Cybersecurity is a constantly evolving technology that is impacting industries far and wide. More than ever, today is the time to begin a career that lasts a lifetime with essential futuristic skills on display. The revenue in the cybersecurity global market is projected to reach USD 183.10 billion by this year’s closing (Statista.com). These thriving revelations are setting the scene right for promising expectations as they are bringing career opportunities. You are sure to earn a whopping salary of USD 132,500 annually (ZipRecruiter.com). With the recent hype, the demand for cybersecurity professionals is at an all-time high. The career opportunities are reaching beyond the sky. Over a million job opportunities are coming on board.
Let us delve deep to identify some of the top cybersecurity certifications that are deemed essential if you plan to take the plunge and make your way toward a highly rewarding cybersecurity career.
Why earn a cybersecurity certification in 2024?
The demand for cybersecurity professionals is skyrocketing. Cybersecurity Ventures predicts 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs globally will emerge by 2025. This is a clear stance on why a cybersecurity certification is essential to be a part of this massive pool of cyber career opportunities.
5 Most-Trusted Cybersecurity Certifications Worldwide:
- United States Cybersecurity Institute (USCSI®)- Certified Cybersecurity Consultant (CCC™) (Intermediate-level)
USCSI® is a world-trusted top cybersecurity certifications provider that is accredited by an international body of stature- The Institute of Credentialing Excellence. It offers graded certifications through flexible eligibility and the one that resonates with your current skills and long-term career goals. CCC™ is for the driven aspirants who wish to master the latest, industry-relevant, and trend-setting learning- cryptographic techniques, cryptography applications, security architecture, applying architecture models, ML, data science, and more. Optional readings and self-paced or instructor-led eLearning curricula are great ways to get into the cyber world with ease and at a low cost and lesser duration. You can easily transition from CCC™ to CSCS® with an enhanced playfield for career evolvement.
- United States Cybersecurity Institute (USCSI®)-Certified Senior Cybersecurity Specialist (CSCS®) (Advanced-level)
USCSI® brings forth an array of graded cybersecurity certifications, allowing every cyber aspirant to get on the wagon with the best skillsets. CSCS® is a targeted cybersecurity certification that possesses an eLearning curriculum vetted by over 15 global industry geniuses and offers contemporary skills growth. Becoming a cybersecurity specialist is made easy with CSCS®; which lends enough emphasis on quality resource panel access to everyone onboard brimming with HD videos, industry real-world use cases, optional readings, expert guidance, and every nuance possible to enable a cybersecurity leadership role shortly. With easy enrolment eligibility prerequisites; you are up for a thriving career.
- Oxford Brookes University- BSc Computer Science for Cybersecurity (Beginner-level)
A three-year bachelor’s degree is offered by Oxford Brookes University; the cybersecurity curriculum is divided across the foundation and advanced nuances. You as an aspirant are required to meet the eligibility criteria to be on the course.
- Glasgow Caledonian University- MSc Cybersecurity (Graduate Apprenticeship) (Advanced-level)
Offered by Glasgow Caledonian University, you can easily equip yourself with specialized skills and knowledge in defensive cybersecurity; with emphasis on practical learning. This is a master’s level qualification to fill the talent gap in the existing cyber roles as experienced personnel.
- Harvard Extension School- Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate (Beginner-level)
Offered by the Harvard Division of Continuing Education, the cybersecurity Graduate Certificate encompasses concepts on data network devices and communications technology, architecture, and management; developing the competence of technical and organizational information security risks and communication tactics in traditional and cloud-based environments; developing and articulating effective enterprise information security policies; and gaining insight into the strategies and protocols needed to secure and monitor computer networks in global organizations. The professional graduate certificate requires 2 core courses and 2 certificate electives.
3 Best Domain-Specific Cybersecurity Certifications:
- Best Penetration Testing Cybersecurity Certificate- CompTIA PenTest+
Offered by CompTIA; PenTest+ is for IT professionals to excel in identifying vulnerabilities, attack applications, and script languages to automate work. It is highly recommended to possess other CompTIA certifications to enroll in this credential.
- Best Ethical Hacker Certificate- CEH from EC Council
If Certified Ethical Hacker is your career goal, CEH is a well-known certification offered by the EC Council that guides you on critical concepts of pen testing, scanning, reconnaissance, web hacking, and network security.
- Best Cybersecurity Auditor Certificate- CISA from ISACA
Offered by ISACA, CISA targets information auditing and equips learners with auditing experience, managing vulnerabilities, and developing controls and disaster recovery plans at an enterprise level.
2 In-demand Professional Cybersecurity Certification Learning Platforms:
- Coursera- Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate
This professional certificate consists 8-course series that spans over 6 months and demands 7 hours of your commitment per week. Python programming, SIEM tools, SQL, Linux, and more are offered by Google CPC via Coursera.
- Udemy- Cybersecurity BootCamp
This starter boot camp course is beginner-friendly and friendly targeting fundamental systems to protect your business’s data from hackers. With easy online access to the bootcamp, you can gain massive nuances in a jiffy.
There are many ways that you can amplify your skills and competence in the cybersecurity genre. Make it a worthwhile choice; it is critical to weigh the pros and cons of every credential and bear in mind the following quick tips to pick the best suited.
- Your Cybersecurity career goal resonance is of utmost importance
- Cost and duration of the certification
- Credibility of the credential
- Trainer competence
- Reliability of the brand that you invest your time and resources with
- Mode of the certification- online or onsite
- Career progression offered
To gain a massive boost in your career, it is highly advised to sieve through the above-mentioned creme de la creme of the top cybersecurity certifications around the world today. Making an informed decision shall take you far in your career trajectory.