As you ponder your career in Cyber Security you are probably wondering what certification is the best to go after to launch your career. There are 6 that we believe you should narrow your look down to as we think these are the Best 6 IT Certifications to get you where you want to go.
As the IT sector is booming, cyber threats are also increasing in numbers. The demand of cyber security professionals has increased with the rise in cyber-attacks. Companies are looking for individuals with abilities to block known cyber-attacks and mitigate zero day vulnerabilities. Certifications are one way to prove the skills required in the highly challenging cyber security field. Organizations like EC-Council, ISACA, (ISC)2, GIAC, CompTIA, and SANS offer a variety of cyber-security certifications that can lead individuals to a dream cyber-security job. Following are some of the top level cyber-security certifications that one must consider while pursuing career in cyber-security field.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
CEH is a vendor neutral certification offered by EC-Council. The certification suits mostly to the individuals who want to build a career in the penetration testing field. CEH certification requires decent network security knowledge to pass the CEH exam. The certification covers more than 270 attacks technologies. An individual must have at least two years of working experience in the information security related field to take the CEH exam. CEH (Practical) is an alternate certification option for those who can’t take CEH certification exam because of no prior working experience in the field.
Licensed Penetration Tester (Master) | LPT (Master)
LPT (Master) is another EC-Council’s certification designed for experienced cyber-security engineers, consultants, and penetration testers with vast knowledge of cyber-security concepts. Individuals having Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and EC-Council Certified Security Analyst (ECSA) program knowledge can take the LPT (Master) exam. Only individuals with deep cyber-security knowledge and expertise in ethical hacking lifecycle are considered the best candidates for LPT (Master) certification exam.
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
CISM certification is offered by Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA). The certification is designed for the experienced individuals managing enterprise level applications and developing information security systems. Professionals with at least five years of working experience in the information security field are eligible to take the CISM exam.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
CISSP certification is offered by Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2. This certification is designed for the IT professionals (decision makers) who want to prove their experience and expertise in managing and developing organizational level standards, procedures, and policies. Individuals having minimum of five years working experience in at least two Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) domains is eligible for the CISSP certification. (ISC)2 has eight CBK domains namely Security and Risk Management, Identity and Access Management, Asset Security, Software Development Security, Security Assessment and Testing, Communications and Network Security, Security Architecture and Engineering, and Security Operations. Professionals having four years of working experience with a college degree or proven credentials are also eligible for the CISSP exam.
GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
GSEC is an entry level certification offered by Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) entity. GSEC certification is designed for individuals who possess information security knowledge as well as technical expertise to handle the basic security tasks. GSEC certification proves the knowledge and skills of the certification holders in various cyber-security disciplines including access control and password management, active defense, contingency plan, cryptography, incidents security and response, IT risk management, Windows security, Linux security, network security, networking and protocols, security policies, threat hunting, and wireless network security. There is no prerequisite to take the GSEC exam.
Security+
Security+ is another entry level vendor-neutral certification offered by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA). Security+ certification is mainly designed to test the user knowledge about the cyber-security field. The individuals interested in Security+ exam must have understanding of network architecture, cryptography, digital certificates, risk management, access management, threats, cyber-attacks, and vulnerabilities related to web applications and networks.
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