CyberSecurity Certifications: What You Need to Know.

One of the most effective ways to verify cybersecurity skills and knowledge is by obtaining cybersecurity certifications. In this article, we will review some of the most reputable cybersecurity certifications, their requirements, and their benefits.

Cybersecurity is becoming increasingly vital with the ever-increasing threat of cyberattacks. As businesses rely heavily on technology to facilitate their operations, the need for cybersecurity expertise becomes more apparent. 

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

CISSP is a globally recognized cybersecurity certification administered by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC)². The CISSP certification focuses on eight domains within cybersecurity, including 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.

To obtain the CISSP certification, an individual must have at least five years of work experience in at least two CISSP domains. Alternatively, an individual can qualify for the CISSP exam with four years of experience plus an additional one-year waiver for five years. The CISSP exam also includes an endorsement phase, which requires an individual to get an endorsement from a current CISSP holder.

The CISSP certification’s benefit is that it is globally recognized and validates an individual’s cybersecurity knowledge across multiple domains. This certification demonstrates a person’s ability to design, engineer, implement, and manage an organization’s cybersecurity program.

CompTIA Security+

The CompTIA Security+ certification is an entry-level, vendor-neutral cybersecurity certification. This certification validates a person’s knowledge in critical areas of cybersecurity, including network security, compliance, and operational security.

To be eligible for the CompTIA Security+ certification, an individual does not need specific experience. However, having at least two years of experience in IT administration with a focus on security is recommended. The certification exam tests an individual’s knowledge in five focus areas: threats, attacks, and vulnerabilities: technologies and tools, architecture and design, identity and access management, and risk management.

The benefit of obtaining the CompTIA Security+ certification is that it is vendor-neutral, which validates a person’s understanding of cybersecurity concepts that can be applied to multiple vendor-specific technologies. This certification also provides a pathway to higher-level cybersecurity certifications.

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification is a vendor-neutral cybersecurity certification that validates a person’s ability to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in computer systems, networks, and software applications.

To be eligible for the CEH certification exam, an individual must have at least two years of IT experience and provide documentation. The CEH exam covers ten domains: reconnaissance, network scanning, enumeration, system hacking, social engineering, and cryptography.

The benefit of obtaining the CEH certification is that it demonstrates a person’s ability to identify vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks, which is essential in preventing cyber-attacks. This certification also provides a comprehensive understanding of the tools and techniques used by hackers and provides valuable information to testers and auditors.

GSEC: SANS GIAC Security Essentials

The Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) Security Essentials (GSEC) is a vendor-neutral cybersecurity certification that validates an individual’s network and system administration and security knowledge.

To be eligible for the GSEC certification exam, an individual must have at least one year of practical experience in network security or the equivalent of this experience. 

The GSEC certification exam covers seven domains: networking concepts and protocols, security policies and standards, risk and vulnerability management, and software security.

The GSEC certification’s benefit is that it provides a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity concepts, including network security, and the practical skills needed to implement these concepts effectively. Furthermore, the certification is globally recognized and provides one of the most exhaustive security training programs.

Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)

The Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) is a cybersecurity certification that validates a person’s knowledge in risk management and information systems control.

To be eligible for the CRISC certification exam, an individual must have at least three years of work experience in a related field and at least one year of experience in two or more of the CRISC domains. The CRISC certification exam covers four domains: IT risk identification, assessment, and evaluation; risk response, mitigation, design, and implementation; and control monitoring and maintenance.

The benefit of obtaining the CRISC certification is that it validates a person’s expertise in identifying, assessing, and evaluating information systems risk and provides a framework for mitigating that risk. This certification helps demonstrate that a person can create and implement effective security solutions to help reduce the risk of cyberattacks.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity is essential in protecting businesses and individuals from cyberattacks. Obtaining a cybersecurity certification provides a way for individuals to validate their expertise and demonstrate their commitment to the cybersecurity field. The cybersecurity certifications provided are just a few globally recognized certifications that can help increase the value of a person’s career in the cybersecurity industry.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between vendor-specific and vendor-neutral certifications?

Vendor-specific certifications validate a person’s understanding of products from specific vendors. In contrast, vendor-neutral certifications validate a person’s knowledge of cybersecurity concepts that can be applied to different vendors’ products.

2. Why is cybersecurity certification essential?

Cybersecurity certification is essential to validate a person’s expertise and demonstrate their commitment to cybersecurity.

3. Will obtaining a cybersecurity certification increase my chances of getting a job in the industry?

Yes, obtaining a cybersecurity certification can help increase the value of a person’s career and improve their chances of getting a job in the industry.

4. What are some of the benefits of obtaining a vendor-neutral certification?

One of the benefits of obtaining a vendor-neutral certification is that it validates an individual’s understanding of cybersecurity concepts that can be applied to different vendor-specific technologies.

5. Can cybersecurity certifications be obtained online?

Yes, cybersecurity certifications can be obtained online or in person, depending on the certification’s requirements.