Cyber Security Certifications

Earning a cyber security certification may be a smart way to prepare for a new career path. Which is good news, because cyber security experts are in need. 70% of businesses worry that a shortage of skills in this area will be a problem for them. And, cyber security careers like Information Security Analyst are growing. According to BLS, analyst jobs should increase 32%, from 2018 to 2028.

Some cyber security pros say earning a cyber security certification is essential. But what is it? For one, it may be a way to show employers you have the skills and knowledge you need for your role. Cyber security pros could earn a general cyber security certification, like CISSP. That stands for Certified Information Systems Security Professional. Or, they could certify in one or more in demand skills. Like, risk control, systems auditing, or ethical hacking.

Many employers prefer to hire candidates who are certified. You may even see a higher paycheck. Take someone who earns the CISSP cert. They could earn an average salary of over $93,000. That’s over $17,500 more than the average salary of someone without the cert.

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11 Cyber Security Certifications for 2020

1. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
To stop hackers, you need to understand how they break into computers and networks. That means knowing Ethical Hacking. The CEH cert covers the skills criminal hackers use, to help you think like them. So, you can spot and fix vulnerabilities before they become a problem.
Who offers it: The International Council of E-Commerce Consultants (EC-Council). This is an organization that offers certs in e-business and information security skills.
Who it’s for: Security officers, auditors, security professionals, and site administrators. Plus, others who are interested in network security and ethical hacking. Earning the cert could help you prove to employers that you bring an ethical hacking skill set to your role.
About the exam: You have four hours to answer 125 questions.
2. CompTIA Security+
Security+ covers baseline cyber security skills. So, it may be the first cert an IT pro earns. It covers practical skill areas, plus industry trends. These include risk management, risk mitigation, threat management and intrusion detection. Those who earn the cert how to both find and fix security issues.
Who offers it:CompTIA, a leading tech association
Who it’s for: Many jobs use Security+. Like, Network Administrators, who earn a median annual salary of $83,510. Or The cert is ideal for those with at least two years of IT admin experience with a security focus.
About the exam: You have 90 minutes to answer a max of 90 questions. To pass, you must score 750 on a scale of 100-900.
3. Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP)
CISSP covers how to design, implement and manage cyber security programs. The cert is built to help you prove your skills in these key areas. Once you earn it, you can join . This is a professional group of cyber security experts. Their resources and chances to network could help you boost your career.
Who offers it: (ISC)², a leading cyber security organization.
Who it’s for: Experienced security practitioners, managers, and executives. These could include . In other words, this is not an entry level cert. You need at least five years of qualifying work experience. But it could help you enhance your career and reach for your ambitions.
About the exam: Prepare to be tested on eight security domains. Like, risk management and asset security.
4. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
CISM is designed to help technical pros pursue manager career paths. Earning the cert could help prove you know how to develop and manage an information security program. You’ll cover four domains, including risk management and incident management.
Who offers it: ISACA, an association for business technology pros.
Who it’s for: Tech pros with at least five years of experience in IS/IT security. The cert is designed for those who plan to pursue manager career paths. Like, an IT Security Manager role. Security Managers may earn a median annual salary of $146,360 per year.
About the exam: You have the option to take the exam in person or online. You’ll have four hours to answer 150 multiple choice questions.
5. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
CISA is designed to help you prove your knowledge of IS/IT auditing. That includes controlling, monitoring, and assessing IT and business systems. Earning the cert could be a great way to showcase your skills in this field.
Who offers it: ISACA, an association for business technology pros.
Who it’s for: Entry level or mid career pros. The cert may be ideal if you hope to enhance your career in information systems auditing and beyond.
About the exam: You’ll have four hours to answer 150 multiple choice questions. The test covers five domains, like IT governance and management.
6. NIST Cybersecurity Framework (NCSF)
NCSF covers the Framework, which is a way to manage cyber. The cert program features an educational course. You’ll learn the three parts of the Framework. These are: the Framework Core, the Framework Implementation Tiers, and the Framework Profiles. And, you’ll learn how to use this tool as part of your IT strategy.
Who offers it: The National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (NICCS). This is a national, online resource for cyber security training.
Who it’s for: NCSF is designed for IT experts who want to add to their tool kits. It may cover some cyber security basics. But, you should not be brand new to this field.
About the exam:< You have 90 minutes to answer 100 multiple choice questions. A passing score is 70%.
7. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
CCSP is a cloud security cert. It covers how to design, manage, and secure IT assets in the cloud. Along with proving your skills, you could join (ISC)². This is a professional group that may offer resources to enhance your career.
Who offers it: (ISC)², a leading cyber security organization.
Who it’s for: IT and information security leaders. Namely, those in roles that relate to cloud security architecture, design, and operations. Systems Engineers are one example. They earn a median annual salary of $90,270.
About the exam: You’ll be tested in six domains. These range from cloud data security to legal, risk, and compliance.
8. Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI)
CHFI covers how to investigate cyber crimes like hacking. The cert helps prove you have the skills needed to find cyber intruders. That may include everything from collecting electronic evidence to serving as an expert witness.
Who offers it: EC-Council. This is an organization that offers certs in e-business and information security skills.
Who it’s for: IT security pros, law enforcement workers, and anyone else who may need to know about computer forensics. You need at least two years of work experience in Information Security.
About the exam: You have four hours to answer 150 multiple choice questions.
9. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
The new CCNA cert covers a wide range of Cisco basics. Instead of taking a separate exam for security, it’s all in one. You’ll need to know about IP services, automation, security, networks, and more.
Who offers it: Cisco.
Who it’s for: Entry level IT pros. Experience isn’t required. But, you may want to have one or more years of experience with Cisco solutions.
About the exam: The exam covers entry level networking skills, including security.
10. Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
CRISC helps prove you know how to identify and manage enterprise IT risk. That includes putting information systems controls in place and maintaining them. Earning the cert could help you build on your current skills and enhance your career.
Who offers it: ISACA, an association for business technology pros
Who it’s for: Mid career pros who handle enterprise risk management and control. You’ll need at least three years of experience in this career area.
About the exam: You have four hours to answer 150 multiple choice questions.
11. Cisco Certified Network Professional Security (CCNP)
Earning the CCNP Security cert helps proves you can work with and implement security solutions. You’ll need to prove your skills in two areas. These are security infrastructure and a concentration area of your choice.
Who offers it: Cisco
Who it’s for: IT pros seeking to prove their skills in security. It’s advised that you have three to five years of experience with security solutions.
About the exam: You’ll need to pass two exams. One is in core security skills. The other is in a concentration of your choice. You can choose from topics and trends that could help you with your goals. Like, email or web security.