The entire world is now connected with the help of the internet. And it is quite easy for malicious actors to effortlessly identify and exploit vulnerabilities. According to Astra Security 2024 report, there are around 2200 attacks happening every day. While many of them are small attacks targeting individuals, some attacks are carried out on businesses at large scale costing fortunes. As per Embroker, the average cost of data breach in the US cost $9.4 million and the total loss due to cybersecurity attacks is estimated to be a whopping $8 trillion in 2023 (source: Cybersecurity Ventures).
While with simple security measures, and thorough awareness, an individual can avoid loss because of different kinds of cyberthreats. But when it comes to protecting organizations, a lot of strategies, infrastructure, and skilled cybersecurity professionals are needed. Therefore, as the number of cyberattacks is increasing day by day, the demand for qualified professionals is also on the rise.
If you are looking for a growing career option, then cybersecurity career is the best choice for you. In this article, we are going to discuss some of the most popular cybersecurity certifications that can help you upskill in your career in 2024.
Most popular cybersecurity certifications in 2024
- Certified Cybersecurity Consultant (CCC™)
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional
- GIAC Security Essentials Certification
- Certified Information Systems Auditor
- Certified Senior Cybersecurity Specialist (CSCS™)
- Certified Ethical Hacker
Let’s learn about them in detail
1. Certified Cybersecurity Consultant (CCC™)
Offered by the United States Cybersecurity Institute (USCSI®), Certified Cybersecurity Consultant (CCC™) is an intermediate level cybersecurity certification program designed for professionals having at least 4+ years of work experience in the field of IT and network security, and want to take their cybersecurity career to the next level.
This certificate validates the professional’s expertise and understanding about cryptographic techniques, applications of cryptography, building security architecture, machine learning and cybersecurity, etc.
What makes this certification popular?
- It is a self-paced learning program and can be done online at your own pace and time
- Can be completed within 4-25 weeks requiring a time commitment of 8-10 hrs/week
- Study materials consisting of ebooks, lecture videos, practice codes, etc. are included free of cost
- Applicants can also avail a discount of up to 10% on their program fees through USCSI’ Speedster Program
Not only that, USCSI® offers flexible payment option so that students or professionals can focus on their studies rather than paying the program fee. Flexible payment includes payment in full, in three interest-free installments, or pay later using Klarna*.
2. Certified Information Systems Security Professional
CISSP is among the most credible certifications in the world of cybersecurity. Offered by ISC2, this advanced level certification is best for security managers, practitioners, and executives to learn new cybersecurity skills and move ahead in their career. With this certification under your belt, you will be able to demonstrate your knowledge and experience in designing, implementing, and managing various kinds of cybersecurity programs in your organization.
3. GIAC Security Essentials Certification
The GAIC’s Security Essentials Certification (GSEC) helps to validate candidate’s capabilities and solid understanding of information security beyond basic terms. By earning this certification, the cybersecurity professionals can demonstrate their hands-on technical expertise in important cybersecurity concepts like network security, access control, cryptography, risk management, incident response, etc.
4. Certified Information Systems Auditor
CISA is a globally recognized cybersecurity certification program designed by ISACA and majorly focuses on IT governance and control. It is designed for professionals who want to excel in areas like auditing, controlling, monitoring, and assessing information and business systems. Or professionals who want to design, implement, and maintain these kinds of system. With this certification, you can display your capability to manage IT risks and ensure compliance with regulations. This certification can take 3-6 months to complete depending upon prior experience and pace of study.
5. Certified Senior Cybersecurity Specialist (CSCS™)
This is another certification program offered by USCSI® designed for senior-level cybersecurity professionals with more than 6+ years of work experience. It empowers them with the essential knowledge to take up more strategic and leadership roles in this domain like CISO, security architect, senior security analyst, etc. CSCS™ enables the professionals to learn how to implement secure architecture and how to effectively leverage the power of AI in their organization’s cybersecurity operations.
This certification also offers same features as we discussed in the case of Certified Cybersecurity Consultant (CCC™) above.
6. Certified Ethical Hacker
It is another highly popular certification exam among students and young professionals seeking a career in ethical hacking and penetration testing. Penetration testing is a high demand skill as it helps organizations to identify vulnerabilities and rectify them on time before an actual attack takes place. Organizations are also willing to pay handsome salary to professionals who have this skill and this certification under their belt to validate their expertise.
Conclusion
So, these are some of the popular cybersecurity certifications that are highly credible across industries. Apart from these, there are several other certifications depending upon the skills you want to learn, your current position in the career, seniority-level, etc. It is recommended to choose the best certification program that will help you learn new skill in 2024 and take your cybersecurity career ahead.