What Job Prospects does a Cybersecurity Certification Offer?

We hear a lot about cyber security and most of us understand that it has something to do with keeping our computers and identities protected. But it’s much more than that. Cyber security requires skilled professionals who are capable of thinking ahead, staying abreast of trends, and being creative enough to keep hackers at bay.

Interest in cyber security certification is burgeoning and there are several different types. What are they and where can you get the certs for cyber security?

What is a Cyber Security Certification?

Cyber security exists to protect. Individuals and corporations want their personal and professional data protected from malicious attacks and theft. Cyber security protects identifiable information, health information, intellectual property, and government and industry information systems.

Corporations take cyber security seriously, particularly in the face of increased malicious attacks, and it’s now standard that they look for certifications for cyber security in the resumes of prospective employees.

Cyber security certification gives you the ability to use and master specific tools and technologies to help prevent malicious attacks by those who seek to hijack data.

How Do Certifications for Cyber Security Work?

If you’re considering certification for cyber security, it’s crucial to seek out organizations that have been accredited and maintain the industry-accepted standards set out by governing bodies such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology. This is an important investment of your or your company’s time and money.

Certifications for cyber security can be either broad or specific. The specific ones allow you to perform certain jobs, hold titles, or have your work focus on a product. As you can imagine, the certs for cyber security can be applied across industries and are very helpful if you’re thinking about career advancement.

Cyber security is fluid and ever-changing to keep up with malware and other attacks and you will be expected to update your cyber security certification regularly.

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What are Certs for Cyber Security?

Most certifications for cyber security require several years of experience in technology, business, or undergraduate college experience. This is changing a bit and there are some certifications available for people who don’t fit the traditional techie background!

Here are some of the more popular certifications for cyber security:

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

This is by far the most popular and sought-after certification for cyber security. The CISSP demonstrates that you are experienced in IT and can develop and maintain a cyber security program. Prerequisite: 5 or more years experience in at least 2 of 8 cyber security domains.

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

If you have at least 5 years of work in IT or IS and you are planning to advance out of a mid-level position, the CISA certification is a good choice. It’s widely recognized for careers in cyber security auditing and you will have the expertise to assess threats and design and implement controls.

CompTIASecurity+

This is an entry-level certification that will provide you with a broad knowledge and develop skills in assessing security, understanding the laws of risk and compliance, and monitoring the cloud, mobile, and internet of things. While it’s not necessary to gain your Network+ certification first, it is helpful to have that plus 2 years of IT experience that focuses on security.

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Being an ethical hacker might seem to be a bit of a paradox but corporations are interested in hiring people who can try to hack their technology to assess risk and shut the door on malicious attacks. The CEH program will train you to think like a hacker and help you to develop skills in penetration testing, attack detectors, and prevention. Prerequisites: Two years in IS or EC-council training.

GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC)

The GSEC is another entry-level cyber security certification. If you have some experience in information systems or networking and want to move into cyber security, this is a course you should consider. The GSEC tells an employer you are skilled in network security, active defense, cryptography, and cloud security.

Along with certifications, you can enroll in a certificate program to stay up-to-date on the latest and greatest within the industry of cyber security.

Jobs You Can Get With Cybersecurity Certification

Possessing a certification in cyber security makes you valuable and can open up exciting and varied career opportunities. Companies highly value cyber security experts and offer excellent wages and benefits.

Here are four possible careers for individuals who have certs for cyber security.

Information Security Analyst

Just as the title suggests, an information security analyst monitors systems and detects breaches, stays on top of IT security trends, helps employees to understand and implement security protocols, and investigates IS attacks.

IT Auditor

In addition to possessing certs for cyber security, an IT auditor usually has a background in IT support or network administration. As an IT auditor, you’ll plan and perform audits and then present your findings in a report. You’ll suggest designs for increased security and point out areas where efficiency can be increased. This is considered an entry-level cyber security position.

Security Engineer

Working as a security engineer will see you keeping your company’s computers, networks, and data safe in every imaginable situation. You will not only be responsible for staying several steps ahead of hackers, but you will design protection systems in the event of a natural disaster! Each day you’ll be testing systems, developing detection programs, and preparing to respond to any critical incident.

Cyber Security Manager

Each certification for cyber security that you achieve, along with your IT and IS experience, can lead you to this position. As the title suggests, the cyber security manager is a leader who manages tech and human resources. You will be overseeing the security infrastructure by managing people, creating sound security policies, keeping on top of cyber security tools and trends, and mitigating any security problems.

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Considerations for Cyber Security Certifications

There is no doubt that the career possibilities within the field of cyber security are limitless. It’s also true that you can’t just jump into it without possessing at least one certification for cyber security.

The first step is to consider your IT and IS background and compare it to the prerequisites for the cyber security courses that you are interested in. Certs for cyber security are much like a ladder in that each has been built on the foundation of the previous. Remember that even the entry-level programs will require some IT or IS background and some courses will require a college degree.

When thinking about certification for cyber security, take some time to consider your career path. Are you seeking skills that are specific to your company or are you looking for a program that offers the opportunity to learn skills that can be applied broadly across different industries?

Becoming certified in cyber security is an investment of time and money.  The amount depends entirely on the course and your background. Entry-level courses can be a few months long while a degree in cyber security can be four years. Costs can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. If you are already employed, your company may help to offset some of these costs!

Some Final Thoughts

Careers in cyber security are both challenging and rewarding. Because security threats are growing there is a need for skilled and educated professionals who can keep the data of individuals, companies, and governments safe.

It’s a job that can be difficult to outsource which means that companies are often willing to help with the cost of an employee getting cyber security certification. You will always be in demand, no two days will be the same, and sometimes you’ll even get to be the hero by preventing or responding to malicious attacks.

If you enjoy variety, complex problems, and keeping on top of trends cyber security is the place for you!