Cybersecurity Certification Programs for Students

Cybersecurity Certification Programs for Students

Many benefits have resulted from the widespread adoption of the internet and cloud computing technology in businesses and organizations. They have promoted the development of e-commerce and remote working as well as many other services.

However, the adoption of computing and internet technologies has brought about a security vulnerability to many businesses and organizations. 

Cybercrime is the use of the internet and computing technologies as a platform for committing crimes. The crimes committed can be data theft, financial fraud, etc.

A recent study revealed that ransomware attacks cost businesses more than $75 billion yearly. The cybersecurity statistics depict the wanting situation of cybersecurity in organizations. This dire cybersecurity situation has caused a corresponding increase in the need for cybersecurity specialists.

University and college students undertaking Computer science or other related courses are being requested to take up cybersecurity certification programs. These programs will help them master cybersecurity basics early enough to enter the job market and handle the dire cybersecurity situation.

Cybersecurity is a broad term that entails numerous jobs that aim to improve information security in organizations and businesses. In this post, we shall take a look at some of the different cybersecurity certification programs that are accessible to students.

a. Network Security

The network security program teaches students the process of safeguarding computing networks against attacks or unauthorized access. The course also offers practical hands-on learning experiences with the various network security tools.

The program offers students an in-depth look at network infrastructure. It pays keen attention to the various areas that can cause security vulnerabilities. Students who take this program learn to build, manage and navigate security systems for networks.

The program also teaches students the popular network attack methods used by cybercriminals. With this knowledge, the students know the various network security methods to implement for protection against specific network attacks.

At the end of the program, students are equipped with knowledge on network firewalls, VPNs, proxies, and intrusion detection programs. Firewalls monitor network traffic. VPNs and proxies are used to secure network traffic. VPNs secure all the network traffic while proxies secure network traffic at an application level. For students, there are cheap and affordable proxies that they can use in their learning.

Intrusion detection programs monitor network traffic and alert the network administrator in the event of unauthorized network access. Network security programs are offered by various institutions such as IBM, Cisco, etc.

b. Offensive Security 

The offensive security program is a must-have for students looking to get into penetration testing as a career. The program teaches students various attack or vulnerability exploitation methods for use in penetration testing.

Unlike the network security program, offensive security has prerequisites. The course requires students to be conversant with Linux, networking principles, Bash Scripting, and Python. 

The main aim of the offensive security program is to offer an adversarial and proactive approach to computer and network security. The offensive security expert uses their exploitation knowledge to try and access a computing system or a network.

If the offensive security professional can gain access, the access method is treated as a system vulnerability and it is patched. Offensive security experts also offer detailed penetration reports for every attack that they launch on a targeted computing system. 

Other than penetration testing, the offensive security program is also a good choice for other jobs. These jobs are ethical hacking, application security analysis, and threat research. 

c. Fundamentals of Digital Forensics

The Fundamentals of Digital Forensics program is an entry-level program for students. The program equips them with knowledge of fundamental information security concepts. The program is practical, offering insights on procedures and methods used to carry out digital investigations.

The program also teaches students how to detect security concerns in computing networks. Due to its vastness, the digital forensics program offers broad knowledge that is sometimes broken down into different student programs.

Another valuable skill that students learn from the program is data recovery. Data recovery entails the process of attempting to recover lost, corrupted, deleted, or locked data. In summary, the program offers knowledge on:

• Data tracking
• Evidence collection
• Technical writing
• Analysis of Storage media

The knowledge gained from the Fundamentals of digital forensics program can be used in various investigation types. Examples of the investigations are civil investigation, cybercrime, corporate litigation, etc.

d. Cloud Security

The demand for students who have done Cloud Security programs has significantly grown over the recent years. The significant increase in demand is attributed to the rampant adoption of cloud services such as storage.

The Cloud Security program equips students with the basics of cloud computing. However, because the program is categorized under cybersecurity, it focuses on cloud security and privacy procedures. 

The program teaches students about the threats to cloud computing and storage, and how to counter these threats. Students who take the program also learn about the various security frameworks for cloud security and how to implement and maintain these frameworks.

The course also takes a look at the stipulated security industry standards for cloud computing and storage.

e. Security and Cyberthreats

This is a general introductory student program on the basics of cybersecurity. The program takes a look at new and evolving cybercrime attack methods. Students gain knowledge on various attack methods, which gives them an idea of how to mitigate these attacks.

The program also teaches students the various tools used for improving cybersecurity in a computing system. The students learn to upgrade system security by incorporating new cybersecurity tools into existing computing systems. 

The program is centered around data and information protection. It therefore also takes a look at software auditing through the use of data protection lenses. When students complete this program, they are knowledgeable on the major cybersecurity concepts.

Conclusion

There are many cybersecurity programs available for students. Students should choose the programs they seek to pursue based on the careers that they want to work in upon completion of their studies.

Getting a cybersecurity certificate shows an employer that apart from the regular coursework offered in your course, you have specialized knowledge. This will help you to stand out in the job market and seek to get employment for entry-level cybersecurity vocations.