Unlock Your Future: 10 Popular Cybersecurity Certifications for Career Success

Top 10 Popular Cybersecurity Certifications – 2023

Enhance your career in the realm of information security by acquiring these highly coveted credentials.

Cybersecurity serves as the guardian of computers, networks, and data, shielding them from theft, harm, loss, or unauthorized intrusion.

As connectivity proliferates, so too do the opportunities for malicious actors to purloin, harm, or disrupt. The surge in cybercrime has ignited an insatiable demand for cybersecurity experts. According to the 2023 (ISC)² Cybersecurity Workforce Study, the global appetite for cybersecurity professionals is projected to exceed three million individuals

10 Sought-after Cybersecurity Certifications

While the majority of cybersecurity professionals boast a bachelor’s degree in computer science, numerous organizations prefer candidates who hold certifications to validate their mastery of best practices. An array of certifications is available, ranging from general to vendor-specific, spanning from entry-level to advanced tiers.

Before selecting a certification to pursue, it is imperative to pinpoint one that will bestow upon you a competitive edge in your professional journey. If you are initiating your venture into cybersecurity, contemplate obtaining an entry-level accreditation, such as the Google IT Support Professional Certificate. This distinguished certification equips you with job-ready proficiencies in less than half a year, all while acquiring a certificate that is widely recognized in the industry.

*All fundamental salary figures are indicative of average base salaries in India as of April 2023, as reported by Glassdoor.

1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

The CISSP certification, conferred by the cybersecurity professional organization (ISC)², ranks among the most coveted accolades in the field. Attaining CISSP certification attests to one’s proficiency in IT security, encompassing the ability to conceive, implement, and oversee a cybersecurity program.

This advanced certification is tailored for seasoned security professionals aiming to ascend the career ladder in roles such as:

• Chief Information Security Officer: ₹76L
• Security Administrator: ₹9,96,730
• IT Security Engineer: ₹5,51,262
• Senior Security Consultant: ₹13L

Prerequisites for CISSP eligibility include holding a four-year degree in computer science to satisfy one year of the requisite work experience. Part-time employment and paid internships are also valid. Additionally, candidates must possess five or more years of cumulative work experience in at least two of eight cybersecurity domains, including security and risk management, asset security, security architecture, and engineering, identity and access management, security assessment and testing, security operations, communication and network security, and software development security assessment and testing, security operations, software development security. The examination fee stands at ₹61,409 ($749 USD).

For cybersecurity enthusiasts with limited experience, an option is available to take the exam and become an Associate of (ISC)². Upon passing, you will have six years to accumulate the relevant experience for full CISSP certification.

2. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

This certification, endorsed by the IT professional association ISACA, affirms your competence in evaluating security vulnerabilities, devising and implementing controls, and generating compliance reports. It stands as one of the most recognized certifications for careers in cybersecurity auditing.

CISA is meticulously designed for mid-level IT experts who aspire to advance into roles such as:

• IT Audit Manager: ₹20L
• Information Security Analyst: ₹6,00,000
• IT Security Engineer: ₹5,51,262
• IT Project Manager: ₹14L
• Compliance Programme Manager: ₹24L

The prerequisites stipulate a minimum of five years of experience in IT or IS audit, control, security, or assurance. Years of experience can be replaced with a degree. The examination fee is ₹47,141 ($575 USD) for members and ₹62,320 ($760 USD) for non-members.

3. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

With the CISM certification, also conferred by ISACA, you can substantiate your proficiency in the managerial aspect of information security, encompassing domains such as governance, program development, incident management, and risk oversight.

If you are contemplating a transition from the technical realm to the managerial sphere of cybersecurity, obtaining CISM certification may prove to be a prudent decision. Roles that resonate with CISM encompass:

• IT Manager: ₹12L
• Information Systems Security Officer: ₹13L
• Director of Information Security: ₹37L
• Data Governance Manager: ₹30L

Prerequisites to undertake the CISM examination include a minimum of five years of experience in information security management, with the flexibility to apply up to two years of this requirement through general information security experience. The waiver of one or two years is also feasible with another standing certification or a degree in an information security-related field. The examination fee mirrors that of CISA: ₹47,141 ($575 USD) for members and ₹62,320 ($760 USD) for non-members.

4. CompTIA Security+

The CompTIA Security+ is an introductory-level security certification that corroborates essential skills essential to any cybersecurity role. This certification affirms your capability to assess an organization’s security, safeguard cloud, mobile, and Internet of Things (IoT) environments, grasp the legal regulations surrounding risk and compliance, and discern and counter security incidents.

