Top 5 Advanced Level Cyber Security Certifications

Cybersecurity is a fascinating field. It is expanding and growing daily. The security side of information technology has many career opportunities. The Cyber Job Mentor has identified five certifications for advanced level professionals with experience. These certs are recommended for experienced IT professionals looking for advancement or a new set of skills for a new career path.

(ISC)² Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is presented by (ISC)². The International Information System Security Certification Consortium, or (ISC)², is a non-profit organization that specializes in training and certifications for cybersecurity professionals. The CISSP is considered the global industry standard for cybersecurity certifications. It is one of the most widely known and accepted certifications available. CISSP validates skills in effectively designing, implementing and managing a cybersecurity program. The domains covered are Security and Risk Management, Asset Security, Security Architecture and Engineering, Communications and Network Security, Identity and Access Management, Security Assessment and Testing, Security Operations, Software Development Security. The exam cost is $699.00. This exam has an experience requirement of 5 years and you must be endorsed. Learn more about this exam here https://www.isc2.org/Certifications/CISSP.

CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)

The CASP+ certification validates advanced-level competency in risk management; enterprise security operations and architecture; research and collaboration; and integration of enterprise security. CompTIA recommends experience of at least five years but it is not required. CASP+ is considered a technical exam, so a successful candidate would have to be able to perform specified tasks. Also, this exam is geared towards front line facing roles and not managerial. The exam is $439.00. Learn more about it here  https://certification.comptia.org/certifications/comptia-advanced-security-practitioner#overview

ISACA Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

The CISA is a certification that covers the auditing for information systems. The CISA is offered by ISACA. ISACA engages in the advancement, acceptance and use of globally accepted, industry-leading knowledge and practices for information systems. The domains covered by the examination are Information Systems Auditing Process, Governance and Management of IT, Information Systems Acquisition, Development, and Implementation, Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience, Protection of Information Assets. This is an exam for professionals with fairly extensive experience and knowledge. The CISA is widely recognized and respected. A minimum of 5 years of professional information systems auditing, control or security work experience is required for certification. The exam cost is $760 if you are not a member of the ISACA organization. This certification is useful for infosec professionals and accounting professionals. Visit this link to discover more http://www.isaca.org/Certification/CISA-Certified-Information-Systems-Auditor/What-is-CISA/Pages/default.aspx.

Offensive Security Certified Professional OSCP

The Offensive Security Certified Professional OSCP exam is presented by Offensive Security. This group provides penetration testing training and certification. This OSCP is considered entry level for the discipline of penetration testing but it takes advanced knowledge and the examination is rigorous and that is why it is included in this list. To achieve this certification, you must complete Offensive Security’s Penetration Testing with Kali Linux (PwK) course and pass the 24-hour hands-on exam. This exam validates information gathering, identifying vulnerabilities, executing attacks, and completing penetration test reports. The minimum price for the exam and course is $800.00. Learn more about this excellent certification here https://www.offensive-security.com/information-security-certifications/oscp-offensive-security-certified-professional/.

ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) 

The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) is a managerial certification specifically designed for information security professionals. This exam covers four domains Information Security Governance, Information Risk Management, Information Security Program Development and Management, and Information Security Incident Management. ISACA states, “The uniquely management-focused CISM certification promotes international security practices and recognizes the individual who manages, designs, and oversees and assesses an enterprise’s information security.” This certification may be well suited for information security consultants, chief information security officers, chief technology officers, or other executive level management roles. The cost of the exam is $760.00 for non-members and the experience requirement is 5 years. Successful candidates will understand the business impact of information security. Discover more in depth information here http://www.isaca.org/Certification/CISM-Certified-Information-Security-Manager/Pages/default.aspx.

It takes practice and practice and hands-on experience to become an expert. Certifications without practice are not worth as much. Choose professional development activities that work best for your situation. Look for opportunities that align with your goals and align with your learning style. There are other certifications that are great for beginners this is not a comprehensive list and they may not work for all people. Find what works for you

Top 5 Intermediate Level Cyber Security Certifications

Cybersecurity is a fascinating field. It is expanding and growing daily. The security side of information technology has many career opportunities. There are many paths that exist leading to a career in cybersecurity. You could study at a college or university, you could self-teach yourself, you could transition from another area of IT into cybersecurity, or you could transition from a non-tech related field. The Cyber Job Mentor has identified five certifications for intermediate level professionals with experience. These certs are recommended for those looking for advancement or a new set of skills for a new career path.

CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)

The CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) certification exam validates skills in threat management, security architecture and tool sets, vulnerability management, and cyber-incident response. CompTIA suggest network+, security+, or equivalent knowledge with at least 4 years of experience. As an intermediate level exam there is an expectation that you would have experience and knowledge. This is only a suggestion and not a requirement. This should not be your first certification. The current exam cost is $349.00. You can learn more here https://certification.comptia.org/certifications/cybersecurity-analyst.

CompTIA PenTest+

The CompTIA PenTest+ certification validates skills in penetration testing. The topics covered are planning and scoping, penetration testing tools, attacks and exploits, and reporting. The CompTIA PenTest+ certification verifies that effective candidates have the knowledge and skills required to plan and scope an assessment, understand legal and compliance requirements, perform vulnerability scanning and penetration testing, analyze data, and effectively report and communicate results. This is not an entry level exam. The recommended requirements for the exam are Network+, Security+ or equivalent knowledge. Minimum of 3-4 years of hands-on information security or similar experience. While there is no required prerequisite, PenTest+ is intended to follow CompTIA Security+ or equivalent experience and has a technical, hands-on focus. The exam cost is $349.00. You can learn more here https://certification.comptia.org/certifications/pentest.

GIAC Certified Incident Handle (GCIH)

GIAC Certified Incident Handler validates understanding of incident handling process, detection of malware or other malicious activity, and detection and analysis of vulnerabilities. This exam is provided by GIAC. Global Information Assurance Certification is an information security certification entity that specializes in technical and practical certification. Incident handlers manage security incidents by understanding common attack techniques, vectors and tools as well as defending against and/or responding to such attacks when they occur and others involved with handling cyber incidents. There are no prerequisites for the exam though GIAC recommends training provided by their affiliates. The cost of the exam is $1999.00. To learn more about this certification please visit the GIAC website here https://www.giac.org/certification/certified-incident-handler-gcih.

GIAC Continuous Monitoring Certification (GMON)

GIAC Continuous Monitoring Certification (GMON) is presented by GIAC. The Global Information Assurance Certification is an information security certification entity that specializes in technical and practical certification. The GIAC Continuous Monitoring (GMON) certification validates a professional’s ability to deter intrusions and quickly detect anomalies. GMON certification holders have demonstrated knowledge of defensible security architecture, network security monitoring, continuous diagnostics and mitigation, and continuous security monitoring. This exam is meant for SOC analysts, engineers, and others whose responsibility is monitoring network security. The exam cost is 1999.00. To learn more visit https://www.giac.org/certification/continuous-monitoring-certification-gmon.

EC-Council Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator Certification (CHFI)

The certification exam focuses on computer forensics. This includes recovering data, investigating crimes, and analyzing data. Some of the topics covered by the exam are computer forensics investigation process, network forensics, investigating email crimes, and the tools or applications necessary to accomplish those tasks. The cost of the exam is $700.00 which includes a $100.00 application for those that have not taken approved training class. The experience requirement is 2 years. This exam is presented by the International Council of E-Commerce Consultants, also known as EC-Council. You can learn more here https://cert.eccouncil.org/computer-hacking-forensic-investigator.html.

Studying for certifications can be an excellent method of professional development. Choose professional development activities that work best for your situation. Look for opportunities that align with your goals and align with your learning style. There are other certifications out there, this is not a comprehensive list and they may not work for all people. Find what works for you.

Top 4 Cyber Security Certifications For Beginners

Cybersecurity is a fascinating field. It is expanding and growing daily. The security side of information technology has many career opportunities. There are many paths that exist leading to a career in cybersecurity. You could study at a college or university, you could self-teach yourself, you could transition from another area of IT into cybersecurity, or you could transition from a non-tech related field. No matter which path you find yourself on actually being able to perform essential job functions is of critical importance. Having a baseline knowledge and skill makes the difference in getting started in any career field. There certifications that are great for getting that baseline knowledge for cybersecurity. The Cyber Job Mentor has selected the following four certifications as great to get started.

