion

Investing in one or more of these top cybersecurity certifications is an excellent step toward advancing your career in this high-demand field. As cybersecurity continues to change, professionals who stay up-to-date with certifications will always have an edge in protecting organizations from evolving threats.