Boost Your Career with the Best Cybersecurity Certifications (updated for 2024)

Boost Your Career with the Best Cybersecurity Certifications (updated for 2024)

Categories: Cyber Security|Published On: October 8, 2023|11.5 min read|
About the Author

Syazana Khan

A communications specialist and technology wordsmith with over 2 years experience in the IT and professional development training arena.
Boost your career with the Best Cybersecurity Certifications in 2024

Cybersecurity, right now.

Companies and businesses are also much more susceptible to cyber threats. Mainly due to the heavy integration of digital information and technology into our daily tasks. The attacks themselves, which target both information and critical infrastructure, are also becoming far more sophisticated.

Similarly, according to the study conducted in the 2022 Gartner Board of Directors Survey, “88% of board members classified cybersecurity as a business risk; just 12% called it a technology risk. Still, a 2021 survey showed that the CIO, the chief information security officer (CISO) or their equivalent were held accountable for cybersecurity at 85% of organizations.”

Since the start of the pandemic, The World Health Organization (WHO) observed a five-fold rise in cyber assaults. Approximately, 450 active email accounts and passwords that belonged to the organization’s and those working on the COVID-19 response were leaked. With more companies shifting to remote/work from home models during Covid-19, the IP addresses of employees moved from business to personal and community Wi-Fi networks, which further exposed them to cyber attacks.

Could you imagine if a cybercriminal has a hold of your financial or personal data? Are you aware of the loopholes that make you and your organization’s more susceptible to online threat?

As one of the top IT skills in 2023, there is no doubt that cybersecurity training is of utmost importance. Apart from ensuring employees have cybersec awareness and take more proactive steps to protect their data and information, ensuring that your IT team, is three steps ahead of cybercriminals is imperative and this can only be possible with the right cybersecurity training and certifications.

Cybersecurity certifications – It’s relevance and importance

There are many benefits to having professional accreditations. This is especially so, if you are in the cybersecurity field – where the demand for skilled experts and qualified employees are at an all time high. These capabilities also require more that just work experience to make sure that you are fully equipped and are prepared to handle the latest technologies, the cyber threats as well as security challenges as we move towards a tech first landscape.

In addition to your documented and compensated job experience in the sector, possessing a cybersecurity certification first and foremost displays your depth of cybersecurity knowledge and competence — or your specializations within cybersecurity, depending on the certificate you hold. It also provides validation of your expertise.

By holding a cybersecurity certification, you inadvertently have a edge, which raises your status within the industry and consequently your employability. This is due to the nature of certification which verifies the knowledge and experience you have.

This also implies that a company wanting to hire a certified cybersecurity professional with accreditation can do so with complete assurance that the candidate is knowledgeable and experienced enough to carry out their duties normally. In addition to that, rather that being country-specific, most of the skillsets possessed by cybersecurity specialists are recognized and acknowledged globally.

Not to mention, as a certified professional, you must sustain a high bar for competence and a code of ethics, and a current credential holder must attest to your moral integrity as part of the certification process.

Top 5 Jobs To Explore After Obtaining a Cybersecurity Certification

Have you been thinking of getting into cybersecurity? Here are a few cybersecurity career paths you could potentially explore.

1. Bug bounty specialist:

Software code vulnerabilities have created a thriving bug bounty business. Bug bounty programes allow white hat hackers to detect and fix any security related vulnerability to avoid widespread attacks to organizational systems.

Average salary Depends on experience and seniority.

2. Chief Information Security Officer (CISO):

CISO is the individual large and in charge of company’s data and information protection. In the same vein, they are also the one responsible for developing and implementing security programs, creating policies that protect the organization from both, internal and external threats.

Average salary: US$ 167,295

3. Cybersecurity architect:

The data and/or cybersecurity architect overseas security strategies, creating and managing policies, responding and analyzing security related events.

Average salary: US$ 125,149 to US$ 153,277

4. Information security analyst:

This individual employs analytics is in charge of the company’s computer systems and networks. They employ analytics to find holes in a firm’s data security system and protect sensitive and private data.

Given their extensive range—detecting, analyzing, and dealing with data theft and cyberattacks—data security analysts are the gatekeepers or security officers of information management.

Average salary: US$ 93,693

5. Forensic investigator:

Analysts specializing in computer fraud identify hacking attacks and conduct audits to stop new ones. Forensic accounting uses computer inquiry and analysis tools to determine probable legal evidence.

Information may be sought concerning various misuses or computer crimes, including but not limited to business secret theft, the theft or destruction of intellectual property, and fraud. CHFIs use multiple techniques to find and recover lost, encrypted or corrupted file information.

Average salary: US$ 69,519 and US$ 86,871

6. Cybersecurity Engineer

In today’s digital age, businesses and individuals are more connected than ever before, relying heavily on technology for various aspects of life. This increased connectivity also means that cyber threats are on the rise, making the need for effective cybersecurity measures more critical.

