Here are some of the top cybersecurity certifications you can get this year.
While the COVID-19 fallout has been dominating the news for the past six months, hackers have been doing their best to ransack anything they can get their hands on in the digital world. From government-sponsored hacker threats to phishing scams targeting the unemployed, cyberterrorism is alive and well in our world today. That means programmers considering a cybersecurity certification are on the right track for skills development; the data shows by 2021, there will be 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs around the globe. But what cybersecurity certifications will be most in-demand?
Top Cybersecurity Certifications
We know that cybersecurity certifications make developers more marketable. Employers often look for these credentials on your resume and give preferential status to candidates that have them. While there are varying opinions on what certifications matter the most, Business News Daily reviewed five that we also think are important to round out your full stack experience. They include:
1. CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)
In developer circles, a hacker can signify a rule-breaker, but it also designates a programmer with extensive troubleshooting skills in the security world. Many companies believe that fighting fire with fire means that they’ll employ their own hackers for good to fight back against cybercriminals. The CEH credential focuses on five phases of hacking: reconnaissance, enumeration, gaining access, maintaining access, and covering your tracks. There is a five-day training course that can help you pass the exam. You can also self-study but must have documentation that you’ve worked in IT security for two years.
2. CISM (Certified Information Security Manager)
The CISM is a top certification for enterprise-level IT managers tasked with developing security protocols. The certification covers security risk management, program development, governance, and incident management and mitigation. The exam is only open to developers that have five years of security experience
3. CompTIA Security+
CompTIA is one of the most respected organizations in the tech world right now. While it’s an entry-level certification, their Security + designation signifies the IT workers with the highest level of tech skills and broad knowledge of multiple security-related disciplines. Achieving this credential is one thing, but you must renew the credentials every three years. To renew, you must complete 50 credit hours or complete the CertMaster CE online course. Tip: Udemy offers a complete course to study for the CompTIA Security+ exam.
4. CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
Unlike CompTIA Security+, the CISSP is an advanced certification for those who are very serious in the field. You must have at least five years’ experience in IT security and a college degree or other approved credentials. Within the CISSP, you have three targeted areas of study: Architecture, engineering, or management. Tip: Udemy offers a CISSP practice exam.
5. CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor)
This certification is the top of the line credential for any IT security professional. These credentials allow you to identify organizational threats, measure compliance, set up organizational security controls, and audit and manage organizational IT protocols. Like some of the other certifications out there, you must take 120 CPEs over three years to renew the CISA certification.
If you’re looking for a role where you can put these certifications to work, look no further than Blackstone Talent Group. Our teams work closely with skilled, credentialed IT candidates to place them in the best jobs for the best money in the industry. We can help you get back to work. Talk to our team today about the opportunities in store.