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.
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.
Before pursuing a cybersecurity certification, it is essential to have the following basic skills:
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:
Please verify the current prices before making any decisions, as they are subject to change
| Exam | CEH | CompTia+ | OSCP | GSEC | CISSP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nature | Early Career | Early Career | Early Career | Entry Level | Advanced |
| Cost (Starts from) | $850 | $201 | $999 | $1,699 | $749 |
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+ 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 :
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
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
These skills provide a solid foundation for individuals entering the field of offensive security.
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 :
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:
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.