One of the key players in ensuring the safety and integrity of digital assets is the cybersecurity engineer.

A cybersecurity engineer is a professional who specializes in designing, implementing, and maintaining secure systems to protect organizations from cyber threats. These engineers play a vital role in safeguarding sensitive data, intellectual property, and other digital assets from unauthorized access, theft, or destruction.

With a need for 4.6 million cybersecurity professionals in the U.S. alone, there is a huge demand for Cybersecurity Engineers

Average salary: USD117,510

The income of cybersecurity professionals is expected to expand by 33% between 2020 and 2030. 16,300 job opportunities are estimated each year for data security specialists within the next decade.

Open the door to your cybersecurity career with our top cybersecurity certifications for 2024.

AWS Certified Security – Specialty

Today’s cloud technology is transforming security from an inhibitor of progress into a critical enabler of success. Learning to understand and apply the latest security best practices allows you to do more in the cloud—helping you stand out among your peers and driving new career opportunities.

This credential helps organizations identify and develop talent with critical skills for implementing cloud initiatives. Earning AWS Certified Security – Specialty validates expertise in securing data and workloads in the AWS Cloud.

Course Code Course Title Days Fees (RM) Jan-24 Feb-24 Mar-24
AWS-SEC Security Engineering on AWS 3 5,400 6-8

 

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Earning the CISSP credential proves you have what it takes to effectively design, implement and manage a best-in-class cybersecurity program. With a CISSP, you validate your expertise and become an (ISC)² member, unlocking a broad array of exclusive resources, educational tools, and peer-to-peer networking opportunities.

The best candidates for the CISSP are skilled cybersecurity experts in the C-suite, including chief information officers and architects and analysts. If the CISSP is not for you, (ISC)2 also offers the CCSP for Cloud Security and the HCISPP for Healthcare Security & Privacy. CCSP for Cloud Security and HCISPP for Healthcare Security & Privacy are a couple of the certifications that (ISC)2 provides if the CISSP isn’t for you.

Course Code Course Title Days Fees (RM) Jan-24 Feb-24 Mar-24
CISSP Certified Information System Security Professional Prep Course 5 8,000 26-1

 

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

ISACA’s Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification indicates expertise in information security governance, program development and management, incident management and risk management. If you are a mid-career IT professional aspiring to senior management roles in IT security and control, CISM can get you the visibility you need.

The CISM certification, also provided by ISACA, allows you to prove your expertise on the management side of information security, covering governance, program building, and program, incident, and risk management. You must have 5 years of experience in information security management to sit for the CISM exam. As part of this criterion, you must have up to two years of general information security experience.

Course Code Course Title Days Fees (RM) Jan-24 Feb-24 Mar-24
CISM Certified Information Security Manager 4 9,000 26-29

 

CompTIA Security+

The CompTIA Security+ credential is a global certification that validates the baseline skills necessary to perform core security functions and pursue an IT security career. It is the first security certification a candidate should earn. It establishes the core knowledge required of any cybersecurity role and provides a springboard to intermediate-level cybersecurity jobs.

For professionals in the tech sector, CompTIA is a pioneer in certification. Many organizations look for candidates with the CompTIA Security+ certification, and more businesses choose this certification than any other one.

Course Code Course Title Days Fees (RM) Jan-24 Feb-24 Mar-24
CT-Security+ CompTIA Security+ 5 3,500 29-2 18-22

 

CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)

CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) is an advanced-level cybersecurity certification for security architects and senior security engineers charged with leading and improving an enterprise’s cybersecurity readiness, and is the ideal cybersec certification for technical professionals who wish to remain immersed in technology, as opposed to strictly managing.

This CompTIA cybersecurity certification may be the best option for security professionals looking for a more challenging certificate. The CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) certification was designed for security “advanced practitioners,” not those in management positions.

For security engineers or architects that often work in solid networks, the CompTIA CASP+ is ideally suited. CASP+ provides instructions on how to construct a security architecture and how to implement the optimal security measures whereas cybersecurity practitioners will thoroughly understand governance, risk, and compliance in addition to other fields like cryptography.

Course Code Course Title Days Fees (RM) Jan-24 Feb-24 Mar-24
CT-CASP+ CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner 5 3,500 26-1

 

Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate

The Azure Security Engineer Associate certification validates that you have subject matter expertise implementing security controls and threat protection, managing identity and access, and protecting data, applications, and networks in cloud and hybrid environments as part of an end-to-end infrastructure. You earn this certification by passing Exam AZ-500: Microsoft Azure Security Technologies.

If your responsibilities as part of a larger team include maintaining the security posture, identifying and remediating vulnerabilities by using a variety of security tools, implementing threat protection, and responding to security incident escalations, this could be the certification for you.

