October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and what better way to celebrate than by exploring some of the top cybersecurity certification programs out there? If you’re looking to break into the cybersecurity industry, certification is a great way to demonstrate your skills and knowledge.
A career in cybersecurity can be immensely rewarding. The average salary for a cybersecurity professional is over $100,000, and the demand for qualified workers is only increasing. Getting started in cybersecurity can seem daunting, but there are many certification programs available to help you get the skills and knowledge you need.
From entry level programs to the more advanced curricula, there’s something for everyone to explore. Take a look at the 10 popular cybersecurity certification programs to help boost your career.
The Security+ certification is a great entry-level option for those looking to start a career in cybersecurity. The exam covers topics like risk management, network security, and cryptography. To earn the Security+ certification, you must pass one exam that is available through testing centers around the world.
Click here to get the study guide.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Offered by (ISC)², CISSP is one of the most popular and well-recognized certifications in the industry. It covers eight domains of knowledge including asset security, security engineering, communications and network security, identity and access management, security assessment and testing, security operations, and software development security. To be eligible for the CISSP, you must have at least five years of experience in two or more of the domains covered by the exam. Due to its level of difficulty, passing this exam will give you instant credibility in the cybersecurity field.
Click here to get the study guide & practice test bundle.
GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
Designed for those who want to demonstrate their ability to handle computer security incidents—the exam covers topics like incident handling steps and procedures, malware analysis, and forensics tools and techniques. To earn the GCIH, you are required to pass one exam that is available year-round.
Click here to get the all-in-one exam guide.
EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
The CEH certification is designed for those who want to learn ethical hacking techniques to better identify cyber threats and vulnerabilities. The exam covers topics like types of attacks, footprinting and reconnaissance, system hacking methodology, trojans and backdoors, viruses and worms, denial of service attacks, SQL injection attacks, social engineering attacks, session hijacking attacks, cryptography basics, wireless encryption methods, risk management framework basics, firewall fundamentals, and more. To be eligible for the exam, candidates must have at least two years of experience in IT administration with a focus on network or system administration, and pass one exam. CEH is one of the most comprehensive exams available and passing it will make you a sought-after commodity in the job market.
Click here to get the exam practice questions.
ISACA Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
Offered by ISACA (International Computer Security Association), the CISA certification is designed for those who want to audit, control, monitor, and assess an organization’s information technology and business systems, and want to demonstrate their auditing skills. The exam covers topics like IS auditing process, information systems controls, and COBIT 5 Framework. To earn the CISA certification, you must have at least five years of experience in information systems auditing, control, or security, and pass an exam that is offered only three times a year. CISA is one of the most respected certifications in the industry and passing it will open doors to many high-level positions in cybersecurity.
Click here to get the study guide.
Certified Information Systems Manager (CISM)
The CISM certification is designed for those interested in managing, designing, overseeing, controlling, or assessing an organization’s information technology securities. The exam covers topics like information security program development and management, information security incident management, and risk management. You must have at least five years of experience in information security management or related roles, and pass an exam to earn the CISM.
Click here to get the practice exams.
SANS GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC)
The GSEC exam is an entry-level certification offered by Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC). It covers technical knowledge in six key domains: access control systems and methodology; applications and systems development; business continuity planning; cryptography; law, investigations and ethics; and operations security. Candidates must have at least six months of experience working with information security before they can take the exam. Passing GSEC will give you a strong foundation in cybersecurity concepts that you can build upon with more advanced certifications.
Click here to get the all-in-one exam study guide.
Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
CRISC certification is offered by ISACA to candidates who want to demonstrate their ability to design, implement, monitor, and maintain an enterprise’s information risk management program. To be eligible for CRISC certification, candidates must have three years of work experience with information systems controls. The exam covers four domains: IT Risk Identification; IT Risk Assessment; Risk Response and Mitigation; Risk Monitoring and Reporting. Employers highly seek out candidates with the CRISC certification because they possess a unique combination of technical knowledge and business acumen.
Click here to get the all-in-one exam guide.
SANS GIAC Global Industrial Cybersecurity Professional (GICSP)
The GICSP certification focuses on teaching IT professionals about operational technology (OT) networks within industrial organizations. Topics covered include asset identification, risk assessment, Deterrents/mitigations, and incident response. There are no prerequisites required for taking this exam.
Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
This certification course from Offensive Security focuses on teaching IT professionals about various methods used during penetration tests against live systems.
Click here to get the complete guide.
There are many different types of cybersecurity certifications available, and each has its own eligibility requirements, cost, and content. The certification programs listed above are some of the most popular and respected in the industry, but there are many others available as well. Choosing the right certification depends on your experience level, interests, and career goals. Do your research to find the certification program that is the right fit for you.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month is the perfect time to take your first steps towards a career in cybersecurity. With so many different certification programs to choose from, there’s sure to be one that’s a perfect fit for you.
So, what are you waiting for?
For information on the basics of cybersecurity, check out Cybersecurity: What is it and Why Does it Matter?
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