More and more, our world is dependent on digital infrastructure. Online transactions, communication, and private data access are all done. To maintain water and energy, cloud infrastructure is necessary for essential services like utilities and power. Numerous vehicles come equipped with integrated navigation systems that rely on internet access and geographic information systems.
Since digital systems are used for so many essential processes in our society, cybersecurity vulnerabilities can have serious repercussions. Vulnerabilities in networks and infrastructure can be used by malicious actors to obtain sensitive information and endanger communities and businesses.
Professionals in cybersecurity strive to stop malicious actors from exploiting weaknesses. Due to the complex and dynamic nature of the sector, a great number of cybersecurity specialists pursue certifications that improve their skill sets, promote career mobility, and raise their earning potential.
Why Should You Obtain a Cybersecurity Certification?
Obtaining a cybersecurity certification offers the following advantages: Workers with professional certificates report higher quality performance, including interacting with assignments more thoroughly and quickly, according to a 2022 Skillsoft survey.
Credentials in cybersecurity are also valuable to businesses. These certificates validate your proficiency in important cybersecurity topics because they frequently call for extensive coursework and exams.
A certification shows that you have the aptitude to address contemporary issues in cloud security, information systems security, cybersecurity, and other areas. Displaying this important skill set on your resume can increase its appeal and help you get promotions and raises.
The 10 Best Certifications for Cybersecurity Professionals
AWS Certified Developer – Associate
AWS Certified Developer – Associate; Demonstrates understanding and knowledge of core AWS services, use cases, and core AWS architecture best practices, as well as the ability to develop, deploy, and debug cloud-native applications using AWS. Preparing for and obtaining this certification gives certified individuals greater confidence and credibility. Organizations with AWS Certified developers are assured of having the right talent on board to give them a competitive advantage and ensure stakeholder and customer satisfaction.
Who Should Get It: Developers who have worked with Amazon in the past and want to learn more about its services, applications, and best practices
Qualifiability Standards:
- Some familiarity with other cloud services including AWS
- At least one advanced programming language proficiency on-site IT experience and cloud-to-on-premises mapping
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional
This credential enables certified individuals to provide complex solutions to complex problems; It helps them demonstrate their advanced knowledge and skills in optimizing security, cost, and performance and automating manual processes. This certification helps organizations identify and train employees with these critical skills to implement cloud initiatives.
Who Should Get It: Developers who have worked on cloud architecture on Amazon for at least two years are eligible.
Qualifiability Standards:
- Proficiency with scripting languages, AWS Billing Console, AWS Management Console, AWS CLI, AWS APIs, and AWS CloudFormation templates, as well as Windows and Linux environments
- Knowledge of and proficiency in developing hybrid architecture, assessing cloud application requirements, and offering advice on best practices for architectural design
Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
Proficiency in risk management best practices is demonstrated by holding the CRISC certification. It addresses topics including corporate IT governance, IT risk assessment, and risk response and reporting. There are 150 questions on the certification exam.
Who Should Get It: Professionals in their mid-career want to confirm their understanding of cybersecurity risk management
Qualifiability Standards:
- A minimum of three years of comparable work experience
Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP)
The most comprehensive, current, and in-demand worldwide training and certification curriculum for privacy and data protection is provided by the IAPP. The Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP) provides practitioners with the knowledge and skills necessary to increase the value of their enterprises while supporting organizations globally in strengthening compliance and risk mitigation procedures.
Who Should Get It: Professionals in data privacy who want to prove that they understand industry laws and regulations
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
Information security governance, risk management, and incident management are among the subjects covered by the CISM certification. Emphasizing cutting-edge technology like blockchain and artificial intelligence ensures that your skill set keeps up with changing market demands and security concerns. With its focus on pressing issues such as ransomware attacks and data breaches—both of which are critical for IT professionals—this certification guarantees that you will remain ahead of the curve. There are 150 questions on the test.
Who Should Get It: Professionals in their mid-career who have managed, supervised, evaluated, and created information security plans
Qualifiability Standards:
- Five or more years of experience managing information security
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
The ability to use risk-based methodologies in the planning, carrying out, and reporting of audit engagements is shown by the CISA certification. There are 150 questions on the certification exam.
Who Should Get It: professionals in their mid-career who want to confirm their proficiency in information systems auditing
Qualifiability Standards:
- Five or more years of experience in information systems security, control, or auditing
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
The CISSP certification is a mark of distinction in cybersecurity program management, design, and implementation. The National Accreditation Board (ANAB) of the American National Standards Institute has accredited this certificate.
Who Should Get It: mid-career or senior professionals, such as managers, executives, and security experts
Qualifiability Standards:
- Five or more years of experience in a relevant field
CompTIA Security+
The ANAB and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) have accredited the CompTIA Security+ credential. The certification proves the holder’s proficiency in regulatory compliance, threat analysis and response, and hybrid environment monitoring and security. There can be up to 90 performance-based and multiple-choice questions on the test. In performance-based questions, applicants are required to show off their skills in virtual and simulated settings.
Who Should Get It: Professionals in their early careers who want to demonstrate their proficiency in cybersecurity.
Qualifiability Standards:
- A Network+ accreditation is advised but not necessary.
- Although not necessary, two years of work experience in security-focused IT administration or security systems administration is advised.
GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
Expertise in fields such as cryptography, cloud security, incident handling and response, web communication security, and password management is demonstrated by the ANAB-accredited GSEC certification. There are 106–180 questions in the test.
Who Should Get It: professionals in IT engineering, forensic analysis, information security, and security management
Qualifiability Standards:
- While not necessary, some work experience is helpful.
Google Cloud – Professional Cloud Architect
The competence of experts to plan, create, and implement safe, scalable cloud architecture for businesses is validated by Google’s Professional Cloud Architect certification. The certification test evaluates a candidate’s ability to oversee the deployment of cloud architecture, build cloud solutions, and analyze technical business processes. There are 50–60 multiple-choice and multiple-select questions in total.
Who Should Get It: Experts seeking to increase their proficiency in cloud environments
Qualifiability Standards:
- Have attained the age of eighteen
- Three years or more of experience in the sector, preferably with at least one year spent using Google Cloud, though not necessary
This report is prepared by leading Cybersecurity consultancy, Cyber Gear.