Cyber security certifications are the best way to establish professional credibility in the cyber security field. It makes professionals stand out from a bunch of other candidates and give them a competitive advantage. For example, no one would question the credibility and skill level of a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). Earning a specific certification in any field requires a lot of effort, discipline, and creative thinking, which upon succeeding gives one a sense of pride and faith in their abilities. Certifications help individuals stay relevant to the existing professional landscape and that’s why most certifications require renewal after a while.
Cyber Security is a vast field whose main objective is securing systems, networks, and protecting data from unauthorized access. To secure data at different endpoints, organizations need individuals proficient in specific aspects of information security. Some of these endpoints include Application Security, Business Continuity, Cloud Security, Data Security, etc. Each certification prepares an individual for a specific purpose i.e network and application security at different levels and makes certified professionals stand out from others in terms of up-to-date skills and knowledge.
Below is the list of Top 10 Cyber Security certifications in the world right now, and how these certifications can help its candidates become a better security experts by teaching them new skills:
CISSP
CISSP is considered the most valuable certification in the field of cyber security. It shows that its holder has what it takes to effectively design, implement and manage a best-in-class cybersecurity program
Learning Outcomes:
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification covers all 8 domains of information security comprehensively. The candidate has to show their skills in all 8 domains to get their hands on CISSP certification.
- Security and Risk Management domain covers concepts of integrity, confidentiality, and availability, concepts of threat modeling, the knowledge about applying governance principles, the standards of risks management and applying them in the supply chain, integration of ethical issues, etc.
- Another domain called Asset Security covers security information and requirements for assets inside an organization i.e Protecting the privacy and implementing security controls.
- The identity and Access Management domain covers the techniques to apply authorization mechanisms, controlling the access to data both physically and logically, controlling authentication mechanisms, etc.
- Security Operations domain covers concepts of foundational security information, the understanding of investigation techniques i.e forensics tools, implementation of disaster recovery plans, assessment physical security, managing physical and personnel security, etc.
- Software Development Security domains cover the software security i.e auditing, logging, and risk analysis to increase their security effectiveness, implementation of secure coding standards and guidelines, implementation of security by following Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
- Communication and Network Security domain cover implementation of secure designing principles in network architecture.
- Security Architecture and Engineering domain cover the Concepts for security capabilities of information systems, Cryptography, and different methods for mitigating vulnerabilities in systems and networks.
- The Security Assessment and Testing domain cover all types of audit strategies and analysis of test outputs.
Requirements:
To apply for a CISSP security certification, the applicant must have a minimum of 5 years of work experience in two of the security domains listed above.
Cost:
CISSP certification costs 749$, which upon rescheduling adds 50$ to the total. In case the applicant cancels, he has to pay 100$. After 3 years of getting the certification, a CISSP holder needs to get certificate renewal.
CISA
CISA is an advanced-level cyber security certification sponsored by ISACA that shows that its owner has the skills and knowledge to assess vulnerabilities and institute IT controls in an enterprise environment
Learning Outcomes:
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification covers the following 5 domains of information security comprehensively. The candidate has to show their skills in these domains to get their hands on CISA certification.
- Information System and Auditing Process domain include the providing of audit services as per principles to help organizations in ensuring and controlling data frameworks. It confirms one’s credibility to offer conclusions on the condition of an organization’s IT security, risk, and control arrangements. It involves the planning and execution of Audit Standards, Guidelines, Codes of Ethics, and different types of Risk-based Auditing strategies.
- Governance and Management of IT domain cover IT-Related Frameworks, IT Standards, Policies, and Procedures, Quality Assurance, and Quality Management of IT.
- Information Systems Acquisition, Development, and Implementation domain cover the various ways about the connection of IT and business. It includes Business Case and Feasibility Analysis, System Development Methodologies, System Migration, etc.
- Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience domain cover Incident Management, database, and System performance management, the storage and backup of data, disaster management, automation of processes, etc.
- Protection of Information Assets domain covers Identity Management, physics controls, Data encryption, data classification, mobile, wireless, and IoT devices, security awareness, digital forensics, etc.
Requirements:
To apply for a CISA security certification, the applicant must have a minimum of 5 years of work experience in at least one of the security domains listed above.
Cost:
CISA certification costs 575$ for the members of the ISACA organization. while nonmembers pay $760.00. The self-paced exam preparation solution offers a 12-month subscription to sample exams. These sample exams draw from a database of more than 1,000 questions. ISACA members pay $299.00, and nonmembers $399.00 for this subscription.
CISM
CISM is an advanced-level cyber security certification sponsored by ISACA that shows that its holder has the skills and knowledge to develop and manage an enterprise information security program.
Learning Outcomes:
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification covers the following 6 domains of information security comprehensively. The candidate has to show their skills in these domains to get their hands on CISM certification.
