TOP 10 CYBERSECURITY CERTIFICATIONS
According to a research, 66% of IT decision-makers in their firms were having trouble filling skills gaps. This was mostly due to the difficulty in finding and keeping skilled people as well as the current quick pace of technological development.
Any IT skills gap can cause problems for a business, but cybersecurity skills gaps are especially concerning. Lack of qualified cybersecurity skills can expose a company to cyberattacks that could have catastrophic effects on their operations, bottom lines and reputations.
Employers today place a high value on certificates in cybersecurity. All types of IT certificates are valued by employers, but cybersecurity credentials are crucial. Cybersecurity is a particularly difficult area that requires great skill, even by IT standards. Professionals in the field of cybersecurity are engaged in a battle with hackers. They must constantly be knowledgeable about the newest tools and methods to protect their companies from danger. Organizations are prepared to pay more for cybersecurity credentials as it demonstrate that their employees has the expertise required to safeguard the most priceless assets of the business.
Naturally, some cybersecurity certificates are more in demand than others. We have prepared a list of the top 10 cybersecurity certificates:
1. CERTIFIED IN RISK AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS CONTROL (CRISC):
CRISC certifies a cybersecurity professional’s knowledge of enterprise IT risk management. It is provided by ISACA, a worldwide professional group devoted to IT governance and cybersecurity standards. The CRISC certification is thorough, encompassing everything from technical abilities like designing and executing suitable security measures to strategic abilities like creating enterprise risk profiles.
ISACA claims that professionals in mid-career who work in the fields of IT/IS audit, risk, and security are the ideal candidates for CRISC. Three years of professional experience in IT risk management and IS control jobs are necessary to obtain CRISC certification. The CRISC test, covers the following four domains: Governance, IT Risk Assessment, Risk Response and Reporting, and Information Technology and Security. For non-ISACA members, the exam costs $760, while members pay $575.
2. CERTIFIED INFORMATION SECURITY MANAGER (CISM):
The CISM certification from ISACA is intended for cybersecurity experts who are prepared to advance to the management level. As a result, it calls for a wealth of experience in the design and administration of secure information systems. In addition to having the technical know-how to develop and implement efficient security measures, CISM holders also have a strategic mindset, ensuring that security tools and procedures are in line with bigger corporate objectives.
At least five years of expertise in information security management are necessary for CISM certification. However, if they hold specific ISACA-approved certificates, certification seekers may opt to forego up to two years of necessary experience. The four domains covered by the CISM test include: Information Security Governance, Information Security Risk Management, Information Security Program, and Incident Management. For non-ISACA members, the exam costs $760, while members pay $575.
3. CERTIFIED INFORMATION SYSTEMS SECURITY PROFESSIONAL (CISSP):
The (ISC)2 certification known as the CISSP verifies a professional’s capacity to plan, carry out, and oversee a cybersecurity program. The CISSP is one of the most popular cross-certifications possessed by a cybersecurity experts.
The “CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK)” is an eight-part set of knowledge and abilities that the CISSP focuses on:
1. Risk and security management
2. Asset protection
3. Security engineering and architecture
4. Network and communication security
5. Access and identity management (IAM)
6. Security testing and evaluation
7. Security measures
8. Security in software development
The CISSP has been compared to receiving a master’s degree in IT security because to its extensive scope.
Professionals must pass a $749 exam covering all eight of the CISSP CBK domains in order to become CISSPs. Additionally, candidates must have at least five years of paid work experience in two of the eight CBK disciplines. An additional (ISC)2-approved credential or four-year degree can replace one year of experience.
Don’t yet have the necessary experience? The test is still open to you. If you pass, you’ll receive the Associate of (ISC)2 certification and six years to accumulate the necessary work experience to acquire a CISSP certification in its entirety.
4. CERTIFIED IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ENTERPRISE IT (CGEIT):
The ISACA certification Enterprise IT governance is the focus of the CGEIT certification, which is independent of frameworks. CGEIT holders have demonstrated their proficiency in managing corporate risks, maximizing IT investments, and integrating IT with the broader objectives and mission of the company. It should come as no surprise that 73 percent of CGEIT holders hold management positions given that the CGEIT is especially designed for cybersecurity professionals who want to work in the C-suite.
Five or more years of experience advising or managing enterprise IT governance are necessary for CGEIT certification. The CGEIT test, which covers the governance of enterprise IT, IT resources, benefits realization, and risk optimization, is another requirement for candidates. The CGEIT exam costs $575 for members and $760 for non-members, along with other ISACA certifications.
5. GOOGLE CLOUD’S PROFESSIONAL CLOUD SECURITY ENGINEER:
Given that Google Cloud is one of the most commonly utilized enterprise cloud platforms, it is not surprising that this certification is in such great demand. This certification attests to a professional’s command of Cloud Security Technology and related subjects like Incident Response, Identity and Access Management, and Regulatory Compliance. Even while the certification concentrates on cloud security in the context of Google Cloud, many of the best practices it covers are also relevant in other cloud settings, as shown by the fact that many people who hold this certification also hold an AWS certification.
Candidates must pass an exam covering topics like Configuring Cloud Access, Managing Cloud Operations, Network Security, Compliance, and Data Protection in order to receive the Google Cloud – Professional Cloud Security Engineer certification. Exam fees are $200.
