Top Cybersecurity Certifications That Employers Look For
Cybersecurity is no longer a niche field where only a few skilled professionals operate. With cyberattacks growing by the day, organizations are placing heightened importance on securing their systems, data, and networks. For IT professionals and those aspiring to join this lucrative field, obtaining the right certification can set you apart and fast-track your career in cybersecurity.
This blog dives into the most sought-after cybersecurity certifications employers value, explores their unique benefits, and provides guidance on preparing for them. Whether you’re an experienced IT professional or a career changer just entering the field, this guide can help you take the next step in your cybersecurity career.
The Growing Importance and Benefits of Cybersecurity Certifications
Earning a cybersecurity certification enhances your knowledge and skills, boosts your career prospects, validates your expertise, and increases your credibility in a competitive industry.
With global cybercrime damages projected to hit $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, businesses are under immense pressure to build robust defenses. Consequently, companies are no longer just hiring general IT staff; they are also seeking specialized cybersecurity professionals to safeguard their operations.
Certifications have become a valuable way for candidates to demonstrate their skills and knowledge in a structured and recognized manner. Hiring managers look at certifications as a testament to your understanding of industry best practices, technical expertise, and ability to handle challenges in this dynamic field. For job seekers, they serve as a door opener to high-demand roles and greater earning potential.
Exploring Key Cybersecurity Domains and Roles
Before diving into specific certifications, it’s essential to understand the key domains within cybersecurity. Each certification often aligns with one or more of these areas, which include:
- Network Security: Protecting network infrastructure from threats such as unauthorized access or breaches.
- Ethical Hacking: Identifying vulnerabilities through penetration testing to prevent exploitation.
- Risk Management: Developing strategies to mitigate cybersecurity risks.
- Incident Response: Detecting, responding to, and resolving cybersecurity incidents quickly.
- Security Auditing and Compliance: Reviewing and ensuring adherence to security policies and legal regulations.
Job roles span from Security Analysts to Ethical Hackers, Incident Responders, Security Engineers, and even CISOs (Chief Information Security Officers). With certifications, professionals can target the roles they aspire to step into.
The Top Cybersecurity Certifications to Consider
Below are some of the most respected certifications in the cybersecurity field, offering targeted knowledge and credibility that employers highly value.
1. CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
Overview:
Revered as the gold standard in cybersecurity, CISSP is ideal for experienced professionals seeking to validate their broad knowledge across security domains. Offered by ISC2, this credential is an excellent choice for mid- to senior-level managers working in or aspiring to roles such as CISO, CSO, Senior Security Engineer, Security Manager, or IT Director.
The CISSP certification demonstrates you have the skills and awareness to design, engineer, implement, and manage an information security program. It’s a powerful way to accelerate your career, increase your salary, and solidify your expertise in the field. Additionally, CISSP is an approved certification for multiple DoD 8570 work roles, making it a valuable asset for professionals in the government and defense sectors.
Focus Areas:
- Security and risk management
- Identity and access management
- Security architecture and engineering
- Software development security
Certification Prerequisites
To qualify for the CISSP certification, candidates must have at least five years of cumulative, paid, full-time work experience in two or more CISSP domains.
CISSP Certification Exam
The CISSP exam, authorized by ISC2, is administered through Pearson VUE. After buying an exam voucher, candidates can schedule their test with Pearson VUE. Known for its rigor, the exam covers eight key cybersecurity domains based on the ISC2 Common Body of Knowledge (CBK). The exam fee is approximately $749.
Training Options
2. CISM (Certified Information Security Manager)
Overview:
ISACA’s CISM certification is one of the top cybersecurity certifications, ideal for those aiming for managerial roles in information security. This certification focuses on key areas, including security governance, risk management, program development, and incident management. If your career goals involve leading organizational security programs, CISM is your pathway to success.
Focus Areas:
- Risk management and compliance
- Information security governance
- Program development and management
Certification Prerequisites
A minimum of five years of experience in information security is required, including at least three years in a managerial role.
CISM Certification Exam
The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) exam consists of 150 questions covering four key job practice domains. Designed to assess your expertise, it evaluates both your knowledge and practical skills in real-world security management practices utilized by industry professionals. The exam fees range from $575 to $760, based on ISACA membership status.
Training Options
You can find a wide range of exam preparation materials on their official website.
3. CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)
Overview:
This certification by EC-Council is ideal for professionals focused on the technical side of cybersecurity. CEH teaches you to think like a hacker to proactively protect systems. The latest version, CEH v13, is the most powerful yet, with AI integrated at its core. As AI-driven cyberattacks increase, the best defense is to leverage AI itself. Certified Ethical Hackers trained in CEH v13 are equipped to identify, exploit, and secure system vulnerabilities using today’s advanced AI tools, tactics, and techniques.
With the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals, obtaining your Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification is a smart investment in your future, giving you a competitive edge in this rapidly expanding field. Plus, CEH is DoD 8570 approved for several critical work roles.
Focus Areas:
- Penetration testing and hacking methodologies
- Identifying vulnerabilities and weaknesses
- Network, web, and mobile app security
Certification Prerequisites
At least two years of work experience in IT, or completion of an EC-Council-approved training program like the one offered at ONLC.
