The Cybersecurity Surge: 5 Must-Have Cybersecurity Certifications!

There is something fascinating about a lone hacker in black hoodies using a single system and their skills to take down big corporations and their crony capitalism. The anecdote of a hacker has cultivated an ethos of individuality, corporate freedom, and distinct craftiness that can’t be denied. Also, the same archetype is visible in a number of pop-cultural references whether the famous TV series- Mr. Robot or real-life adaptations of Snowden and Julian Assange. Despite all the fascination of hacking, and hysteria, the field of cybersecurity is largely misunderstood outside of the realm of the IT ecosystem.

On the other hand, organizations/individuals face a series of cyberattacks such as Phishing, malware, DDOS, Man-in-the-middle, SQL injection, Zero-day exploits, DNS tunneling, and many others. Most of these crimes are usually financially motivated. 

There are two types of companies: those that have been hacked, and those who don’t yet know they have been hacked.

JOHN CHAMBERS, FORMAR CISCO CEO

According to a 2015 report from Cybersecurity Venture, these damages are speculated to reach around 6 Trillion by 2021. Ergo the growing demand for Cybersecurity prevention and professionals. The postings for cybersecurity professionals have grown 3X faster than other IT positions and roughly 12X faster than other professions. So, if you are looking to advance your career in Cybersecurity, this blog will try to outline all the Must-have Cybersecurity certifications and their basic requirements, cost, and other technicalities.

1. CCNP Security: Cisco Certified Network Professional Security

Fee:$1200

Although CISCO offers a curated pathway to start from entry-level knowledge to get proficient in the cybersecurity profession. However, we recommend you go with CCNP Security certification. The particular security certification program will prepare you for today’s professional-level positions in system security. It validates the core knowledge you require while offering the flexibility to pick a focus area.

To Earn a CCNP Security, one needs to pass two exams: one defines the core competency. While the other is a concentration exam of your choice.

• The core exam, Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies v1.0, aims at your expertise and skills in security infrastructure comprising cloud security, content security, network security, endpoint protection & detection, visibility, secure network access, and enforcement.
• On the other hand, the concentration exam aims at new breakthroughs as well as industry-specific topics such as identifying services, Cisco Firepower, email security, VPNs, web security, and automation. You need to pick one of the CCNP security concentration exam from:
  • Implementing and Configuring Cisco Identity Services Engine 
  • Securing Email with Cisco Email Security Appliance 
  • Automating and Programming Cisco Security Solutions 
  • Securing the Web with Cisco Web Security Appliance 
  • Securing Networks with Cisco Firepower 
  • And, Implementing Secure Solutions with Virtual Private Networks 

Completing both CCNP certification exams will earn you a Cisco® Specialist certification so that you will get accredited by an industry leader in the cybersecurity ecosystem.

Before moving into the next section, learn all of the Cyber Security and Ethical Hacking fundamentals from GUVI’s Cyber Security and Ethical Hacking Course and understand how to implement them with this beginner-friendly Cyber Security course along with Ethical Hacking.

Additionally, if you want to learn Ethical Hacking alone, enroll for GUVI’s beginner-to-expert Ethical Hacking course and make your mark in the cybersecurity industry.

2. CEH v11: Certified Ethical Hacker

Fee:$1,199(exam); $850 to $2,999 (training) and $99 (Add-ons)

In order to defend against malicious attacks, one first needs to learn how these security parameters are breached in the first place. That’s why Certified Ethical Hacker CEH v11 aims to teach you all the modern commercial-grade hacking tools, methodologies, and techniques. Hackers and cybersecurity professionals explicitly use these methods to hack/firewall an organization. The CEH V11 cybersecurity certification is aligned rigorously to essential areas under NIST/NICE framework’s Protect and Defend (PR) job positions. It will help you advance your career as a federal employee for your respective country.

Here, the course aims to teach you 18 types of attack vectors. Most Importantly, the list includes OWASP Top 10, Vulnerability analysis, Fileless Malware, Webhooks, Web API Threats, IoT hacking, cloud attacks, AI, ML, and many others. 

3. CISA: Certified Information Systems Auditor

Fee:$760 (non-members); $575 (ISACA Members); $30 (ISACA Membership) 

ISACA ( Information System Audit and Control System) issues a designation CISA. It is a global standard for professionals who wants to make a career in the information system. Above all, they are responsible for auditing, controlling, maintaining, and securing the company’s system architect. Becoming CISA is to get proficient in 5 Vital domains for any business. These domains are:

• Information System Auditing Process
• Governance and Management of IT
• Information System, Development, Acquisition, and Implementation.
• Protection of Information Assets.
• Information System Information and Business Resilience.

The process to accredit yourself with CISA certification is simple. All you need to do is register yourself for the CISA exam and prepare for the same. Buying an ISACA membership will give you significant discounts over study aids. Although it’s not mandatory, one can take the CISA exam at their behest. Then the final step to getting CISA certified is to submit the CISA exam certification cleared within 5 Years. Then submit the full-time work experience in the CISA Job Practice Areas. Also, submit the CISA certification including the Application Processing Fee.

Again, just acquiring CISA certification isn’t enough. You need to maintain your cybersecurity certifications by earning continuing professional education credit hours. (CPE).

4. GIAC: Web Application Penetration Tester

FEE:$1,999 

GIAC’s web application penetration tester certification aims to validate a practitioner’s abilities to assess. And, monitor secure organization architecture through pen testing and a thorough understanding of web application security issues. GWAPT-accredited ethical hackers demonstrate sound pen testing methodologies and shed light on the following critical topics.

• Overview of authentication attacks, web applications, and configurable testings.
• Cross-site scripting and forgery, reconnaissance and mapping, and client injection attacks.
• Management of SQL injection attacks, web application sessions, and testing of tools.

5. CISSP: Certified Information Systems Security Professional

FEE:$699; differs with specialisation 

Earning a CISSP will distinguish you from other job aspirants as it will prove to the recruiters that you have what it takes to effectively implement, design, and manage a best-in-class cybersecurity program. Similar to CISCO, the course offers a wide array of expertise and skills to become an experienced security practitioner, executive, architect, and auditor. However, it isn’t for everyone, if you are looking for a specific cybersecurity field of line, we suggest you go for CISCO. CISSP’s broad portfolio of accredited certifications include:

• IT/ICT Security Administration.
• Security Assessment and Authorisation.
• Secure Software development.
• Cloud Security
• Healthcare Security and Services.

The organization offers specialization exams for your preferred expertise and the cost varies.

Kickstart your Cybersecurity journey and learn all of the Cyber Security and Ethical Hacking fundamentals from GUVI’s Cyber Security and Ethical Hacking Course and understand how to implement them with this beginner-friendly Cyber Security course along with Ethical Hacking.

Alternatively, if you want to learn Ethical Hacking alone, enroll for GUVI’s beginner-to-expert Ethical Hacking course and make your mark in the cybersecurity industry.