Securing your Security+ certification can open doors to roles such as:

• Systems Administrator: ₹4,50,000
• Help Desk Manager: ₹4,87,656
• Security Engineer: ₹8,19,355
• Cloud Engineer: ₹6,00,000
• Security Administrator: ₹9,96,730
• IT Auditor: ₹8,65,043
• Software Developer: ₹8,00,000

While no stringent prerequisites for taking the Security+ exam exist, it is recommended to first earn the Network+ certification and amass at least two years of IT experience focused on security. The examination fee is ₹30,338 ($370 USD).

If you are embarking on a journey into information technology (IT), CompTIA advises beginning with the Google IT Support Professional Certificate. This program imparts foundational IT skills while preparing you to succeed in the CompTIA A+ exams, the initial step in the CompTIA certification trajectory.

5. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Ethical hacking also denoted as white hat hacking, penetration testing, or red teaming, entails legally penetrating organizations to identify vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them. The EC-Council bestows the CEH Certified Ethical Hacker certification. Attaining this certification underscores your proficiency in penetration testing, attack detection, vectors, and prevention.

CEH certification equips you with the ability to think like a hacker and adopt a proactive stance toward cybersecurity. Consider this certification when aiming for roles such as:

• Penetration Tester: ₹5,07,120
• Threat Intelligence Analyst: ₹8,86,971
• Cloud Security Architect: ₹12L
• Cybersecurity Engineer: ₹7,36,376

To be eligible for the CEH exam, you must possess two years of work experience in information security or complete an official EC-Council training program. The examination fee stands at ₹98,295 ($1,199 USD).

6. GIAC Security Essentials Certification

(GSEC) The Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) is an entry-level security credential intended for individuals with some background in information systems and networking. Earning this certification validates your aptitude in security responsibilities such as active defense, network security, cryptography, incident response, and cloud security.

Contemplate taking the GSEC exam if you possess some grounding in IT and aspire to transition into the realm of cybersecurity. Occupations that capitalize on the skills validated by GSEC encompass:

• IT Security Manager: ₹19L
• Computer Forensic Analyst: ₹7,86,931
• Penetration Tester: ₹5,07,120
• Security Administrator: ₹9,96,730
• IT Auditor: ₹8,65,043
• Software Development Engineer: ₹12L

No specific prerequisites exist for the GSEC examination. However, it is advantageous to accumulate some experience in information systems or computer networking beforehand. The examination fee, inclusive of two practice tests, amounts to ₹204,879 ($2,499 USD).

7. Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)

The SSCP, a mid-level security certification conferred by (ISC)², validates your competence in designing, implementing, and monitoring a secure IT infrastructure. The examination evaluates expertise in access controls, risk identification and analysis, security administration, incident response, cryptography, and network, communications, systems, and application security.

The SSCP is meticulously tailored for IT professionals actively involved in managing an organization’s security systems or assets. This credential resonates with roles such as:

• Network Security Engineer: ₹6,12,328
• System Administrator: ₹4,50,000
• Systems Engineer: ₹4,13,000
• Security Analyst: ₹5,70,000
• Database Administrator: ₹7,20,000
• Security Consultant: ₹8,88,514

Candidates aspiring for the SSCP must possess at least one year of paid work experience in one or more of the testing areas. This requirement can also be satisfied with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a cybersecurity-related program. The examination fee is ₹20,413 ($249 USD).

8. CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)

The CASP+ is meticulously crafted for cybersecurity professionals boasting advanced skills but desiring to remain embedded in technology rather than transitioning into management. The exam delves into advanced subjects such as enterprise security domains, risk analysis, software vulnerability, securing cloud and virtualization technologies, and cryptographic techniques.

The CASP+ certification can unlock pathways to advanced roles in architecture, risk management, and enterprise security integration. Potential job titles encompass:

• Security Architect: ₹21L
• Security Engineer: ₹8,19,355
• Application Security Engineer: ₹9,00,663
• Technical Lead Analyst: ₹14L
• Vulnerability Analyst: ₹9,50,000

Although no formal prerequisite exists for the CASP+ examination, CompTIA advises that it is best suited for experienced cybersecurity professionals with a minimum of ten years of IT administration experience, including five years of extensive hands-on involvement in security. The examination fee stands at ₹38,203 ($466 USD).

9. GIAC Certified Incident Handler

(GCIH) Gaining the GCIH certification validates your comprehension of offensive operations, encompassing commonplace attack techniques and vectors, as well as your ability to detect, respond to, and defend against attacks. The certification examination spans incident handling, computer crime investigation, hacker exploits, and hacker tools.

