Top 10 Cybersecurity Certifications and Courses for 2024

The world has evolved a lot, and we have come a long way ahead of our predecessors in terms of technology. However, this progress comes with a curse of cyber threats. We have witnessed numerous cyber attacks in recent years, be it on personal data, our money, or our digital assets. Therefore, professionals need to learn about cybersecurity and its various tenets. 

To learn about cybersecurity in-depth, you can enroll in any of the top cybersecurity certifications listed below. However, before you choose any course, knowing some basics about cybersecurity is essential. 

What is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity includes all the practices to protect a system, a network of nodes, or digital programs from cyber threats. Cyber threats can be used to gain access or change the configuration of a system. It can also be aimed at destroying sensitive data on a server. On some occasions, the attackers can also hack into the system and disrupt the normal functioning of the network and demand ransoms to allow the system to function normally.  

Cybersecurity measures are very complex to employ as today we have multiple computers in one network, and people are accessing the network from various devices. Therefore, professionals need to enroll in one of the top cybersecurity certifications and learn the tips to guard their network effectively.  

What is the Importance of Cybersecurity?

One needs to employ cybersecurity measures to safeguard networks from cyber threats such as identity theft, extortions, or attempts to distort the data on a company server. Furthermore, people rely on critical infrastructure such as hospitals, financial institutions, and power plants for their day-to-day tasks, and cyber thieves can hack these infrastructures due to any minor vulnerability in the systems. 

Top 10 Cybersecurity Certifications and Courses

To get into any cybersecurity field, you must have a background in computer science. If your fundamentals are clear, this will help you understand the advanced concepts easily. However, there are many certification exams that you can take to get vast opportunities in the cybersecurity field. Various courses are available for each certification that you want to take.

So, here are the top 10 certifications for cybersecurity that you can consider: 

1. CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ is a security certification at the top of its field. This certification inspires many individuals to level up their skills and validate their qualifications for entry-level jobs. This certification enables you to learn core skills required in the cybersecurity industry. It also helps you demonstrate the capability to assess the security of any system. 

Earning this certification helps to understand and operate the Internet of Things and monitor cloud-based systems, mobile networks, etc. You can take up this CompTIA Security+ exam prep course to get hands-on experience for your exam. 

Job Opportunities 

With this certification, you will be able to get particular job positions, such as:

• Help desk manager
• Cloud engineer
• Security administrator
• Software Developer
• Security Engineer
• Systems administrator
• IT auditor

Eligibility 

As such, there is no prerequisite for security+ exams. But you should have at least two years of IT experience to earn this certification, and fundamental security knowledge is necessary. 

Cost 

The cost of this certification course is $370. It may vary depending on the platform where you choose this course.

2. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

The CISSP certification encourages and equips individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to become certified information system security experts. This credential is widely prevalent among industries all over the world. Earning this certificate allows you to design, implement, and monitor various systems and cybersecurity programs. 

This certification course has high demand, and after completing this certificate, professionals get high-salary jobs. You can take this CISSP Exam Preparation Course to get better assistance for your exam. 

Job Opportunities 

With this advanced certification, your demand increases, and you get high-paying jobs from all across the world. Some of the job positions that you can get after this certification are as follows: 

• Security administrator
• Chief information security officer
• Senior security consultant
• IT security engineer
• Security and risk manager
• Security architect and engineer

Eligibility 

To get this CISSP certification, you need to have four years of graduation degree in computer science along with a minimum one year of work requirement. Furthermore, part-time work experience or paid internships can also work as proof of eligibility. You will also be required to have a minimum of 5 or 6 years of work experience in any of two cybersecurity domains.

Cost 

The cost of this certification course is $750. It may vary depending on the platform where you choose this course.

3. GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC)

This GIAC is a Global Information Assurance Certification, which is best for entry-level jobs. This is one of the top cybersecurity certifications that will allow you to work on a networking background and ensure a robust information system. 