- Information Security Governance domains cover the development of Information Security strategy, the definition of roles in Information Security, identification of legal requirements, the establishment of communication channels, etc.
- The Information Risk Management domain covers the implementation of a Risk Assessment strategy, identification, and implementation of risk management strategies, conduction of vulnerability analysis.
- The Information Security Program Development domain covers the development of Information security policies and IS architectures, coordination of IS programs with business assurance functions, development of programs to implement Information security policies.
- The Information Security Program Implementation domain covers the integration of Information Security requirements into contracts and organizational processes.
- Information Security Program management domain covers the enforcement of policies and information security controls within an organization and analysis of the impact of security controls in place.
- The incident management and response domain covers the development of the Incidence Response plan, the escalation plan, and other forensic strategies in case of an incident.
Requirements:
To apply for a CISM security certification, the applicant must have a minimum of 5 years of work experience in at least one of the security domains listed above.
Cost:
CISM certification costs 575$ for the members of the ISACA organization. while nonmembers pay $760.00.
OSCP
OSCP is one of the most highly respected certifications in the field of penetration testing. It requires real skills, efforts, and discipline to pass this exam. Earning OSCP certification is a very good way to establish professional credibility in Information Security (IS).
Learning Outcomes:
OSCP prepares a user to think like an intruder to be a better security expert. Users will attack the machines using their skills and technical knowledge and by thinking like a malicious entity. This gives them an edge in terms of better security of the systems. The ability to attack web applications and systems in different and new ways also gives the user abilities to defend them from a security tester perspective. It gives the user ability to identify and abuse the vulnerabilities in the networks and web applications. Some skills that OSCP teaches are:
- Active Directory attacks
- Buffer Overflow Attacks
- How to chain a list of vulnerabilities to get access to the target system
- OWAP Top 10 Attacks (SQL Injection, Cross-Site Scripting, XML External Entity Attacks, etc)
- Advance Linux skills mandatory for penetration testing
- Remote Code Execution on the target systems
- Privilege Escalation techniques in case of getting user access on the target.
Requirements:
To apply for an OSCP certification, there are no formal requirements. But the user must be fluent in Linux and Windows environments, have some good programming knowledge about different languages i.e python, bash scripting, Perl, C++, etc to have a better chance of getting their hands on the certification.
Cost:
OSCP certification costs 999$ for 30 days of lab time and one exam attempt. While 1199$ for a 60 days lab time and an exam attempt. For a 90 days lab time it cost 1349$ and the user will get one exam attempt.
GCIH
GCIH is a cyber security certification mainly focused on forensic tools and techniques. It shows the professional credibility of the owner to defend and investigate the attacks on networks and computer systems.
Learning Outcomes:
GIAC Certified Incident Handler certification teaches the user new ways to detect and manage security incidents by understanding common attack techniques, vectors, and tools, as well as defend against and respond to such attacks when they occur in an organization. Some concepts that candidates learn under this certification are :
- The ways to apply a dynamic incidence response approach in case of an incident
- Techniques for applying cloud incidence response
- Defensive strategies to protect assets
- Attackers steps after an initial compromise of a network or system
- Endpoints attacks
- Pivoting
- Open-source intelligence techniques
- Different Investigation techniques i.e memory analysis, log analysis, etc.
Requirements:
To apply for a GCIH certification, there are no formal requirements. But the user must have a piece of good knowledge about security principles, Linux and Windows command line, and networking protocols.
Cost:
GCIH certification costs 1999$.
GSEC
GSEC is one of the most technically focused rather than managerially focused cyber security certifications around the world.
Learning Outcomes:
GIAC Security Essentials Certification focuses on key security areas like in-depth attack strategies, password management, Linux security, network protocols, network architecture, virtualization, and cloud security. Some other concepts that candidates learn under this certification are as under:
- Roles of passwords in access control management
- Security of AWS instances
- Security of mobile devices, the risks, and impact of data loss.
- Understanding of MacOS security policies
- Data loss prevention in mobile devices
- Fundamentals of Linux Operating system
- High-level understanding of cryptography
- In-depth defensive techniques and major security areas in a network
- Deployment of firewalls, Intrusion detection systems, Intrusion prevention systems, etc
Requirements:
To apply for a GSEC, there are no formal requirements. But the user must have a piece of good knowledge about security principles and networking protocols.
Cost:
To obtain exam vouchers, candidates need to submit an online application and pay a $1,699 fee. The candidate will get two practice tests so that it would be easy for him to familiarize himself with the test engine, modalities, and type of questions that will be asked during the official monitored exam attempt. After purchasing a test through GIAC, candidates have four months to schedule a test at their preferred site at the cost of $379. The exam retake would cost 729$.
CEH
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is considered the fundamental certification for anyone in the information security industry. Ethical hacking, also known as white hat hacking or penetration testing involves lawfully hacking networks and systems to try and uncover vulnerabilities before malicious entities do.