CEH Certification Exam:
The CEH exam is a four-hour, proctored test comprising 125 multiple-choice questions. It is available online, and candidates can conveniently schedule their exam through the ECC Exam Center. The total cost, including the application and exam fee, is $950.
Training Options
4. Security+ (CompTIA)
Overview:
CompTIA Security+ is a globally recognized, vendor-neutral certification that validates your cybersecurity skills, making you a valuable asset in any organization. It’s beginner-friendly and covers foundational security concepts, making it an excellent starting point for career changers or recent graduates aiming for roles like Cybersecurity Specialist or Systems Administrator.
Security+ is particularly crucial for individuals pursuing a DoD 8570 baseline information systems security credential and those aspiring to intermediate-level cybersecurity roles. It was also recently updated to version SY0-701.
Focus Areas:
- Network security
- Cryptography and identity management
- Threat intelligence and risk management
Certification Prerequisites and Cost
Although there are no official prerequisites for the Security+ certification, CompTIA recommends that candidates have at least two years of experience in technical networking, preferably with a focus on security. If you’re new to IT or lack a solid technical background, it’s advisable to complete the CompTIA A+ and Network+ certifications before pursuing Security+ training. The exam voucher is priced at $404.
Security+ Certification Exam
The Security+ exam consists of 90 multiple-choice and performance-based questions that must be completed in 90 minutes. The passing score for the exam is 750 on a scale of 100-900.
Training Options
ONLC CompTIA Security+ Certification Training Classes
5. CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
Overview:
CySA+ is an intermediate, high-stakes certification designed to enhance IT security by applying behavioral analytics for threat detection and response. This certification is crucial as attackers increasingly bypass traditional defenses, such as firewalls and antivirus software. Using CySA+’s vendor-neutral methodology, IT professionals can more effectively handle a wide range of cybersecurity threats.
CompTIA CySA+ is gaining traction among incident responders and data analysts due to its practical approach to modern threats. It is also DoD 8570 approved and serves as a vital bridge between CompTIA Security+ and CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) certifications, making it an essential step for advancing your cybersecurity expertise.
Focus Areas:
- Data analytics
- Threat management
- Incident response strategies
Certification Prerequisites and Cost
Although there are no formal prerequisites for the CySA+ exam, CompTIA suggests having 3–4 years of practical experience in information security or a related field. Additionally, earning a CompTIA Security+ certification can be advantageous, as it lays the groundwork for some of the key concepts covered in the CySA+ exam. The exam voucher is priced at $404.
CySA+ Certification Exam
The CySA+ certification exam consists of 85 multiple-choice and performance-based questions, which candidates must complete within 165 minutes. The passing score for the exam is 750 on a scale of 100-900.
Training Options
ONLC CompTIA CySA+ Certified Training Classes
Choosing the Right Certification for Your Career Goals
Start by identifying your career aspirations. If you’re aiming for leadership roles, managerial certifications like CISSP or CISM are perfect. On the other hand, if you love technical problem-solving, CEH or Penetration testing-specific certifications could be your best shot.
Also, do some research into the job market. For example, are employers in your area prioritizing a certain certification? This can help steer your decision.
FAQs
What are some other globally recognized certifications in cybersecurity?
Other globally recognized cybersecurity certifications include the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC), Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), and Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP). These certifications are highly valued by employers and cater to both entry-level certification seekers and experienced security professionals.
What is a Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) Certification?
The Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) certification is a globally recognized credential offered by ISC2. This certification focuses on the technical implementation and management aspects of information security, making it suitable for individuals working in roles such as network security engineer, systems administrator, or security analyst.
What certifications should I pursue for specialized fields like cloud security or offensive security?
For cloud-focused roles, the Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) certification is a great fit. If you’re interested in assessing security vulnerabilities and penetration testing, the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) is a great choice, as it emphasizes practical skills and hands-on experience.
How do I choose between managerial and technical certifications?
If your career goals involve leading a cybersecurity program or focusing on information security management, certifications like the CISSP or CISM are recommended. For technical roles that focus on tasks like assessing security vulnerabilities or enhancing an organization’s security systems, certifications like OSCP or GIAC are more suitable.
Are cybersecurity certifications worth the investment?
Yes, cybersecurity certifications are key to advancing in the field. They not only validate your skills and knowledge but also demonstrate your commitment to professional growth. Certifications such as GIAC, CISSP, or CCSP can significantly enhance your credibility and open doors to opportunities in information security management, security assessment, and other related fields.
How Can the CompTIA Security+ Certification Boost Your Career?
The CompTIA Security+ certification is a highly recognized and respected credential in the cybersecurity industry. It is considered the benchmark for entry-level positions in cybersecurity and is often required by employers for roles such as security analyst, security engineer, and network administrator.
Earning this certification can boost your career in several ways:
- Validates Your Knowledge and Skills
- Increases Job Opportunities
- Higher Salary Potential
- Demonstrates Commitment to the Industry
Prepare to Elevate Your Cybersecurity Career
Certifications are a powerful way to build credibility, sharpen your skills, and secure sought-after roles in the cybersecurity field. Whether you’re launching your career or making a transition into this dynamic field, there’s a certification designed to align with your goals.
Unsure where to begin? Explore our curated list of certifications to find the ideal fit for your ambitions. The opportunities in cybersecurity are endless, and the journey starts here!
Have questions about a specific certification? Our team of experts is here to help—don’t hesitate to reach out.
