IT security certifications play a vital role in the career growth of IT workers. Not only these additional certifications are great for earning higher average salaries, but there are also more career opportunities that keep individuals secure in the industry. Additional certifications - especially in cybersecurity - can increase your salary by 15%. Moreover, the global demand for IT skills is also expected to increase by 2021, creating more than 3.5 million cybersecurity jobs as per the projections by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
It is important to note now that every IT position has some role to play when it comes to cybersecurity. Each individual, even the non-IT staff, must be involved with defending and protecting apps, devices, data, people, and infrastructure.
To give your career the boost it needs in the IT industry, it is important to learn about the most valuable cybersecurity certifications. We have compiled the top 10 list to make this easy for you.
1. CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Security+ certification holds great regard in terms of demand and value as it is one of the foundation certifications that could elevate your career level. By attaining a CompTIA Security+ online training in departments like Network Engineering, Information Security Analysis, and System Administrations, any professional can up their career game.
The certification is crucial for anyone who wishes to find great career opportunities in network security and system and learn about general and advanced security protocols. It also covers the technical skills and knowledge that helps the candidate conceptualize, engineer, and design secure solutions across various infrastructures and complex enterprise environments.
2. CCNP Security
If you already have the intermediate level certification, top it up with a well-known CCNP security training under Cisco. This is the professional level certification that's recognized worldwide and pays off the hard work.
CCNP is the perfect direction that does not only help you elevate your networking skills but also gives you the opportunity to earn a higher income. The globally recognized certification can help you earn an estimated $92,000 annually.
3. CCNA Security
CCNA Security certification is another highly recognized and valued Cisco's certifications. Also, it is known for wider career benefits because of its popularity amongst employers. CCNA security certification can offer you great opportunities, especially if you are interested in operating as a Network Administrator, Network Engineer, or a Senior Network Operator.
With a CCNA security certification under your belt, you portray yourself as a useful resource to the employer. The certification validates your thorough understanding of network security, which can be of utmost importance in various cybersecurity roles.
4. CISA
CISA certification is gaini+ng recognition as one of the most in-demand cybersecurity certs in 2019, mainly because it prepares the individual to identify critical issues and implement customized practices to solve problems and gain higher value from the existing information systems.
It has become one of the must-haves in the industry, as CISA evaluates and promotes practices and skills that are the foundation of success in the field. Possessing this certification demonstrates proficiency and validates skills that employers can put to great use.
5. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
With data breaches and hacking becoming a major problem for organizations of all sizes, CEH certification is more popular than ever. Not only is this a very attractive certification for professionals looking for bigger career opportunities, it is equally fascinating to employers.
Also, there couldn't be a cooler, more legal way to becoming a white hat hacker. This certification is unique, and so are its benefits. If you have an ambition that matches the description, CEH certification is your best bet.
6. Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI)
Polish your technical skills as a CHFI and demonstrate your capabilities to achieve great career ambitions. The CHFI certification is a perfect fit for techies who want to choose computer forensics for cybercrime investigations as a professional.
With this certification under your belt, you will be considered an expert in computer forensics.
7. CISM
Obtaining a CISM certification is the best way to demonstrate your understanding of information security. But that's not all. The certification further covers wider business goals and a thorough understanding of the role of an Information Security Manager.
The average pay scale of a CISM certified can total up to $122,000/annum.
8. CISSP
CISSP is one of the most in-demand cybersecurity certs in 2019, which allows you to accelerate your cybersecurity career. Obtaining a CISSP validates your capability and understanding of effective planning and design, as well as implementation and management for a fool-proof cybersecurity program.
The certification proves your expertise and relevance while unlocking a wide array of educational tools, exclusive resources, and peer-to-peer networking opportunities.
9. Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
This certification is as unique as it sounds. In fact, it is the only one in the list that enables and prepares IT professionals to face and defeat unique challenges associated with enterprise risk and IT management. The certification covers areas to enable the candidates to provide strategic solutions to the enterprise to steer clear the prevailing risks.
10. Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP)
Supported by ANSI/ISO accreditation, the CIPP certification ensures elevated opportunities in the cybersecurity field mainly because of your additional capability of understanding the US privacy rules and regulations.
Since the certification has gained global recognition as a standard for privacy professionals, it has become the key benchmark of the industry, mainly among the prominent employers. The knowledge and skills covered under this program are updated regularly to stay more relevant and current with the privacy topics. This allows any IT professional who opts for this certification to stand out in the crowd and stay ahead of the competition when it comes to locking better career opportunities.
It can be quite a tough choice, especially for newbies, to pick up a certification to get started. We recommend CompTIA Security+ certification to get started. By following the right path, you will definitely achieve your dream of becoming a cybersecurity pro in no time!