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Cybersecurity is constantly evolving. To keep their organizations protected, cybersecurity professionals must stay one step ahead of emerging threats.
One of the best ways to do this—-whether you’re just starting out in cybersecurity or you want to improve your chances in the tech job market—is to obtain one of the most in-demand cybersecurity certifications.
Recommended cybersecurity certifications are important because they offer employers tangible evidence of your knowledge and skills in the field. They also help you rise above other candidates in the job market or advance your current cyber career.
Whether you are new to the industry or a seasoned pro, our list of the 15 most popular certifications in cybersecurity will help you choose the one that will fit your needs.
Key Takeaways
- Cybersecurity certifications cater to different skill levels and specializations, allowing professionals to align their credentials with their career stage and focus area.
- Certifications from respected organizations like ISC2, CompTIA, and ISACA are widely recognized and often meet industry compliance requirements.
- The cost and experience prerequisites for certifications vary, making entry-level options more accessible, while advanced certifications require significant investment and experience.
- Many cybersecurity certifications require hands-on experience, making practical knowledge crucial for success in the field.
- Obtaining multiple certifications can enhance job prospects, as employers often look for diverse skill sets to address various cybersecurity challenges.
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15 Best Cybersecurity Certifications to Boost Your Career in 2024
| Certification | Provider | Recommended Experience | Key Focus Areas | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CompTIA Security+ | CompTIA | CompTIA Network+ and 2 years in IT admin with a security focus | Basic skills for assessing security, laws & compliance, incident response, IoT, mobile, cloud security | $404 |
| ISACA Cybersecurity Fundamentals | ISACA | None | Principles of cybersecurity, asset security, threat landscape, security operations | $160 (members), $220 (non-members) |
| GIAC Security Essentials | GIAC | 2 years in IT security | Hands-on IT systems security, information security basics beyond terminology | $949 (Practitioner), $1,299 (Applied) |
| AWS Certified Security – Specialty | AWS | 5 years in IT security, 2 years with AWS | AWS security, shared responsibility, security controls, monitoring, encryption, backup systems | $300 |
| CISSP | ISC2 | 5+ years in 2+ cybersecurity areas | Advanced security management, security architecture, network security, identity & access management | $749 |
| Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) | ISACA | 5+ years in security auditing | Security vulnerabilities, designing controls, compliance reporting | $575 (members), $760 (non-members) |
| Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) | ISC2 | 5 years in IT (3 years in info security) | Cloud concepts, architecture, data security, infrastructure, legal compliance | $599 |
| Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) | EC-Council | 2 years in information security or official training | Attack detection, penetration testing, ethical hacking | $950 – $1,119 |
| Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) | ISACA | 5+ years in information security management | Risk assessment, incident response, governance | $575 (members), $760 (non-members) |
| Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) | Offensive Security | No prerequisites but prior CISSP-level knowledge recommended | Practical penetration testing, live lab, hands-on vulnerability exploitation | $1,649 |
| Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) | ISACA | Mid-career in IT/IS audit or risk management | IT risk management, information systems control, ethics, and CPE policies | $575 (members), $760 (non-members) |
| Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) | ISC2 | 1 year in security areas or a cybersecurity degree | Security operations, access control, incident response, cryptography | $249 |
| CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) | CompTIA | 10+ years in IT with 5+ in security | Security architecture, operations, governance, compliance, cryptography | $509 |
| Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate | Cisco | Networking fundamentals | SOC security monitoring, host analysis, network intrusion detection, security policies | $300 |
| GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH) | GIAC | Practical work experience encouraged | Incident handling, hacker exploits, investigation, incident response techniques | $949 |
1. CompTIA Security+
The CompTIA Security+ certification validates that you have the basic skills necessary for any cybersecurity role, particularly if you’re a new or aspiring cybersecurity professional.
Achieving this must-have cybersecurity certification will demonstrate to employers that you can assess the organization’s security, understand laws and regulations related to risk and compliance, identify and respond to computer security incidents, and monitor and secure Internet of Things, mobile, and cloud environments.