This certification is ideal for professionals engaged in incident response, including roles such as:

• Security Architect: ₹21L
• System Administrator: ₹4,50,000

No specific prerequisites are mandated for taking the GCIH exam, although it is recommended to possess a foundational understanding of security principles, networking protocols, and the Windows Command Line. The examination fee, inclusive of two practice tests, amounts to ₹204,879 ($2,499 USD).

10. Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

The OSCP, conferred by Offensive Security, has emerged as one of the most sought-after certifications for penetration testers. The examination evaluates your capacity to compromise a series of target machines through multiple exploitation steps and generate exhaustive penetration test reports for each attack.

The OSCP certification is an appealing choice for roles such as:

• Penetration Tester: ₹5,07,120
• Ethical Hacker: ₹6,15,012
• Threat Researcher: ₹8,06,168
• Application Security Analyst: ₹7,00,000

No formal prerequisites exist for taking the OSCP examination. Nevertheless, Offensive Security recommends familiarity with networking, Linux, Bash scripting, Perl or Python, and completion of the Penetration Testing with Kali course. The examination fee commences at ₹131,087 ($1,599 USD) and encompasses the Penetration Testing with Kali Linux (PWK/PEN-200) course, 30 days of lab access, and one examination attempt.

Selecting the Right Cybersecurity Certification

Pursuing a cybersecurity certification can validate your hard-earned competencies and propel your professional trajectory. To make an informed choice, contemplate the following factors:

• Your level of experience: Commence with a certification that aligns with your current skill set. Begin with one you are confident in attaining, utilizing it as a stepping stone toward more demanding certifications as your career matures. If you are new to IT, explore beginner IT certifications and certificates.
• Cost: Acquiring certification typically entails an expenditure of several hundred US dollars or more, in addition to maintenance fees. While the right certification can enhance job prospects and salary potential, prudent investment is crucial. Note that some employers may assist in covering certification costs, so it is advisable to inquire.
• Area of specialization: If you are initiating your cybersecurity journey or aspiring to transition into a managerial role, a broader certification may be judicious. As you advance in your career, specialization may become more enticing. Certifications within your chosen domain can substantiate your skills to prospective employers.
• Potential employers: Peruse job listings at companies you aspire to join or for positions you intend to apply for to identify which certifications are commonly stipulated.

Embarking on a Career in Cybersecurity: Initial Steps

Many esteemed certifications necessitate or advocate prior experience in cybersecurity or IT. If your career aspirations encompass a role in this high-demand industry, commence accruing the experience you require through the following steps:

• Consider pursuing a degree in computer science: While a degree is not mandatory for a successful cybersecurity career, it can furnish a robust foundation. Several prestigious certifications may waive certain work experience requirements if you have obtained a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science or a related field.
• Initiate with an entry-level position: Hands-on experience often proves the most effective preparation for certification exams. Kickstart your career by securing an entry-level role as a cybersecurity analyst. Numerous cybersecurity professionals commence their journey in more general IT positions.
• Attain an entry-level certification: Augment your resume and augment your appeal to hiring managers with a certification that does not necessitate prior experience. Begin honing job-ready cybersecurity skills with the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate on Coursera. This comprehensive program offers hands-on exposure to industry tools and real-world case studies, allowing you to pace your learning. Upon completion, you will possess a certificate to bolster your resume and be well-prepared to explore roles such as security analyst, SOC (security operations center) analyst, and more.

Embarking on a Career in Cybersecurity: Initial Steps

Many of the most coveted certifications require or recommend some previous experience in cybersecurity or IT. If your career goals include a job in this in-demand industry, there are some steps you can take now to start gaining the experience you need.

1. Consider a degree in computer science: While you don’t need a degree to enjoy a successful career in cybersecurity, it can help you build a strong foundation. Many of the most prestigious certifications will waive some work experience requirements if you’ve earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science or a related field.
2. Start with an entry-level job: Hands-on experience is often the most effective way to prepare for certification exams. Start accumulating work experience with an entry-level role as a cybersecurity analyst. Many cybersecurity professionals start off in more general IT roles.
3. Get an entry-level certification: Enhance your resume and make yourself more attractive to hiring managers with a certification that doesn’t require previous experience. Start building job-ready skills in cybersecurity with the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate on Coursera. Get hands-on experience with industry tools and examine real-world case studies, all at your own pace. Upon completion, you’ll have a certificate for your resume and be prepared to explore job titles like security analyst, SOC (security operations center) analyst, and more.

Remember, the field of cybersecurity is vast, and there are many different roles you can pursue. Whether you’re interested in ethical hacking, network security, incident response, or any other aspect of cybersecurity, gaining experience and earning relevant certifications can help you achieve your career goals.