Have you recently graduated with your degree in cybersecurity? If so, then congratulations! You're likely eager to start working and making a difference in this field, especially as the number of cybersecurity victims has now grown to more than 343 million per year.
As you break into the field and start gaining experience, you'll likely find that there are certain areas or niches that interest you more than others. You might find, for example, that you're fascinated by ethical hacking or deeply interested in issues surrounding cloud security.
When you find your niche within the cybersecurity industry, you may want to consider pursuing a formal certification to develop your related skills and foundational knowledge. From there, you'll have another designation to add to your resume, and you might have an easier time finding a job that suits your unique strengths and interests.
Benefits of Earning Cybersecurity Certifications
There are numerous certifications available in the cybersecurity field. That said, no matter where your specific interests may lie, you can likely find at least one worth pursuing. Likewise, there are many benefits of earning certifications in the dynamic cybersecurity field, including:
- Enhanced career opportunities. As you earn your certification, you'll learn valuable new skills and concepts that could qualify you for more advanced roles or other niche areas of your field.
- Up-to-date knowledge of security practices. The cybersecurity field is constantly changing and evolving, and a certification program can help you stay on top of changes as they arise so you can remain on top of your game.
- Greater opportunities for career advancement. Having additional certifications beyond a degree on your resume could help you stand out from other job applicants and make you better qualified for advancement into leadership and other roles.
- Increased credibility. Having specialized certifications can also help you boost your own professional credibility as you work to establish yourself as a reputable thought leader in the cybersecurity field.
Of course, there's also the sense of personal accomplishment and pride you can feel when you go above and beyond to learn new things and earn a specialized certification in your industry.
10 Cybersecurity Certifications to Consider
Because cybersecurity on its own is such a broad field, there are plenty of opportunities for professionals in this industry to hone in on a specific area. With so many potential certifications to choose from, how can you know which is right for you? Ultimately, deciding on a cybersecurity certification to pursue should boil down to your own interests and strengths, as well as your professional goals.
Before selecting a certification to pursue, cybersecurity professionals are also encouraged to research the costs and other requirements associated with earning the certification. Some programs cost more than others, though most have similar requirements that often include passing a comprehensive exam. Certifications may also need to be renewed every few years, so renewal requirements are another important component that you'll want to research before you decide.
Below is a list of 10 popular cybersecurity certifications to consider as you progress in your career. Keep in mind that while many of these are designed for beginners, there are a few that have more extensive requirements when it comes to experience and prior knowledge.
1. CompTIA Security+
Offered through CompTIA, the Security+ certification is "the most widely adopted ISO/ANSI-accredited early career cybersecurity certification on the market with hands-on, performance-based questions on the certification exam." This certification, which is ideal for those just starting their careers in cybersecurity, covers skills in relevant topics such as automation, operational technology, and Internet of Things (IoT) technology.
While certification alone doesn't guarantee a specific job, those with this certification have been known to pursue roles as penetration testers, security architects, and network security analysts.
2. CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
Another potential certification to pursue is CompTIA's Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) certification, which is specifically designed for professionals interested in incident detection, prevention, and response. In this certification program, professionals will explore such important topics as vulnerability management, incident response, reporting, and communication best practices.
A CySA+ certification could prepare you for such roles as incident response analyst, threat intelligence analyst, and security architect.
3. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Suppose you're interested in getting into the mind of a hacker to proactively prevent attacks and detect security vulnerabilities. In that case, you may want to pursue your Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification. This certification covers such concepts as hacking laws, different types of cyber attacks, penetration testing methodologies, and physical security to prepare cybersecurity professionals for roles in network services, systems development, and systems administration.
4. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
A CISSP certification is a more advanced certification designed for cybersecurity professionals with at least a few years of experience under their belts. This certification is often regarded as "the world's premier cybersecurity certification," covering such topics and skills as asset security, identity and access management, and risk management. Earning the CISSP certification could prepare you for roles as director of security, chief information officer, and security manager.
5. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
Another potential cybersecurity certification path to consider is CISM, which is offered through ISACA. This certification is ideal for those interested in information security and information risk management, and the exam covers relevant topics like security governance, risk management, incident management, and security program development.
6. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
As cloud networks become more heavily utilized, the need for cloud security professionals continues to increase. If you're interested in improving security in cloud networks, then a CCSP certification may be right for you. By passing your CCSP certification exam, you'll demonstrate your proficiency in cloud security operations, infrastructure security, cloud architecture, and compliance standards.
Those with CCSP certification often work as cloud architects, cloud security analysts, and auditors of cloud computing services.
7. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
ISACA's CISA certification is an advanced designation designed for cybersecurity professionals with a solid understanding of advanced information systems concepts and practices. This certification exam covers a wide range of topics, including information systems auditing, operations, maintenance, and service management.
A CISA certification can prepare cybersecurity professionals to advance into such roles as cybersecurity manager, program manager, or risk management specialist.
8. Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate
Offered through Cisco, the Certified CyberOps Associate certification is designed to help cybersecurity professionals "prove [their] expertise in essential cybersecurity skills, concepts, and technologies, including security monitoring, analysis, and response." Skills covered in this certification exam include host-based analysis, network intrusion analysis, and security monitoring.
This certification is available to beginners in the field and is one of the more accessible certifications on the market, preparing professionals for potential roles in network security engineering, security operations, and IT security.
9. GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
Vying for a hands-on role in cybersecurity and IT systems? If so, then the GSEC certification offered through GIAC may be worth looking into. This certification covers in-demand areas of the field, such as cryptography, defensible network architecture, incident handling, and web communication security, to prepare professionals for roles in penetration testing, forensic analysis, and security administration.
10. GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
When cyber attacks and other cybersecurity breaches occur, having the skills and knowledge to respond to these threats swiftly can make all the difference. If you're looking to build your skills when it comes to detecting, responding to, and resolving security incidents, then you might want to pursue your GCIH certification through GIAC.
The exam for this certification covers such relevant topics in incident response as evasive techniques, covert communications, cyber investigation, and pivoting to prepare professionals for roles as incident handlers, security architects, and incident response team leaders.
Still Looking for the Right Cybersecurity Degree Program?
If you're a recent cybersecurity graduate, any of these specialized certifications may be worth looking into as you embark on what is sure to be an exciting and rewarding career. Ultimately, when choosing a certification to pursue, you'll want to consider not just your own interests and career goals but exam requirements, costs, and renewal requirements as well.
In the meantime, if you're still looking for the cybersecurity degree program that's right for you, Champlain College Online has you covered.
Our online bachelor's degree program in cybersecurity is designed to be completed in as little as 15 terms — and our convenient online format means that you can enjoy the flexibility you need as you earn your degree. Whether you're interested in a career as a security administrator, incident responder, security engineer, or any other related role, this program can help you build the foundational skills and knowledge needed to succeed.
Interested in learning more about CCO's bachelor's in cybersecurity program? Get in touch with our admissions team today. You can also get started with your online application here.
