Top 5 Cybersecurity Certification to advance career in 2024

The importance of cybersecurity in an organization cannot be ignored in the modern world full of malicious users trying to exploit every bit of vulnerabilities that can be identified. Organizations understand it very well and offer due respect to skilled and certified cybersecurity professionals who are responsible for protecting their digital assets and infrastructure.

According to Gartner, 80% of organizations are planning to increase their investment in information security in 2024. This indicates they will be hiring skilled professionals who can oversee the overall security measures of their organization. So, if you are looking to start a career in the cybersecurity field, or want to advance in your cybersecurity career, then it is the right time to invest in yourself and gain some latest cybersecurity skills.

Here we discuss some of the best online cybersecurity certification programs that will help you take your career to the next level in 2024.

Top Cybersecurity Certifications:

• Certified Cybersecurity General Practitioner (CCGP™): USCSI®
• Undergraduate Certificate in Cybersecurity: Central Michigan University
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• CompTIA Security+
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Let’s dive deeper and explore what each of them has to offer.

Certified Cybersecurity General Practitioner (CCGP™): USCSI®

This is one of the best beginner-level cybersecurity certification programs offered by the United States Cybersecurity Institute (USCSI®). It has been designed for graduate students and young professionals with work experience of less than 2 years and who want to get into a cybersecurity career. The course empowers them with the fundamental knowledge and skills and prepares them for challenging cybersecurity job roles.

What makes this certification popular?

• It is an online certification program that can be completed within 4-25 weeks
• Offers a well-organized resource center consisting of eBooks, lecture videos, practice codes, etc. that helps the applicants prepare for the exam.
• Upon completion, the professionals get a sharable digital badge to highlight their achievements on social professional profiles.

USCSI® offers easy payment options as well where applicants can either pay in full, in three interest-free installments, or later using Klarna.

If you are looking for a credible online cybersecurity certification program, then this is for you.

Undergraduate Certificate in Cybersecurity: Central Michigan University

This undergraduate cybersecurity certificate from Central Michigan University is available both online as well as through on-campus programs. University launches rolling admission process helping applicants to apply anytime for this course. Also, the prospective students must complete 15 credit hours to successfully earn this certificate.

Classes are often taken part-time for the first year, and they include workshops, discussion panels with experts, and simulations of cybersecurity incidents.

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

The CISSP program offered by ISC², is designed for experienced cybersecurity professionals having at least 5 years of work experience in the field of IT security. It empowers and recognizes their capabilities to design and lead comprehensive information security programs in their organization. It validates the skills and knowledge the professionals need to implement effective security programs to safeguard the organization’s assets.

The CISSP certification exam is available online and applicants can also access resources to sharpen their AI skills and knowledge through their self-study kits consisting of eBooks, study guides, and practice tests.

CompTIA Security+

It is a globally recognized beginner-friendly cybersecurity certification program that can open doors to various kinds of entry-level cybersecurity job opportunities. Its curriculum consists of the latest and in-demand skills related to current threats, automation, zero trust, IoT security, etc.

This certification exam is compliant with ISO 17024 standards and also approved by the US DoD to meet directive 8140/8570.01-M. By completing this certification, students and professionals can enhance their knowledge of general security concepts, threats, vulnerabilities, mitigation strategies, security architecture, security operations, and other important cybersecurity theories and practices.

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Ethical hacking has been a highly popular field of choice among students and professionals. Now, you can learn hacking and penetration testing skills and validate your expertise in this domain with the help of the Certified Ethical Hacker certification program.

According to their professional forum, around 97% of applicants choose CEH to be their first choice to advance in their career as a certified ethical hacker. In this structured professional course, students can learn about the 5 phases of ethical hacking along with hands-on learning with CyberQ^TM labs.

The program is offered live, online, or in a Hybrid option. If you also want to grow as an efficient hacker, then go for this certification.

Conclusion

Right from identifying vulnerabilities to designing effective security programs, the field of cybersecurity consists of several operations that need to be performed without any compromise. Also, organizations understand the importance of having skilled cybersecurity professionals in their workforce. Therefore, it is recommended to get certified with these best cybersecurity certification programs and get started on your journey to becoming an efficient cybersecurity specialist.