Course Code Course Title Days Fees (RM) Jan Feb Mar
AZ-500T00 Microsoft Azure Security Technologies 4 3,000 18-21

 

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

The CISA certification by ISACA is world-renowned as the standard of achievement for those who audit, control, monitor and assess an organization’s information technology and business systems. The recent quarterly IT Skills and Certifications Pay Index (ITSCPI) from Foote Partners ranked CISA among the most sought-after and highest-paying IT certifications. This certification is a must have for entry to mid-career IT professionals looking for leverage in career growth.

The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) was created for security auditors who work professionally and want to demonstrate their knowledge. This certification covers various topics, including information system creation, asset protection, auditing procedures, and governance. Entry-level to mid-level workers with a foundational understanding of information systems are best suited for the CISA. Many exam preparation resources are available for those interested in this certification, including manuals and online refresher courses.

Course Code Course Title Days Fees (RM) Jan-24 Feb-24 Mar-24
CISA Certified Information Systems Auditor 5 9,500 29-2 18-22

 

Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst Associate

Whether you’re a business stakeholder, new or existing IT professional, or a student who has an interest in Microsoft security, compliance, and identity (SCI) solutions, this certification can help you familiarize yourself with the fundamentals of SCI across cloud-based and related Microsoft services.

The Microsoft Security Operations Analyst collaborates with organizational stakeholders to secure information technology systems for the organization. Their goal is to reduce organizational risk by rapidly remediating active attacks in the environment, advising on improvements to threat protection practices, and referring violations of organizational policies to appropriate stakeholders.

Course Code Course Title Days Fees (RM) Jan-24 Feb-24 Mar-24
SC-200T00 Microsoft Security Operations Analyst 4 3,000 27-1

 

RCCE1: Rocheston Certified Cybersecurity Engineer – Level 1

Cybersecurity is a constantly evolving and highly volatile space in the contemporary world.

Packed with fascinating possibilities, this is a domain that is waiting to explode into the world any moment now. To face the various emerging threats in the cyberworld, cybersecurity engineers need to prepare themselves with adequate knowledge and expertise.

This is where Rocheston comes in. The Rocheston RCCE cybersecurity certifications will enable you to become certified specialists in the various fields within the budding discipline of cybersecurity.

The RCCE Level 1 covers the foundational concepts of hacking. This course will give you a detailed, in-depth knowledge and hands-on labs. You will have mastery over hacking technologies and tools and RCCE Certification is accredited by ANSI, which means the RCCE credential is now internationally recognized around the world.

Course Code Course Title Days Fees (RM) Jan-24 Feb-24 Mar-24
RCCE 1 Rocheston Certified Cybersecurity Engineer – Level 1 5 6,500 29-2 18-22

Conclusion

Cybersecurity threats are becoming more and more sophisticated as time goes on. The best way to protect your organization from these threats is by ensuring all your employees are cybersec-trained. This will help them understand how to identify potential attacks, and how to protect your systems from them.

Which is why cybersecurity courses are important because they provide the training and tools needed to protect your organization from cyberthreats. Identify potential threats, prevent them from happening, and respond to threats.

Open the door to your cybersecurity career

Frequently Asked Questions

What Cybersecurity Certifications Should I Get First?

Choosing your first cybersecurity certification can feel overwhelming. That’s why it’s best to go with a widely respected industry standard like CompTIA Security+ that covers the fundamentals of cybersecurity.

More than half a million information technology pros have earned CompTIA Security+. There are several reasons for the certification’s popularity:

  • It is respected both industry-wide and globally. Employers know who CompTIA is. Because of this, CompTIA Security+ will add weight to your resume and give you immediate credibility with employers.
  • It is an entry-level cybersecurity certification. This makes it perfect for beginners without prior IT or work experience.
  • There are no prerequisites required for CompTIA Security+. That’s why it is an ideal first cybersecurity certification to earn.
  • It is vendor-neutral. Vendor-neutral certifications apply to any type of equipment. They provide foundational skills technicians need to successfully earn vendor-specific cybersecurity certifications in the future. These designations give IT pros the diverse skill set employers want to see.

What Certifications Do You Need for Cybersecurity?

Getting started in cybersecurity can be a challenge, despite the fact that job vacancies abound. The right entry-level certification makes it much easier to start your cybersecurity career. But which beginner-level credential is best for you?

  • Entry-Level Certification Options (CompTIA Security+, ISACA CISM)
  • Penetration Testing Certification Options (CompTIA PenTest+)
  • Senior-Level Cybersecurity Certifications (CompTIA CASP+, CISSP)

Exploring for more beginner-friendly certifications other than cybersecurity?

If you’re new to the field of IT and seeking a beginner-friendly guide, don’t miss our blog post on the “Top IT Certifications for Beginners.” This comprehensive guide is designed to help you confidently begin your journey into the world of IT certifications.

Maximize the benefits of these informative blogs to boost your IT career. Happy learning!

About the Author

Syazana Khan

A communications specialist and technology wordsmith with over 2 years experience in the IT and professional development training arena.