The cybersecurity industry is growing at a huge rate leading to an increased demand for skilled and certified cybersecurity professionals. According to Cyberseek, there are around 370,000 job posts that mention the requirement of specific cybersecurity certifications.
This indicates that cybersecurity certifications play a huge role in starting or excelling in your cybersecurity career. But, if we look at the certification market, there are hundreds of certifications available claiming to be the best. Therefore, it becomes difficult for the candidates to choose the right one that could actually benefit the candidate.
So, here we bring an ultimate guide to cybersecurity certifications in 2024, that will help you find out and pursue the best cybersecurity course and get the best return on investment.
What are cybersecurity certifications?
Cybersecurity certification refers to the credentials that validate a student or professional’s skills, ability, and knowledge in the field of cybersecurity. There are various kinds of institutions, vendors, universities, and certifying bodies that offer and reward certifications in cybersecurity.
Also, there are various ways in which one can earn cybersecurity certification such as by taking exams, participating in training, completing coursework, etc.
What is the difference between a certification and a certificate?
Though both these terms are often used interchangeably, there is a subtle difference between both of them.
While cybersecurity certification is a broader term referring to credentials that validate a candidate’s knowledge and cybersecurity skills, the certificate refers to the credential earned. In general, cybersecurity certifications are more rigorous and credible than cybersecurity certificates. They require more time and effort to earn. Cybersecurity certificates on the other hand are rewarded by completing short-term courses or specific topics or skills, network security for example.
Benefits of earning cybersecurity certifications
Earning a certification in cybersecurity will help you with several benefits professionally.
- Learn new skills: With cybersecurity certifications, you can learn new cybersecurity skills that you were previously not good at. For example, if you are a network security professional and want to learn about penetration testing in detail, then you can go for a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification and learn how to do it.
- Improved career opportunities: Cybersecurity certifications can help you demonstrate and validate your skills and expertise to employers that can prove to be an added advantage compared to other candidates. Thus increasing your chances of getting hired.
- Increased earning potential: Not only does it increase the chances of getting hired, but these certifications can also fetch you more salary as typically the certified cybersecurity professionals get higher than those who aren’t.
- Updated with the latest: The cybersecurity course curriculum is updated regularly covering the latest trends and technologies. So, by earning the cybersecurity certification, you ensure you are updated with what’s latest in the industry
- Network with other professionals: Several cybersecurity certifications offer live master classes that help to build a network with other cybersecurity professionals from different industries and around the globe. This will ultimately help gain new knowledge as well as increase your chances of getting your preferred job.
With so many benefits from certifications, it would be foolish to not invest in one.
Most popular cybersecurity certifications in 2024
Now, let us explore some most popular cybersecurity certifications in 2024 that you can consider.
1. CompTIA Security+
It is a great certification program for beginners who want to understand the threat-intelligence and different cybersecurity concepts. The program covers the basics of security including threats, vulnerabilities, countermeasures, risk management, etc.
2. Certified Ethical Hacker
This certification will help you validate the skills required to become a good hacker. Several organizations need penetration testers or ethical hacker to hack their security in a controlled manner to identify vulnerabilities before an actual attack happens.
3. Certified Cybersecurity General Practitioner (CCGP™)
Offered by the United States Cybersecurity Institute (USCSI®), the Certified Cybersecurity General Practitioner (CCGP™) is an entry-level cybersecurity certification designed for students and young professionals with less than 2 years of experience. It empowers them with the foundational concepts of cybersecurity and covers topics such as protection of devices, securing devices and security, authentication, security terms, etc.
This self-paced online learning program can be completed within 4-25 weeks.
4. CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
This is one of the most prestigious cybersecurity certifications. It is highly respected in the industry and is often required for senior-level cybersecurity positions.
5. CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor)
This certification is focused on information systems auditing. It is a good choice for those who want to work in IT auditing or compliance.
How to Choose the Right Cybersecurity Certification for Your Career Goals
The best cybersecurity certification for you will depend on your career goals and experience. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing a certification:
- Your career goals: What type of cybersecurity job do you want to pursue?
- Experience: What level of cybersecurity experience do you have?
- Learning style: Do you prefer to learn through exams, coursework, or hands-on training?
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a certification?
By evaluating these factors properly, you will understand which certification program best matches your career goals and aspirations.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity certifications are a valuable investment in your career. They can help you increase your earning potential, improve your career opportunities, and enhance your credibility. There are also several resources available both free and paid to prepare for these certification exams. Many certifications also offer access to free resource centers and provide study materials to successfully earn the certification. So, what to wait for? Enroll in the best cybersecurity certification courses and start your journey in 2024 to a fruitful career path.
