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.
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.
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 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) 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.
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.