Certifications can help demonstrate credibility and validate cybersecurity expertise, but choosing the appropriate certification depends on both your career goals and current skillset.
These top security certifications will give you an edge. From managerial positions to specializing areas, these security credentials will give you a boost.
1. CISSP
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional certification is one of the premier credentials in cybersecurity, intended for high-achieving professionals who already possess hands-on experience and can pass the rigorous exam. In order to qualify for certification, candidates must fulfill specific work experience requirements and get their applications approved by an existing CISSP-certified member of (ISC).
A Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification proves the expertise and knowledge to design, engineer, implement and oversee a top-of-the-line cybersecurity program. The exam tests knowledge across eight domains: security and risk management; asset security; identity and access management; communications and network security; software development security operations and information technology governance – among others – lasting four hours with 175-175 questions for assessment spanning four hours with the certification valid for three years.
2. CISM
Although Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification may seem advanced, it’s an invaluable way of developing skills for effective cybersecurity governance and management. This certification specializes in security risk analysis as well as creating a security strategy tailored to business goals.
This comprehensive exam covers eight subject areas related to security management: Security management, information systems audit and control, security architecture design and development, telecom and networking security, physical security, Law & ethics, cyber threat response & incident response as well as global enterprise security management.
CISM certification can be one of the more difficult cybersecurity credentials to achieve, yet it remains an invaluable way for professionals to transition from technical roles into management positions in cybersecurity. Furthermore, the certification can serve as a great stepping stone for those aiming at becoming CISO or cybersecurity directors since these positions require both deep technical knowledge and effective management practices.
3. GCIH
GCIH certification demonstrates your abilities to manage security incidents and threats effectively. It validates your skills in anticipating, detecting and responding to cyberattacks for increased career prospects.
GCIH stands apart from its counterpart, the Certified Information Security Systems Professional, in that it specifically targets incident response strategies and techniques. As such, it can benefit professionals working as Incident Handlers or Security Analysts; additionally it enables professionals to meet regulatory compliance requirements, helping increase customer trust and loyalty.
4. GSEC
The General Security Essential Certification (GSEC) is an ideal starting point for anyone wanting to demonstrate their cyber security skills to employers. This open book exam covers 33 topic areas that provide hands-on experience in cybersecurity essentials.
Though no formal requirements must be fulfilled to take either the GSEC or CompTIA Security+ exams, both organizations recommend candidates have practical work experience and an in-depth knowledge of fundamental cyber security topics before undertaking either examination. Such experiences may come from workplace training programs, college level coursework or self-study.
In order to successfully prepare for the GSEC exam, consider creating an index of essential resources and studying consistently throughout your preparation. Doing this may reduce last-minute cramming and improve your chances of passing it first time round.
5. OSCP
OSCP certification for penetration testers aims to validate your ability to perform complex attacks within a controlled, supervised environment. It is more rigorous than CEH (ANSI), requiring greater hands-on experience and will appeal most to IT security professionals with significant penetration testing or red teaming expertise.
Exam preparation requires an in-depth knowledge of networking and Linux system administration, along with scripting languages like Bash and Python. Offensive Security recommends taking their Penetration Testing with Kali Linux course for optimal preparation for this examination.
Though the cost may seem steep, view OSCP certification as an investment in your future as a cyber specialist. Earning this coveted certification will put you among cybersecurity elite and help protect systems with greater insight and agility for organizations of any size.