Cybersecurity is a growing field offering a competitive salary and job security. As cybercrime continues to be a problem, demand for cybersecurity experts grows. In 2018, there was a shortage of 454,800 cybersecurity professionals, and the average salary of an entry-level position can range from $60,000 to $100,000 or more per year.
If you’re interested in a career in cybersecurity, certifications can help you grow and thrive along this career path. Some of the most in-demand certifications include:
NIST Cybersecurity Framework (NCSF)
The NCSF certification is built on the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. Just one year after its release, NCSF was used by 30% of organizations in the U.S. Adoption has only increased since this time.
The NSCF certification verifies that cybersecurity professionals have the skills needed design, build, test and manage cybersecurity programs that use the NIST Cybersecurity framework.
There are two types of NSCF certifications:
- NCSF Foundation Certification
- NCSF Practitioner Certification
Obtaining either of these certifications can open the door to new employment opportunities with higher salaries.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
CEH is an important certification for cybersecurity professionals. Known as white-hat hackers, those who hold the CEH certification purposely attempt to infiltrate networks (with permission from the owner) to find security vulnerabilities.Â
Those who hold the CEH certification qualify for more than 80,000 cybersecurity jobs.
GIAC Mobile Device Security Analyst (GMOB)
The GMOB certification ensures that cybersecurity professionals understand how to secure mobile devices. Those who hold this certification have demonstrated that they have knowledge of how to assess and manage mobile device and app security.
The GMOB certification can be useful for mobile app testing services like QAwerk and mobile app development as a whole. The certification is ideal for ethical hackers, penetration testers, auditors, and network and system administrators.
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
The CISM certification is one that few IT professionals achieve. Across the world, only 23,000 professionals hold this in-demand certification. Those who manage to ascertain it, will find ample job opportunities.
The certification verifies that cybersecurity professionals have the experience and knowledge to create and manage enterprise-level information security programs.
In order to obtain this certification, you will need to have at least five years’ experience in IT security. Of these five years, at least three must be in a management position in a CISM-designated area.
Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
The cloud has become an integral part of the office technology stack. Naturally, cybersecurity professionals with specialized knowledge of cloud security are in high demand. Although convenient and easy to scale, the cloud has unique security concerns that a CCSP certified professional can help address.
The CCSP certification will demonstrate that you have the knowledge and skills to create, oversee and secure cloud-based applications and platforms using the most up-to-date procedures and policies.
Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP)
Developed by the Information Systems Security Consortium (ISC), CISSP is a certification aimed at security analysts. This certification verifies that you have standardized knowledge of this field.
CISSP is not a certification that you can easily obtain before working in this field. You will need to work in IT security full-time for at least five years in order to take this certification exam. If you have a college degree, you may qualify for an experience waiver that would allow you to pursue the CISSP certification.
Even if you do not qualify for the experience waiver, CISSP is a certification that is worth pursuing because it is so well respected. It is the oldest certification of its kind for IT professionals. It’s updated regularly to address new challenges and meet new security standards.
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Security
The CCNA Security certification validates that you have entry-level knowledge and skills to ensure that Cisco networks are secure. Certification demonstrates your ability to create security infrastructure and mitigate security threats.
A CCNA Security certification will also give you Department of Defense Directive 8570 clearance, so you can secure a coveted position in the public sector.
The field of cybersecurity is growing and thriving, and the skills of professionals in this field will continue to be in high demand. Certifications such as the ones listed above can help advance your career, allowing you to earn a higher salary and enjoy more challenging work.
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