Industry Trends
January 14, 2024 . 8 min read

Securing Tomorrow: The Top 5 Cybersecurity Certifications You Need in 2024

The demand for cybersecurity professionals remains high in 2024, with companies facing a talent shortage and an increasing need for experts to address the growing threat of cyber attacks. To excel in cybersecurity job interviews, it's essential to possess the required skills and certifications. The cybersecurity field is expected to continue experiencing significant growth, with over a million job opportunities projected to become available.

What is a cyber security certification ?

A cybersecurity certification is a credential that validates an individual's knowledge and expertise in cybersecurity. It serves as proof that an entity meets a set of cybersecurity and data protection benchmarks defined by a third party. These certifications can range from entry-level to advanced.

Why is it important?

  1. Cybersecurity certifications provide knowledge and skills for the industry, making individuals more marketable and increasing job opportunities.
  2. They lead to higher earning potential, offer a pathway for career advancement, and demonstrate a commitment to continued professional development.
  3. Furthermore, these certifications help organisations win more business, manage compliance, and reduce overall cyber risk, making them a valuable asset in today's digital landscape.
  4. Key cybersecurity certifications not only bolster your qualifications but also give a competitive edge in interviews, especially for companies prioritising specific certifications for the role.

What are the essential skills one should possess before pursuing a cybersecurity certification?

Before pursuing a cybersecurity certification, it is essential to have the following basic skills:

  1. IT and computer science knowledge
  2. Basic Linux and networking knowledge
  3. Bash scripting
  4. Basic programming skills in Python or another language
  5. Understanding of how websites work
  6. Data management and analysis
  7. Risk identification and management
  8. Logical reasoning and troubleshooting

Where to get these pre-requisite skills from, before investing in certifications?

Cybersecurity certifications can be expensive, so it's important to have some basic knowledge before investing in one. Here are some cheap and bang-for-the-buck Udemy courses to check out before buying any certification:

  1. Mastering Red Team: The Complete Cyber Security by Nikhil Srivastava
  2. Practical Ethical Hacking by Heath Adams
  3. Linux Privilege Escalation by Heath Adams
  4. Windows Privilege Escalation by Heath Adams
  5. Website Hacking by Zaid

Best 5 cyber security certifications in 2024

Please verify the current prices before making any decisions, as they are subject to change

ExamCEHCompTia+OSCPGSECCISSP
NatureEarly CareerEarly CareerEarly CareerEntry LevelAdvanced
Cost (Starts from)$850$201$999$1,699$749

CEH

ceh

The Certified Ethical Hacker provides comprehensive training, hands on learning labs, practice cyber ranges for engagement, certification assessments, cyber competitions, and opportunities for continuous learning into one comprehensive program curated through our new learning framework. It is also considered an easy certification to obtain, making it a valuable certification to pursue in 2024 for a beginner.

The cost of the certification varies depending on the training option chosen, with price starts from $850.

Before investing in this certification, it's important to have some basic knowledge of cybersecurity, such as fundamental technological skills, programming, risk identification and management, data management and analysis, and cloud knowledge.

Some topics that are covered :

  • Introduction to Ethical Hacking, Foot Printing, and Reconnaissance.

  • Scanning Networks, Enumeration, and Vulnerability Analysis.

  • System Hacking, Malware Threats, and Sniffing.

  • Social Engineering, Denial-of-Service, and Session Hijacking.

  • Web Server, Web Application, Wireless Network, and Mobile Platform Hacking.

  • IoT, OT, Cloud Computing, and Cryptography.

CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ is a global certification that validates the baseline skills necessary to perform core security functions and pursue an IT security career.

It is vendor-neutral and widely recognised in the industry. It is the best starting point for any career in IT and can help individuals get their first job in IT and set them on a path to IT success.

The certification covers :

  • General security concepts
  • Threat & vulnerabilities mitigations
  • Security architecture
  • Security operations
  • Security program management & oversight.

The cost of the certification varies depending on the training option chosen, with price starting from $201. Obtaining a CompTIA+ certification can lead to better pay, career options, and a solid foundation in computer fundamentals

OSCP

The Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) certification is highly respected in the cybersecurity industry. It is focused on white-hat hacking and penetration testing, and it is considered a beginner-level certification offered by Offensive Security. The certification is challenging and requires extensive experience working with Linux, knowledge of databases, and web application security. The OSCP certification provides international recognition in security matters and expertise in pentesting and vulnerability exploitation processes. The cost of the certification is $999, which includes 30 days of lab access and an exam attempt. To pass the OSCP exam, a minimum score of 70 points out of a possible 100 is required. The exam consists of a 24-hour hands-on penetration testing challenge, during which candidates must obtain a certain number of points by compromising a network of virtual machines. Once the exam is completed, candidates have an additional 24 hours to submit a written report detailing the compromised machines

The OSCP training covers a range of practical topics for cybersecurity professionals. It includes hands-on learning with

  • Kali Linux, command-line usage, essential tools, Bash scripting.
  • Effective information gathering, using Nessus for vulnerability assessments
  • Mastering web application attacks
  • Understanding buffer overflow
  • Learning privilege escalation techniques
  • navigating Active Directory environments.

These skills provide a solid foundation for individuals entering the field of offensive security.

GSEC

The GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC) certification is a valuable certification for cybersecurity professionals. It is considered a good foundation certification and has quickly established itself as one of the top certifications on the market for professionals who want to prove their IT skills on security-related tasks. The GSEC certification measures the essential skills and knowledge required to manage security and integrate and employ information security practices in any organization. The certification is highly respected among employers because it tests practical skills and methods. The cost of the certification is $1,699. Obtaining a GSEC certification can lead to better pay, career options, and a solid foundation in computer fundamentals. GSEC is for anyone who is new to information security but has some prior experience with computer networks and systems from penetration testers to auditors.

Some Topics covered in the course :

  • Network Security Essentials
  • Defence in Depth
  • Vulnerability Management and Response
  • Data Security Technologies
  • Cryptography
  • Windows and Linux Security

CISSP

CISSP
Logo

A CISSP certification is among the gold standards for IT and cybersecurity professionals. This credential can lead to higher salaries, a competitive advantage in the job market, and knowledge of the latest industry advancements.

Requirements

To become certified as a CISSP, you will need at least five years of full-time, paid work as a security analyst in two or more of the eight domains covered in the CISSP, such as cryptography and software development security. There are experience waivers available for those with college degrees and additional credentials if these are approved by the (ISC). You also can become an Associate of the (ISC) and earn the CISSP when you meet your experience requirement.

Exam Content

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) exam is a six-hour exam consisting of 250 questions that certify security professionals in ten different areas, namely:

  • Access control systems and methodology
  • Business continuity planning and disaster recovery planning
  • Physical security
  • Operations
  • Security
  • Management practices
  • Telecommunications and networking security

How to Pass

Each candidate is given four hours to complete the certification exam, which comprises 125 to 175 questions in total. To pass the exam, you must score at least 700/1,000 or higher. You can retake it 30 days after your first try and in 12 months up to four times. In conclusion, these certifications stand out as top choices for those seeking to enhance their skills. Explore these opportunities and stay ahead in your professional journey.

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Prahit Ramsail
Red Teamer/Cybersecurity Professional
By thinking like a hacker, I can provide valuable insights and recommendations to improve overall security measures. I am passionate about staying up-to-date with the latest security trends, techniques, and tools.
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