2018’s Top Security Certifications to Protect your Business

Cybersecurity has always been very in-demand in the IT world. Accordingly, it is rapidly evolving to combat innumerable cyberattacks that are haunting various organizations and businesses. Because of this, managers and recruiters are always in the hunt for the best candidates, who have the in-depth qualifications for a cybersecurity position. An extensive experience matched by a well-known cybersecurity certification is a combination that places you on top of the competition. Sure enough, a cybersecurity certification provides you with multiple benefits in your career. Here are the cybersecurity certifications that are still taking the lead in 2018 and are bound to impart you with the latest and best security knowledge and practices. At least one of these top security validations will surely keep you abreast of the incessant competition.

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

A hacker needs to be matched with another hacker to keep him/her reminded who’s at the upper hand. The only line separating both a professional hacker from a malicious one is a good intention, and well, the finesse. This certification will train you to masterfully identify and act upon a potential security risk in a particular IT infrastructure. Certified Ethical Hacker or CEH is among EC-Council’s top courses where candidates are taught how to hack and protect target systems. Penetration testing jobs are the most likely positions that cater to this certification as well as those encircling the network infrastructure security. To obtain this certification you must pass the 4-hour exam which has over 125 questions in a multiple type format.

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

A CISA certified is someone who is highly competent in information auditing. Proving your audit experience and your wide grip on information technology gives the company you are working for the assurance that you are a skilled, qualified and competent professional who has the ability to assess vulnerabilities, institute controls as well report on compliance. On top of that, it’s a valuable certification that has been accredited by the ANSI or American National Standards Institute. The recognition you will get is not just in your organization but in the larger scene of the global market.

Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP)

Another in the line of reputable cybersecurity certifications is the CISSP. Several IT companies search for candidates who acquire the CISSP certification since it’s treated as a base requirement for anyone planning to track the network security sphere. CISSP certification holders are critically evaluated if they possessed the essential knowledge and skills in various cybersecurity domains, including telecommunications, access control, networking, and cryptography. This certification is considered an esteemed qualification that teaches individuals to effectively create, engineer and employ information security systems. CISSP is aimed at Network Architects, Security Managers, Chief Information Officers, Security Consultants, IT Directors and those positions involving security practices and principles. A premier cybersecurity certification, passing the exam means you are among the top professionals who are trained, certified and ready to secure the cyber world.

Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

The acclaimed penetration testing certification is meant for individuals who want to challenge and prove their skills in the real world. Starting with its 24-hour performance-based exam, the process of achieving this certification is really tough. To become an Offensive Security Certified Professional, you must be able to successfully identify current vulnerabilities and perform organized attacks, modify exploit code, execute data ex-filtration and write basic Bash or Phython scripts, among others. To top it all off, you must have the knowledge related to penetration life-cycle and testing process. The road to getting this certification is no joke compared to other exams, but the real-world benefits you will soon be reaping is nonetheless, not a joke as well. Taking the long and hard exam is a test, whether you possess the degree of persistence and competence needed in becoming an OSCP certification holder.

CompTIA Security+

This vendor-neutral qualification is ideal for information security professionals as this gives them a solid foundation on the information security. CompTIA Security+ allows individuals to have a grasp on the fundamentals of IT security. The main focus of learning will be on network attack strategies, encryption standard, and products, elements of effective security policies, to name a few. It’s an all-encompassing course that is most-trusted by industries, including the US Department of Defense and in the field of cybersecurity. The entry-level certification includes SY0-501 exam, which is comprised of 90 questions in a multiple choice and performance-based format.

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

Not to miss one of the most esteemed cybersecurity certifications in the industry, CISM certification is a good enough reason to get certified in the cybersecurity field. Through the process of availing of this certification, you can learn extensively about the four sections of cybersecurity. They are as follows: Information security program development and management, Information security management; Information security incident management; and Information risk management and compliance. Offered by ISACA, this management-focused certification highly promotes individuals to become skilled professionals that are knowledgeable in information security and can effectively deal with risk management, assurance, and governance. As reported in several studies, CISM has ranked among the list of high-paying and in-demand IT certifications. A five-year experience in the infosec field, including a three-year-minimum experience of infosec management in the CISM content areas, is required to qualify for the exam. ISACA breeds a culture that fosters professionals who are highly-aware and prioritize international security practices. And becoming a CISM certified is an elite way of proving that you have what it takes to handle, design and oversee the information security status of a particular enterprise.

Conclusion

To sum it all up, earning a cybersecurity certification gives you more value to your organization. In a company, it is vital to have a team that is proven and armored with the essential skill sets and information security training. And by attaining a cybersecurity certification, you are doing your professional track a favor. You can be among the top candidates who help boost the company and foster security against cyberattacks. Invest in any of the stated certifications and start elevating your career.