Recommended Experience: CompTIA Network+ certification and 2 years in IT administration with a security focus
Key Skills:
- Assessing organizational security levels
- Understanding laws and regulations related to risk and compliance
- Monitoring and securing IoT, mobile, and cloud environments
- Responding to security incidents effectively
Cost: $404
2. ISACA Cybersecurity Fundamentals
The ISACA Cybersecurity Fundamentals certification ensures that you comprehend cybersecurity principles as well as the key role cybersecurity professionals play in ensuring their organizations’ infrastructures and data are protected. This accredited online cybersecurity program is ideal for students/recent graduates, IT professionals, teams, and others who want a better understanding of the principles of cybersecurity.
ISACA also offers online, on-demand group training that organizations can customize to meet the needs and goals of their teams.
The exam does not require prerequisites. It covers asset security, the fundamentals of information security, the threat landscape, and security operations and response.
Recommended Experience: None
Key Skills:
- Grasping core principles of cybersecurity
- Understanding asset security and threat landscapes
- Basic security operations and incident response
Cost: $160 (members), $220 (non-members)
3. GIAC Security Essentials
The GIAC Security Essentials certification is one of the best cybersecurity certifications 2024 for beginners, and it is great for individuals with a background in networking and information systems.
This certification demonstrates that you can work in hands-on IT systems cyber security roles. It validates your knowledge of information security “beyond simple terminology and concepts.”
If you want to take the GIAC Security Essentials certification exam, you must have completed the GIAC Security Essentials course or have equivalent information security knowledge and experience.
Recommended Experience: 2 years in IT security or equivalent experience
Key Skills:
- Fundamental information security knowledge beyond terminology
- Practical, hands-on IT system security skills
- Network and information system basics for entry-level cybersecurity roles
Cost: $999 (Practitioner), $1,299 (Applied Knowledge)
4. AWS Certified Security – Specialty
Another popular cybersecurity training certification program, the AWS Certified Security – Specialty certification, is a specialized credential that verifies proficiency in designing and implementing security solutions within the AWS cloud environment.
Holders of this certification demonstrate their expertise in managing security aspects specific to AWS, including the shared responsibility model, security controls, and strategies for logging and monitoring. They also know about securing AWS workloads using third-party tools like encryption, backup systems, and identity management.
While there are no formal prerequisites, Amazon recommends candidates have a minimum of five years of IT security experience, with at least two years of hands-on experience with AWS.
It is also suggested that individuals pursue the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional or AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certifications before attempting the AWS Certified Security – Specialty exam.
This certification is ideal for security architects and professionals aiming to enhance their skills in securing AWS workloads and specialized data classifications, as well as understanding AWS’s data protection measures and secure internet protocols implementation within the AWS Cloud.
Recommended Experience: 5 years in IT security, 2 years hands-on with AWS
Key Skills:
- AWS-specific security aspects and shared responsibility model
- Security controls, logging, and monitoring within AWS
- Securing AWS workloads with tools like encryption and identity management
Cost: $300
5. Certified Information Systems Security Professional
One of the top cyber security certifications, Certified Information Systems Security Professional, is an advanced certification from ISC2 designed for experienced security managers, practitioners, and executives. This certification confirms that you can effectively create, deploy, and manage a cybersecurity program.
To qualify for this certification, you must have five or more years of cumulative paid work experience in at least two of these cybersecurity areas: security and risk management; asset security; security architecture and engineering; communication and network security; identity and access management; security assessment and testing; security operations; and software development security.
However, suppose you don’t have the full five years’ experience. In that case, you can satisfy one year of work experience with a four-year computer science degree or an additional credential from the ISC2-approved list. Part-time work experience and paid or unpaid internships are also acceptable.
Recommended Experience: 5+ years in two or more cybersecurity domains
Key Skills:
- Security and risk management, architecture, and engineering
- Identity and access management and network security
- Security operations, assessment, and software development security
Cost: $749
6. Certified Information Systems Auditor
The Certified Information Systems Auditor certification from the ISACA helps external and internal cybersecurity auditors demonstrate their proficiency in evaluating security vulnerabilities, designing and deploying controls, and reporting on compliance. This certification is best if you’re a professional security engineer moving into auditing or a dedicated auditor wanting to become certified.
You need five or more years of experience in information security auditing, control, security, or assurance. You can substitute a two-year degree for one year of experience and a four-year degree for two years of experience.
Recommended Experience: 5+ years in security auditing, control, or assurance
Key Skills:
- Security vulnerabilities and controls design
- Compliance reporting and auditing techniques
- Information system auditing and control evaluation
Cost: $575 (members), $760 (non-members)
7. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
The Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) certification, offered by (ISC)², focuses on cloud security, requiring IT professionals to have at least five years of experience in information technology, including three years in information security and one year in CCSP domains.
