Cybersecurity remains the top priority in our rapidly digitizing world. According to the IMF, the financial losses from cyber-attacks have quadrupled to $2.5 billion since 2017. Now that cyber threats are growing by the day, it leads to an increase in the demand for trained and skilled cybersecurity professionals. The best cybersecurity certifications will prove your expertise not only in cybersecurity but also give your career potential a much brighter glow in today’s competitive job market.
This article discusses 10 of the best cybersecurity certifications for 2024, briefly explaining each certification, including eligibility, careers possible after acquiring that certification, and cost. So, whether you are a novice or a professional, it’ll help you find your way in the cybersecurity certification landscape and choose the best path for your career.
10 Best Cybersecurity Certifications of 2024
1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Provider: (ISC)²
Overview: CISSP is a globally recognized certification that validates expertise in designing, implementing, and managing a best-in-class cybersecurity program. It is one of the best cybersecurity certifications for experienced practitioners.
Who is it for?
Experienced security practitioners, managers, and executives.
Eligibility Criteria: Minimum of five years of cumulative, paid work experience in two or more of the eight domains of the CISSP CBK.
Potential for Career Roles:
- Security Consultant: $85,000 – $160,000 (₹63,50,000 – ₹1,19,50,000)
- IT Security Manager: $100,000 – $175,000 (₹74,70,000 – ₹1,30,70,000)
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO): $140,000 – $250,000 (₹1,04,60,000 – ₹1,86,75,000)
Est. Cost: $749
2. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Provider: EC-Council
Overview: CEH trains professionals to understand and identify vulnerabilities in systems, enabling them to ethically hack and safeguard against threats.
Who is it for?
IT professionals interested in a penetration testing role.
Eligibility Criteria: Two years of work experience in the Information Security domain or completion of an official EC-Council training.
Potential for Career Roles:
- Ethical Hacker: $70,000 – $150,000 (₹52,30,000 – ₹1,11,90,000)
- Penetration Tester: $80,000 – $160,000 (₹59,75,000 – ₹1,19,50,000)
- Security Analyst: $60,000 – $120,000 (₹44,80,000 – ₹89,60,000)
Est. Cost: $1,199
3. CompTIA Security+
Provider: CompTIA
Overview: Security+ is an entry-level certification focusing on core cybersecurity skills required for any cybersecurity role.
Who is it for?
Beginners in the cybersecurity field.
Eligibility Criteria: No formal prerequisites, but CompTIA Network+ and two years of experience in IT with a security focus are recommended.
Potential for Career Roles:
- Network Administrator: $50,000 – $90,000 (₹37,35,000 – ₹67,25,000)
- Security Specialist: $55,000 – $100,000 (₹41,10,000 – ₹74,70,000)
- Systems Administrator: $60,000 – $100,000 (₹44,80,000 – ₹74,70,000)
Est. Cost: $246-$392
4. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
Provider: ISACA
Overview: CISM focuses on the management side of information security, including risk management and governance.
Who is it for?
Individuals managing an enterprise’s information security program.
Eligibility Criteria: Five years of work experience in information security management.
Potential for Career Roles:
- Information Security Manager: $100,000 – $150,000 (₹74,70,000 – ₹1,11,90,000)
- Risk Manager: $90,000 – $140,000 (₹67,25,000 – ₹1,04,60,000)
- Compliance Manager: $85,000 – $140,000 (₹63,50,000 – ₹1,04,60,000)
Est. Cost: $760 for ISACA members, $935 for non-members
5. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
Provider: ISACA
Overview: CISA is a globally recognized certification for audit control, assurance, and security professionals.
Who is it for?
Individuals who audit, control, monitor, and assess an organization’s information technology and business systems.
Eligibility Criteria: Five years of professional experience in information systems auditing, control, or security.
Potential for Career Roles:
- IT Auditor: $70,000 – $130,000 (₹52,30,000 – ₹97,15,000)
- Internal Auditor: $60,000 – $110,000 (₹44,80,000 – ₹82,15,000)
- Audit Manager: $90,000 – $140,000 (₹67,25,000 – ₹1,04,60,000)
Est. Cost: $575 for ISACA members, $760 for non-members
6. Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
Provider: Offensive Security
Overview: OSCP certification focuses on hands-on offensive cybersecurity skills, requiring candidates to demonstrate their ability to compromise a series of target machines.
Who is it for?
Professionals seeking to validate their penetration testing skills.
Eligibility Criteria: No formal prerequisites, but a strong understanding of networking, Linux, and Bash scripting is recommended.