Learning Outcomes:
Certified Ethical Hacking (CEH) focuses on different ethical hacking phases, the attack vectors, and the ways to be in a better position to defend the network and computer systems. Some concepts that candidates learn under this certification are as under:
- Tools and techniques for initial reconnaissance.
- Use of a wide range of awesome tools available for counter-attacking measures
- Tools and strategies used at the enumeration phase of an attack
- Determination of the effectiveness of security policies in a network
- Different network attacks like Denial of Service Attack, Man in the Middle Attack, Session Hijacking Attack, etc
- Network scanning tools and techniques
- Wireless network hacking tools and techniques
- Social engineering
- Techniques to secure Windows and Linux operating systems as well as mobile devices
Requirements:
To apply for a CEH certification, there are no formal requirements. But the user must have a strong background in computer programming, computer science, and information security.
Cost:
CEH exam costs 100$ for an exam attempt without the approved training. While with the training it costs 1199$. The exam retake would be 450$.
CySA
A CySA+ certification shows that its holder has the knowledge and skills required to configure and use threat detection tools and perform data analysis to identify any vulnerabilities with the end goal of securing and protecting systems and web applications within an organization.
Learning Outcomes:
Cyber Security Analyst (CySA) covers the following four domains of information security:
- The Threat Management domain covers the environmental investigation techniques with the use of appropriate tools i.e Service discovery, Packet capture, Log reviews, Social engineering techniques like email harvesting and profiling, etc. The analysis of network reconnaissance includes Packet analysis, Protocol analysis, Traffic analysis, Netflow analysis, Anomaly analysis, etc.
- The vulnerability Management domain covers the implementation of a vulnerability management process in an organization. It includes Data classification, Organizational governance, Business process interruption, Sandboxing, etc. The results from a vulnerability scan are later analyzed by using different techniques including identification of false positives and Identification of exceptions.
- The Cyber Incident Response domain covers the ways of determining the impact of an incident. It includes threat classification, Factors contributing to incident severity and prioritisation, Scope of impact, Recovery time, Data integrity, etc. The use of appropriate forensics tools in an investigation also lies under this domain.
- Security Architecture and Tool Sets domain covers the relationship between systems, common policies, controls, and procedures for example Data retention policy, Account management policy, Data classification policy, etc. It also prepares the user for a recommendation of counterintuitive measures related to identity and access management.
Requirements:
To apply for a CySA certification, there are no formal requirements. But it would be recommended to have 2,3 years of work experience in information security.
Cost:
A single CySA exam attempt costs 350$.
AWS Security Speciality
An AWS Security Speciality certification shows that its holder has the working knowledge and skills about AWS security features with the end goal of providing a secure production environment.
Learning Outcomes:
AWS Security Speciality certification teaches the user different strategies to secure an AWS environment. Some of these techniques are as under:
- VPC Network Security
- Infrastructure Security
- Installation of Amazon Inspector Agent on EC2 instance
- Creation of Identity and Access Management policies
- Federation and Resource-based Access Control
- Lambda Access Control
- S3 buckets Access control
- Protection of data using symmetric and asymmetric encryption
- AWS certificate management
- Data encrypting in rest and transit
- Creation of Virtual Private Gateway
- End to end encryption
Requirements:
To apply for an AWS Security Speciality certification, the candidate must hold a Cloud Practitioner or Associate-level certification.
Cost:
A single AWS Security Speciality exam attempt would cost 300$.
CRISC
An AWS Security Speciality certification shows that its holder has the working knowledge and skills about AWS security features with the end goal of providing a secure production environment.
Learning Outcomes:
CRISC certification covers the following four domains of information security:
- The risk Identification domain includes risk management standards, principles of risk, different ways used for identification of risks and elements of risk, etc.
- The Risk Assessment domain includes different risk assessment techniques, risk assessment analysis, impact assessment and control assessment, etc.
- The Risk Response and Mitigation domain include risk response plans, control objectives, disaster recovery, and risk accountability, etc.
- Risk and Control Monitoring and Reporting domain includes vulnerability assessments, third party assurances, and key risk indicators
Requirements:
To apply for a CRISC certification, the candidate must have a minimum of 3 years of work experience within the risk management domain.
Cost:
CRISC certification costs 575$ for the members of the ISACA organization. while nonmembers would have to pay $760.00 for an exam attempt.
How to choose what suits best for you?
Earning a cyber security certification is the best way to advance your career in information security. It shows your hard-earned skills as well as your effort and discipline to get that certification. Choosing to apply for certification would depend greatly on your current skillset and the career path you want to follow. In case you have just started your career in the information security field, a general certification would be a good idea. That way later in your career when you get to know the domain in which you wanna pursue your career, you can do a specialization.
Leave a Reply