These domains cover cloud concepts, architecture, data security, platform and infrastructure security, application security, security operations, and legal compliance.
Full-time, part-time, or internships count toward experience, and CISSP holders can substitute their expertise.
The CCSP exam comprises 125 questions, with a passing score of 700 out of 1,000. It opens doors to roles like cloud architect and security analyst, with a vendor-neutral approach applicable in diverse cloud environments, enhancing career prospects in cloud security.
Recommended Experience: 5 years in IT (3 years in security, 1 in CCSP domain)
Key Skills:
- Cloud concepts, architecture, and data security
- Platform and infrastructure security, application security
- Legal compliance in cloud environments
Cost: $599
8. Certified Ethical Hacker
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBanZHmJ1hM
The Certified Ethical Hacker (C|EH) certification offered by the EC-Council validates your skills in attack detection, vectors, penetration testing, and prevention.
As a candidate for this certification, you’ll learn about the most up-to-date hacking techniques and tools and how to hack an organization legally and uncover security flaws. You must attend official training or have at least two years of experience in information security.
This is one of the best certifications for cybersecurity if you’re a security professional looking to gain practical knowledge in ethical hacking and pen testing before progressing to more advanced certifications.
Recommended Experience: 2 years in information security or official training
Key Skills:
- Attack detection, vectors, and penetration testing
- Practical skills in ethical hacking techniques and tools
- Preparation for more advanced cybersecurity roles
Cost: $950 – $1,119
9. Certified Information Security Manager
The Certified Information Security Manager certification from ISACA validates your proficiency in risk assessment, governance, and incident response as an information security manager. This advanced certification demonstrates that you have the knowledge and experience to establish and manage an information security program. It’s designed for cybersecurity pros who want to move into team leader positions.
If you want to take this exam, you’ll need at least five years of professional experience in information security management. Up to two years of this requirement can be waived if you have general information security experience, another active certification, or a graduate degree in a field related to information security.
Key Skills:
- Governance, risk assessment, and incident response
- Establishing and managing an information security program
- Leadership skills for information security management roles
Cost: $575 (members), $760 (non-members)
10. Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
The Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) certification is a prestigious credential designed for individuals seeking to establish their expertise in penetration testing. Developed and administered by Offensive Security, this certification assesses practical skills in penetration testing by requiring candidates to successfully attack and compromise various live machines within a controlled lab environment.
Notably, the OSCP exam is practical, requiring candidates to execute vulnerability exploits on target systems. While there are no strict prerequisites, candidates are encouraged to know equivalent to that of a Certified Information Security Professional (CISSP), a solid foundation in security, programming skills in languages like Java, C, and Python, and the ability to research, verify, and demonstrate patience and concentration while tackling various tasks within a 48-hour timeframe.
OSCP certification is recognized as a gold standard for penetration testing professionals. It can open doors to a wide range of roles in the cybersecurity field, including security analyst, penetration tester, malware analyst, and more.
It sets individuals apart by demonstrating their practical knowledge of offensive techniques and ability to identify vulnerabilities and develop solutions effectively.
Recommended Experience: CISSP-level knowledge or equivalent
Key Skills:
- Practical, hands-on penetration testing skills
- Ability to exploit vulnerabilities in a lab environment
- Strong problem-solving and critical thinking in live attack scenarios
Cost: $1,649
11. Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
The Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) certification benefits mid-career individuals in IT/IS audit, risk management, and cybersecurity. This certification empowers professionals with essential skills for effectively managing information security risks.
Candidates must adhere to a Code of Professional Ethics and the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) policy. The CPE policy mandates that CRISC-certified professionals earn at least 20 contact hours annually and 120 contacts over three years to maintain their certification.
Considered one of the top-paying cybersecurity certifications, CRISC certification can significantly enhance career prospects, with certified professionals often earning over $146,000 annually, making it a valuable credential in IT risk management and information systems control.
Recommended Experience: Mid-career in IT/IS audit, risk management, or cybersecurity
Key Skills:
- Managing information security risks effectively
- Designing and implementing risk control solutions
- Compliance with ethics
Cost: $575 (members), $760 (non-members)
12. Systems Security Certified Practitioner
The System Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) certification is an intermediate security credential from ISC2. It demonstrates that you have the skills to implement, monitor, and administer a secure IT infrastructure.
