What Are The Best Security Certifications?

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Cybersecurity is a growing field and one of the top IT careers. Over the last several years many businesses have implemented more and more technology into their daily operations, increasing the amount of valuable and sensitive information stored online. This has made it imperative for businesses to have a strong cybersecurity team in place to guard against threats and viruses. Because of this need, the demand for cybersecurity professionals has grown exponentially. If you’re considering a career in cybersecurity you’re likely to quickly find work. However, getting started in a cybersecurity career can be difficult. Where do you start? What are the best security certifications to get for cybersecurity? Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity serves to protect systems and software from threats that result in the disclosure of information. Financial information, employee records, business-related documents, and other sensitive information are all at risk without an effective cybersecurity strategy in place to protect them. While there are several different cybersecurity positions available, most positions deal with issues related to:

Endpoint Security
Identity Management
Mobile Security
Network Security
Business Continuity
Cloud Security
Data Security
Database and Infrastructure Security
Disaster Recovery
End-User Education

Although this list isn’t exhaustive, it covers most of the basic aspects of cybersecurity. However, while these aspects are overseen by a cybersecurity team, there are several positions that may focus on one or two specific areas.

Cyber Security Jobs

Depending on what your cybersecurity job is, you’ll want to get different certifications. Therefore it’s necessary that you understand each position and what your end goal is. Some common cybersecurity positions include:

Security Specialist
Security Administrator
Security Architect
Security Analyst
Security Auditor
Security Director
Security Consultant
Security Engineer
Cryptographer
Chief Information Security Officer
Vulnerability Assessor
Incident Responder
Forensic Expert
Penetration Tester
Source Code Auditor
Security Manager
Cryptanalyst

While most of these positions require at least a four-year degree in computer science or information technology, gaining your certification in certain areas can help you stand out from the competition and potentially land you a job as a cybersecurity technician.

What Are The Best Security Certifications To Get For Cybersecurity?

If you want to further your education and develop a solid resume, here are a few different certifications you may consider obtaining.

CEH Certification

The certified ethical hacker certification allows you to essentially operate as a hacker. This certification will familiarize you with hacking technologies, system vulnerabilities, and current security laws. You’ll learn the ins and outs of hacking a system as well as how to protect a system from those threats.

CISM Certification

As a certified information security manager, you’ll develop advanced skills such as:

Security Risk Management
Program Development and Management
Governance
Incident Management and Response

This certification allows you to bring a little more to the table, increasing your benefit to the company as an IT worker.

CISSP Certification

A certified information systems security professional is one of the more common certifications, and many companies look at it as a necessary requirement when considering a candidate. Only available to those who have at least 3-5 years of cybersecurity experience, this certification teaches you skills such as:

Access Control
Cryptography
Telecommunications
Networking

This is an excellent option for anyone considering a career in cybersecurity.

GSEC Certification

The GIAC security essentials certification needs to be renewed ever four years along with a maintenance fee, but it helps you learn skills including:

Access controls
Authentication
Password management
DNS
Cryptography
ICMP
Linux
Network mapping
Etc

This certification is an excellent option for those who are looking to further their technical abilities. While there are several more certifications, you should consider the company you’re applying for as well as your desired position when choosing what certifications to go after. Consulting a recruiter is a great way to do this as recruiting agencies have key insight into what companies are looking for and what skills they expect from their employees.

How Can Techbridge Help?

At TechBridge, our goal is to bridge the gap between business and employee, matching qualified workers with the companies who need them. If you have any further questions or you’re interested in our staffing and recruiting process, contact us today!