CompTIA Security+

A good certification to start with getting that baseline knowledge to begin cybersecurity work. It covers a broad range of security topics. Those topics include threats, vulnerabilities, attacks, identity management, and cryptography. This exam has no prerequisite knowledge or experience required so it is perfect for someone just starting out. The exam cost is $339.00 and is valid for three years before it must be renewed. For more information, you can go here https://certification.comptia.org/certifications/security#examdetails.

GIAC Security Essentials Certification

The GSEC is an excellent certification for individuals that want a career that is focused on security. This exam is provided by GIAC. Global Information Assurance Certification is an information security certification entity that specializes in technical and practical certification. GIAC does provide on-demand training and instructor-led training for a price that may beneficial in gaining the knowledge necessary to succeed on the exam. The cost of the exam is $1899.00, which is on the higher end of other certifications at the entry-level or beginning stage. Some of the topic areas covered are active defense, endpoint security, SIEM, and access controls. This may be a beginner level exam but some prior fundamental computing knowledge is good to be successful. You can learn more about the exam here https://www.giac.org/certification/security-essentials-gsec.

GIAC Information Security Fundamentals Certification

The GISF is designed for individuals who want to work in cybersecurity but have nearly zero prior knowledge about cybersecurity. This exam is provided by GIAC. Global Information Assurance Certification is an information security certification entity that specializes in technical and practical certification.  Some of the topics this exam covers are basic terminology, security principles, and incident response. The cost of the exam is $1899.00, which is on the higher end of other certifications at the entry-level or beginning stage. You can learn more about the exam here https://www.giac.org/certification/information-security-fundamentals-gisf.

(ISC)² Systems Security Certified Practitioner

The International Information System Security Certification Consortium, or (ISC)², is a non-profit organization that specializes in training and certifications for cybersecurity professionals. The Systems Security Certified Practitioner or SSCP is a good certification for beginners. This exam does require at least 2 years of experience in two of the domains covered by exam. The domains are Access Controls,  Security Operations and Administration, Risk Identification, Monitoring and Analysis, Incident Response and Recovery, Cryptography, Network and Communications Security, and Systems and Application Security  Their website outlines in more detail about substitutions and equivalents. The cost of the exam is $250.00. Some would argue this is not a beginner’s cert because of the experience requirements but it is still novice level. This would be best for those changing from an existing tech role to a more security-focused one. You can learn more here https://www.isc2.org/Certifications/SSCP.

None of the certifications will make you an expert. None of these certifications guarantee competency. None of these certifications of this list will guarantee you a job. These certs can support a transition to a new cybersecurity career. They can also enhance skills or get new skills. Studying for certifications can be an excellent method of professional development. Choose professional development activities that work best for your situation. Look for opportunities that align with your goals and align with your learning style. There are other certifications that are great for beginners this is not a comprehensive list and they may not work for all people. Find what works for you.

Why you need to get Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate certification

Developing a career in technology can be a challenge. The Cyber Job Mentor understands this and attempts to mentor and guide the future and present IT, professionals. Cloud technology is transforming the IT environment at a rapid pace. Creating, maintaining, and upgrading products and services and that rely on the cloud is the present and future of information technology. There will be opportunities for IT professionals to fill roles that currently exist or will exist. Look for the certifications and training that aligns best with your career goals and learning style. Azure Data Engineers plan and devise the management, monitoring, security, and privacy of data using the full stack of Azure data services to solve business problems.

The Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate is a technical exam. That means you will have to perform the actual task that someone with experience should be able to perform. This certification validates skills in data processing, engineering data and compliance solutions, and monitoring data. Though there is no prerequisite it is recommended that you have Azure Fundamentals cert or equivalent training. Microsoft provides resources to study for free and you can sign up for a free account to practice. There are two exams required to attain the certification the Exam DP-200 and DP-201. The exams are $165.00 each. You can learn more here https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/azure-data-engineer.aspx.

The Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate certification is a great certification to help get new skills. It takes practice and practice and hands-on experience to become an expert. Certifications without practice are not worth as much. Certifications can be expensive. Strategies to reduce the cost is necessary. We all have budgets to consider and stretching our professional development dollar is critical to success in gaining new skills. Each year an IT professional will need to renew certification, seek out new training, and network. Make the most out of your professional development dollar.