The exam tests your proficiency in security operations and administration, access controls, risk identification, monitoring and analysis, incident response and recovery, cryptography, network and communications security, and systems and application security. This certification is designed for IT pros working hands-on with their companies’ security systems or assets.
Recommended Experience: 1 year in a relevant cybersecurity domain or a degree in cybersecurity
Key Skills:
- Security operations and administration
- Access control, cryptography, and incident response
- Proficiency in monitoring and securing IT systems
Cost: $249
13. CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner
The CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner certification is designed for experienced cybersecurity professionals, i.e., security architects and senior security engineers, who aren’t yet managers but are tasked with leading and improving their organizations’ cybersecurity readiness. This certification demonstrates your ability to design and implement the solutions necessary to prepare your enterprise for every cyberattack.
The exam covers advanced topics, including security architecture, operations, governance, risk and compliance, security engineering, and cryptography.
Recommended Experience: 10+ years in IT, with 5+ in security
Key Skills:
- Security architecture and engineering
- Risk management, governance, and compliance
- Advanced cryptography and operational security
Cost: $509
14. Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate
The Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate certification is tailored for security analysts working in security operations centers (SOCs) within large companies and organizations. This certification program is designed to validate the day-to-day tactical knowledge and skills that SOC teams can effectively detect and respond to cybersecurity threats.
It covers various aspects, including security concepts, security monitoring, host-based analysis, network intrusion analysis, and security policies and procedures. While there are no strict prerequisites for the Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate exam, candidates are encouraged to have a solid understanding of networking fundamentals, making it suitable for new and experienced security analysts. The certification helps individuals enhance their cybersecurity expertise and is particularly valuable for those aiming to excel in SOC environments.
Recommended Experience: Knowledge of networking fundamentals
Key Skills Covered:
- Day-to-day SOC operations and monitoring
- Host-based analysis and network intrusion detection
- Security policies and procedures for cybersecurity operations
Cost: $300
15. GIAC Certified Incident Handler
The GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH) certification ensures you have the knowledge, experience, and skills to identify, respond to, and resolve cybersecurity incidents. This certification is essential for anyone working in incident response, including incident handling teams, security practitioners, system admins, security architects, and any security professional who is a first responder during a cyberattack or breach.
The exam covers incident handling and computer crime investigation, computer and network hacker exploits, and hacker tools.
Although no formal prerequisites exist to take the GCIH exam, practical work experience is encouraged.
Recommended Experience: Practical work experience in incident handling
Key Skills:
- Identifying and responding to cybersecurity incidents
- Handling computer crime investigations and hacker exploits
- Effective incident response techniques and protocols
Cost: $949
The Bottom Line
Top 15 security certifications 2024 are worth the effort and cost, but only if you select the proper one that fits your particular needs and career goals. These certifications are necessary because they offer employers tangible evidence of your knowledge and skills.
A certified cybersecurity course online and cybersecurity certification can help you rise above other candidates in the job market or advance your career in your current company.
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References
- Security+ (Plus) Certification | CompTIA IT Certifications (Comptia)
- Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate | ISACA (Isaca)
- GIAC Security Essentials Certification | Cybersecurity Certification (Giac)
- AWS Certified Security – Specialty Certification | AWS Certification | AWS (Aws.amazon)
- CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional | ISC2 (Isc2)
- CISA Certification | Certified Information Systems Auditor | ISACA (Isaca)
- Cloud Security Certification | CCSP – Certified Cloud Security Professional | ISC2 (Isc2)
- Know Everything: Comprehensive Guide to C|EHv12 Learning Framework: Learn, Certify, Engage & Compete – YouTube (Youtube)
- Become a Certified Ethical Hacker-Intl – (Campaigns.eccouncil)
- CISM Certification | Certified Information Security Manager | ISACA (Isaca)
- Information Security Training & Certifications | OffSec (Offsec)
- CRISC Certification | Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control | ISACA (Isaca)
- IT Security Certification | SSCP – Systems Security Certified Practitioner | ISC2 (Isc2)
- CASP+ (Plus) CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner Certification | CompTIA IT Certifications (Comptia)
- CyberOps Associate – Cisco (Cisco)
- GIAC Incident Handler Certification | GCIH (Giac)