This credential validates your understanding of core concepts and upgrades your skills. With this certificate, you get knowledge and practical experience in active defense, cryptography, cloud security, and incident response. 

Job Opportunities

You can consider earning this certification if you come from an IT or networking background. Here are some of the entry-level jobs as well as advanced jobs that you can get after completion of this certificate. 

• IT security manager
• Penetration tester
• Security administrator
• IT auditor
• Software development engineer
• Computer forensics analyst

Eligibility 

To be eligible for this certification exam, you need to have a background in computer networking. If you have any work experience in the same field, it will be a plus point in your success. 

Cost 

The cost of this certification course may range from $2499. It may vary depending on the platform where you choose this course.

4. Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) 

This OSCP program is best suited for penetration testers who are looking to boost their career options. This exam tests your ability to handle and work on different operating systems. It helps you get familiar with a series of target machines and use multiple exploitation strategies to prevent cyber attacks. This certification requires an individual with a better understanding of different operating systems and a coding mindset.

Job Opportunities 

With this OSCP certification, you can have various job opportunities available to you from all over the world, such as follows: 

• Threat researcher
• Penetration Tester
• Application security analyst
• Ethical Hacker

Eligibility 

There is no prerequisite provided as of now for this certification. However, being familiar with Offensive Security and different operating systems is necessary. You are also required to know networking options like Bash scripting, Python, Linux, etc.

Cost 

The cost of this certification course may range from $1599. It may vary depending on the platform where you choose this course.

5. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

This certification is from ISACA. This certification recognizes you officially as a professional in information security. It validates that you have proficient knowledge and advanced skills regarding topics such as program development, incident, risk management, governance, etc. This certification is a manager-level certification where tactical knowledge is required. 

To pass this exam, candidates are required to present their industry experience and satisfy the eligibility criteria. Furthermore, you can have this ISSM – Certified Information Systems Security Manager course to get support in your exam prep.

Job Opportunities 

If you are looking to boost your career, you can take up this course. This course enables you to work in managerial positions rather than technical ones. By earning this certification, many job profiles open up for you, such as: 

• Information systems security officer
• IT manager
• Data governance manager
• Director of Information Security

Eligibility 

To be eligible for this certification, you must have at least five years of work experience in Information Security management. You must satisfy at least the condition of having worked in general information security for at least two years. Furthermore, any degree related to information security will also work.

Cost 

The cost of this certification course may range from $575 to $760. It may vary depending on the platform where you choose this course.

6. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

This Certified Information Systems Auditor is a credential that is offered by the IT professional association ISACA. These certifications allow you to demonstrate your expertise and skills in assessing vulnerabilities, designing controls, and implementing them. This mainly covers five significant domains: governance of IT, information system acquisitions, development, protection, and business reliance. 

CISA has designed this mid-level certification exam to make professionals recognized worldwide. If you wish to attempt this exam and get the certification, you should enroll in the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) course.

Job Opportunities

Some of the job titles that organizations offer after Certified Information Systems Auditor certification are: 

• Information security analyst
• IT audit manager
• IT project manager
• IT security engineer
• Compliance program manager

Eligibility 

To earn this certification, you are required to have at least five years of experience in IS audit or IT audit sector. You can also show your paid work experience in control, assurance, and security. A relevant degree related to information systems or software can also work.

Cost 

The cost of this certification course is $575. It may vary depending on the platform where you choose this course.

7. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Source 

This certification is for people interested in ethical hacking. Ethical hacking is a process of entering into any system to prevent or safeguard against any cyberattacks or to recover lost data. Ethical hacking is also popularly known as white hat hacking, red team, or penetration testing. They lawfully hack the system of any organization and try to understand its vulnerabilities before any malicious attack happens. 

The need for ethical hackers is increasing as technology develops, and so are the chances of cyber attacks. If you want to excel in this field, you can enroll in the Certified Ethical Hacker course.