Potential for Career Roles:
- Penetration Tester: $80,000 – $160,000 (₹59,75,000 – ₹1,19,50,000)
- Security Consultant: $85,000 – $150,000 (₹63,50,000 – ₹1,11,90,000)
- Red Team Member: $90,000 – $170,000 (₹67,25,000 – ₹1,26,95,000)
Est. Cost: $1,099-$1,499
7. GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
Provider: Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)
Overview: GSEC certifies that candidates have the skills required to handle and understand a wide range of security tasks.
Who is it for?
Entry-level security professionals and those new to the field of cybersecurity.
Eligibility Criteria: No formal prerequisites.
Potential for Career Roles:
- Security Administrator: $60,000 – $110,000 (₹44,80,000 – ₹82,15,000)
- Network Security Engineer: $70,000 – $120,000 (₹52,30,000 – ₹89,60,000)
- Information Security Analyst: $65,000 – $115,000 (₹48,50,000 – ₹85,75,000)
Est. Cost: $979 USD (initial attempt), $399 USD (with active relevant GIAC cert)
8. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
Provider: (ISC)²
Overview: CCSP focuses on cloud security architecture, governance, risk, and compliance.
Who is it for?
IT and security leaders responsible for applying best practices to cloud security architecture.
Eligibility Criteria: Five years of cumulative, paid work experience in IT, with three years in information security and one year in one of the six CCSP domains.
Potential for Career Roles:
- Cloud Security Architect: $110,000 – $170,000 (₹82,15,000 – ₹1,26,95,000)
- Cloud Engineer: $95,000 – $150,000 (₹70,95,000 – ₹1,11,90,000)
- Security Consultant: $85,000 – $150,000 (₹63,50,000 – ₹1,11,90,000)
Est. Cost: $599
9. Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
Provider: (ISC)²
Overview: SSCP is ideal for those who implement, monitor, and administer IT infrastructure using security best practices, policies, and procedures.
Who is it for?
Network security professionals, security administrators, and systems engineers.
Eligibility Criteria: One year of cumulative work experience in one or more of the seven domains of the SSCP CBK.
Potential for Career Roles:
- Network Security Engineer: $70,000 – $120,000 (₹52,30,000 – ₹89,60,000)
- Systems Administrator: $60,000 – $100,000 (₹44,80,000 – ₹74,70,000)
- Security Analyst: $65,000 – $110,000 (₹48,50,000 – ₹82,15,000)
Est. Cost: $249-$499
10. AWS Certified Security – Specialty
Provider: Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Overview: The AWS Certified Security – Specialty certification validates expertise in securing data and workloads in the AWS Cloud.
Who is it for?
Experienced security professionals who are familiar with securing AWS workloads.
Eligibility Criteria: Recommended to have at least five years of IT security experience, designing and implementing security solutions, and two or more years of hands-on experience securing AWS workloads.
Potential for Career Roles:
- Cloud Security Engineer: $110,000 – $160,000 (₹82,15,000 – ₹1,19,50,000)
- Security Architect: $120,000 – $170,000 (₹89,60,000 – ₹1,26,95,000)
- DevSecOps Engineer: $100,000 – $150,000 (₹74,70,000 – ₹1,11,90,000)
Est. Cost: $300
FAQs
– What is the difference between certification and training?
Certification involves earning a formal credential through examination and demonstrating proficiency in a specific field. Training focuses on learning and skill development, often without a formal assessment or credential.
– How much time does it take to prepare for a cybersecurity certification exam?
Preparation time varies based on the complexity of the exam and individual study habits. Generally, it can range from a few weeks to several months. More advanced certifications may require extensive study and hands-on practice.
– How can I find out which certification is right for me?
Evaluate your career goals, current experience, and areas of interest. Research the certifications that align with your aspirations and consider factors such as job roles, industry demand, and personal interest.
– Do cybersecurity certifications expire?
Yes, most cybersecurity certifications require renewal, typically every three years. Renewal often involves earning continuing professional education (CPE) credits or passing a recertification exam.
– Where can I find resources to help me prepare for a cybersecurity certification exam?
Reputable sources include the certification provider’s official study guides, online courses from platforms like Coursera and Udemy, practice exams, and community forums like Reddit and LinkedIn groups.
The Bottom Line
Cybersecurity certification is quite a beneficial tool for career advancement. Your skills will grow, and so will your earning potential. The proper certification puts you in an increasingly valuable position in the battle to protect critical information systems.
NOTE: Each certification has its distinctive benefit designed particularly with different careers and specializations in mind. Take your time to research and align the choice with your long-term goals. Be it the beginning of a cybersecurity career or when one wants to touch new heights, there is always a certification that puts you on the map. With more and more cyber threats on the horizon, it means that the demand for certified professionals is on the increase. Your expertise will go a long way in safeguarding organizations and individuals alike.
So, use this guide as your entry point to make an informed decision in this incredible journey toward success in cybersecurity. Your hard work today will pay off with a satisfying and significant career in this critical domain.