Google advises that applicants have at least three years of relevant experience, including one year of experience with Google Cloud, even though there are no qualifications.
6. AWS CERTIFIED SECURITY – SPECIALTY:
AWS is a popular enterprise cloud platform, just like Google Cloud, therefore it makes logical that the AWS Certified Security – Speciality certification is listed just behind Google Cloud’s own cloud security certification. Key cloud security skills and knowledge like Disaster Recovery, Patch Management, Security Management, Encryption, Access Control, and more are covered by the AWS Certified Security – Speciality certification. Additionally, this certification attests to a professional’s capacity for striking a balance between complexity, cost, and security while installing security controls.
The ideal applicants for this certification, according to AWS, are already employed in security-related positions and have at least two years of experience managing AWS workloads. AWS also advises having a good understanding of AWS security services and features, as well as five years of IT security experience. The examination is $300.
7. CONTROL OBJECTIVES FOR INFORMATION AND RELATED TECHNOLOGIES (COBIT):
Cobit 5 Foundation was developed by ISACA. The COBIT Foundation certification addresses fundamental IT Governance ideas such Satisfying Stakeholder Needs, Co-ordinating IT Goals with long-term business goals, and Creating all-encompassing Governance structures that are tailored to the requirements of each organization.
Many COBIT 5 Foundation holders have management positions in industries like IT and Business. The COBIT 5 Foundation certification has no pre-requisites, making it a fantastic choice for people just starting their IT Governance careers. Candidates must pass an exam that covers a wide range of topics, including Developing a Customized Governance Structure, Performance Management, and more. Depending on whether candidates take the exam online or in person, the exam costs between $175 and $275.
(It’s important to note that the COBIT 5 Foundation certification emphasizes COBIT 5, the framework’s 2012 revision. In 2019, ISACA modified the framework. With certain modifications to match the condition of enterprise IT today, the new COBIT 2019 version covers many of the same themes as COBIT 5.)
8. CERTIFIED DATA PRIVACY SOLUTIONS ENGINEER (CDPSE):
The CDPSE from ISACA is intended for experts in data privacy. Data Scientists who work with sensitive data, Developers concerned with data privacy in their products, and Software Engineers who create privacy solutions are all excellent candidates for CDPSE. This is so that CDPSE can address both the technical aspects of developing secure technology and the moral and legal considerations involved in using data responsibly. It is simple to understand why CDPSE certification is in great demand given the growing risk of data breaches and the complex environment of data privacy standards that firms must adhere to today.
The CDPSE test covers three domains: Privacy Governance, Privacy Architecture, and Data Lifecycle—costs $760 for non-ISACA members and $575 for members. Additionally, candidates must have three years of professional experience in at least one of those fields.
9. CERTIFIED INFORMATION SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR (CISA):
The CISA certification from ISACA is widely regarded as the gold standard for demonstrating an IT professional’s proficiency in auditing and securing IT infrastructure and information systems. The CISA certification focuses on important information security concepts like Privacy by Design, Regulatory Compliance, and Risk Management and is particularly well suited for entry-level and mid-career professionals.
Candidates for the CISA certification must have at least five years of experience in IS/IT Audit, Control, Assurance, or Security; however, up to three years of experience may be waived. The five domains covered by the CISA exam are Information Systems Auditing Processes, IT Governance and Management, Information Systems Acquisition, Development and Implementation, Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience, and Protecting Information Assets. The CISA exam costs $575 for ISACA members and $760 for non-members.
10. CERTIFIED ETHICAL HACKER (CEH):
One of the most sought-after cybersecurity credentials is the CEH designation, which is offered by EC-Council. The CEH certification focuses on the competencies cybersecurity experts need to assess systems, identify vulnerabilities and reduce risk. The majority of CEH holders have received training in penetration testing.
One of the more expensive certificates is the CEH, which has an exam fee of $1,199 and an additional $100 application fee. However, many professionals believe the expense is justified because it is also acknowledged as the standard credential for white hat hackers.
Before taking the exam, EC-Council advises candidates to have at least two years of experience in IT security. Candidates without that background are still eligible to apply to sit for the exam; they will simply need to take an authorized EC-Council training session first.
WHY CERTIFICATION COSTS MORE FOR EMPLOYERS:
Certifications are a crucial tool for professionals to demonstrate that they possess the competencies required to succeed in the cybersecurity field, but they also have value for companies beyond just finding competent candidates. A professional can develop new skills and improve existing ones by earning certification, increasing their effectiveness in their roles.
In other words, organizations derive genuine, measurable value from certifications. More than 96 percent of the IT managers stated that hiring certified personnel benefited their companies, 45 percent of respondents said certifications increase productivity, and 44 percent said certifications enable personnel to more effectively address client needs.
In the end, this is what motivates businesses to pay extra for credentialed talent: The investment has produced a genuine, quantifiable return.
Employing staff with certifications and providing them with learning and development opportunities that will enable them to get and retain certifications can both assist firms fill skills gaps. After all, as technology advances, IT qualifications in general and cybersecurity certificates in particular may become obsolete. By providing employees with access to ongoing programs for upskilling and reskilling, employers may ensure that staff maintain their certifications and that skills gaps are filled.
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