Job Opportunities 

With this certification, you can easily demonstrate your skills and be recognized globally as a valid ethical hacker. Following are some job positions that you can get after earning this CEH certification:

• Cloud security architect
• Penetration tester
• Ethical hacker
• Vulnerabilities analyst
• Threat intelligence analyst
• Cybersecurity engineer

Eligibility 

To earn this certification, you need at least two years of experience with paid work in the field of information security and compliance. Furthermore, an official training completion certificate from the EC council will also work.

Cost 

The cost of this certification course is $1199. It may vary depending on the platform where you choose this course.

8. Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)

This certification is for intermediate professionals who are in their mid-stage and want to boost their careers as certified cybersecurity experts. The Systems Security Certified Practitioner mainly focuses on building skills like designing, implementing, and monitoring a system. 

This exam test provides expertise to control access, security administration, risk identification, network security, cryptography, incident response, etc. This SSCP certification is for IT professionals who are looking to get practical experience and advanced skills.

Job Opportunities 

Some of the job titles after SSCP are as follows:

• Network security engineer
• Systems Engineer
• Database administrator
• Security consultant
• Network security engineer
• System administrator

Eligibility 

This certification is for professionals who have at least one year of experience in testing areas. Furthermore, one must have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in any cybersecurity-related programs or software programs. 

Cost 

The cost of this certification course is $249. It may vary depending on the platform where you choose this course.

9. CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)

This practitioner course is for cybersecurity professionals who have basic skills and knowledge. Professionals who have relevant experience in the cybersecurity field are looking to improve their knowledge and get advanced skills to continue working at the top level of the organization.

This certification gives individuals knowledge of the advanced concepts that help management make informed decisions at relevant times. This certification exam covers topics like risk analysis, secured cloud and virtualization, enterprise security domain, cryptographic methods, and software vulnerabilities. 

Job Opportunities 

With this cybersecurity certification, professionals can boost their skills and get recognized as specialists. They will be in high demand globally. Some of the possible job opportunities they will get are:  

• Security Engineer
• Vulnerability analyst
• Security Architect
• Application security engineer
• Technical lead analyst

Eligibility 

This certification can be taken by only experienced cybersecurity professionals who have at least ten years of experience as an IT administrator and who have at least five years of practical experience with security.

Cost 

The cost of this certification course is $466. It may vary depending on the platform where you choose this course.  

10. GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)

This GIAC Certified Incident Handler certification course offers you a better understanding of operations like cyber attacks and techniques to resolve them. In this certification exam, you are tested to detect, respond to, and defend against any cyber attack on the system. While preparing for this certification, you will gain in-depth knowledge of incident handling, hacker exploits, cybercrime investigation, and various other hacker tools. 

Along with these, you get practical experience with these techniques and are required to build strategies to defend any system using them. Therefore, it is one of the top cybersecurity certifications, and it mainly works in terms of incident response.

Job Opportunities 

Some of its high-paying job titles are as follows:

• Security Architect
• GIAC Certified Incident Handler
• System administrator

Eligibility

There are no such prerequisites for this certification exam. You only need to understand better the fundamentals of security principles, Windows Command Line, and networking protocols.

Cost 

The cost of this certification course is $2,499. It may vary depending on the platform where you choose this course. 

Conclusion

Cybersecurity certifications are necessary in today’s interconnected world, where the internet connects everything. With these certifications, you will become familiar with the best practices to prevent yourself from cyber attacks such as hacking, phishing, and remote access to devices. 

With the top cybersecurity certifications, you will be able to maintain the privacy and security of your organization. If you are a fresher in the IT industry and want to join the cybersecurity team, you need to get yourself certified with any entry-level certification first such as CC – Certified in Cybersecurity Training.

Furthermore, if you are willing to be someone who is capable of analyzing the cybersecurity network of other companies or entities, then you can enroll in the CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) course. Both of these certifications will help you get into cybersecurity and build your resume for higher-paying jobs in the cybersecurity space.

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