Did you know that the average cost of a cyberattack is over $1 million? Or that the number of cybersecurity jobs is expected to grow by 32% from 2022 to 2032, paying more than $120,000 annually?
Companies are moving their databases and files online as the world becomes more digitized, making cybersecurity more important than ever. Cybersecurity professionals serve as the police officers and military guiding the online space and making sure these companies are protected from cybercriminals, threats and intruders.
And, as Worth Davis put it in one of his articles on Forbes, there is no excuse for lacking cybersecurity infrastructure. Companies should endeavor to invest in cybersecurity professionals and not put their hope in security software, which doesn’t work as effectively as a cybersecurity expert.
Although there is more demand for professionals in the field, many beginners are willing to hang on to any certification they lay their hands on, which isn’t so. Not all cybersecurity certificates you find on the internet can get you the job you need and the knowledge you want to gain.
For a single search on a search engine like Google, you can find more than 100 organizations offering cybersecurity courses and certificates. I, and many others, have also faced issues like this when looking for a course to jump into as a beginner, but the results are overwhelming, as there are so many certifications available, making it hard for us to determine which one is the best fit for beginners.
In order to prevent you from going through this hurdle, we put together this guide to provide you with an overview of the top cybersecurity certifications.
Benefits of Cybersecurity Certifications for Beginners
There are various reasons why cybersecurity certification matters for beginners. Apart from putting you on the path of cybersecurity, it also has other great benefits, which are not limited to the following:
1. It enhanced your cybersecurity career prospects.
When you earn a cybersecurity certification, you’re showing potential employers that you’re serious about your career and that you have the skills and knowledge to back it up.
This can give you a real edge in the job market, especially in a field as competitive as cybersecurity.
Many employers even require certifications as a condition of hire or advancement, so having one can open up new opportunities and help you stand out from the crowd.
Some may required you have a certificate on CompTIA SEC+ which is mostly for entry level cyber analyst or a more advanced one depending on the position you’re applying for in the organization.
Cybersecurity is large, and I’ve come across many beginners who are confused on what to focused on in the field. If you are one, you can check out this article here. It outlines the various positions you can apply for with your cybersecurity certification.
2. It improved cybersecurity skills and knowledge.
Preparing for a cybersecurity certification exam helps you develop and refine your skills in a specific area of the field.
Sometimes all we do especially if we are self learning is just practicing, learning and re-learning without having the time to test out knowledge except when we are in an interview.
Although with the certification, our knowledge on the field will be to test which as a result help us gain practical knowledge and hands-on experience to apply for job, and able to stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and best practices.
This means that we’ll be better equipped to handle the challenges of a cybersecurity career and that we’ll be able to make a real impact in our role.
3. It increases earning potential.
Cybersecurity certifications can also lead to higher earning potential. According to various studies, certified cybersecurity professionals who have the required certificate tend to earn higher salaries than their non-certified peers.
This is because certifications demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field, and they show employers that you’re worth investing in.
Whether you’re looking for a promotion or a new job, a cybersecurity certification can help you negotiate better pay and benefits.
4. It serves as a demonstration of commitment to the field.
Finally, earning a cybersecurity certification shows that you’re dedicated to your craft and that you’re willing to put in the time and effort to excel in your field.
This demonstrates your passion for cybersecurity and your commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest developments and best practices.
It’s a way to show employers, colleagues, and even yourself that you’re serious about your career and that you’re in it for the long haul.
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Top Cybersecurity Certifications for Beginners
1. CompTIA Security+
The CompTIA Security+ certification is a widely recognized entry-level certification that covers the fundamentals of network security, vulnerabilities, and risk management.
Going for this certification, you’ll learn about network architecture, encryption, and compliance, giving you a solid understanding of security concepts in the field.
With Security+, you’ll also be able to identify and troubleshoot security issues, implement basic security measures, and understand risk management principles.
For many, this certification is mostly for entry level cyber security analyst which is renewable after every three years. It is just like a stepping stone to a more advanced certifications like CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CSA+) or CompTIA PenTest+.
- Renewal: every 3 years, requires continuing education units (CEUs).
- Exam format: 90 questions, 90 minutes, multiple-choice
- Prerequisites: None, but CompTIA A+ or equivalent is recommended.
2. CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CSA+)
This is the second certification you can go for after having the Sec+ certificate. The CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CSA+) certification is designed for IT professionals looking to specialize in cybersecurity analysis.
Building on the knowledge gained from Security+, CSA+ covers more advanced topics like risk management, threat analysis, and incident response.
By gaining this certification, you’ll learn how to analyze and respond to security threats, implement security measures, and conduct vulnerability assessments.
This certification will demonstrate your ability to think critically and solve problems, making you a valuable asset to any organization.
With CSA+, you’ll be well-prepared to take on more senior roles unlike the previous certification which is mostly used for entry level analyst jobs. You can also use it to pursue specialized certifications like CompTIA PenTest+.
- Renewal: Every 3 years, requires CEUs
- Exam format: 85 questions, 165 minutes, multiple-choice, and performance-based
- Prerequisites: Network+ or Security+ recommended, or equivalent experience
3. CompTIA PenTest+
The CompTIA PenTest+ certification is perfect for IT professionals interested in ethical hacking and penetration testing.
With this cybersecurity certification, you’ll learn how to identify vulnerabilities, exploit them, and report on your findings.
This certification covers network reconnaissance, exploitation, and reporting, giving you hands-on experience with penetration testing tools and techniques.
With PenTest+, you can conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration tests, helping organizations strengthen their security posture using your ethical hacking and penetration testing skills.
- Renewal: Every 3 years, requires CEUs
- Exam format: 85 questions, 165 minutes, multiple-choice, and performance-based
- Prerequisites: Network+ and Security+ recommended, or equivalent experience
4. EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
The EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification teaches you ethical hacking and penetration testing skills, including network security, cryptography, and web security.
To gain this certification, you’ll learn how to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses and develop the skills to conduct penetration tests and vulnerability assessments.
- Renewal: Every 3 years, requires CEUs
- Exam format: 125 questions, 4 hours, multiple-choice
- Prerequisites: None, but basic knowledge of networking and security is recommended.
5. EC-Council Certified Information Systems Security Professional (EC-Council CISSP)
The last but not least is the EC-Council Certified Information Systems Security Professional (EC-Council CISSP). This certification is an advanced credential that covers a broad range of security topics, including security engineering, risk management, and software development security.
Here, you’ll learn how to design, implement, and manage a comprehensive security program and demonstrate your expertise in cybersecurity.
Additionally, this certification is perfect for experienced IT professionals looking to demonstrate their expertise and advance their careers.
- Renewal: Every 3 years, requires CEUs
- Exam format: 250 questions, 6 hours, multiple-choice, and essay-style
- Prerequisites: 5 years of experience in 2 or more of the 8 domains, or equivalent education and experience.
Online Cybersecurity Certifications for Beginners
In most cases, before you can gain any of the certificates above, you need to have some prior knowledge of cybersecurity. And this can’t be done without applying for a course, either offline or online.
Online certification programs are a great way for beginners to gain the skills and knowledge needed to start a career in cybersecurity, although in most cases, they don’t guarantee you a job.
These programs tend to offer flexibility, affordability, and self-paced learning, making them ideal for those with busy schedules or limited resources so they can take on other top certificates and experience in the field.
In that case, some of the platforms on which you can gain these certifications include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Udemy
Udemy is a popular online learning platform that offers a vast array of cybersecurity courses and certifications.
With over 100,000 courses to choose from, Udemy provides a comprehensive learning experience that covers various aspects of cybersecurity, from ethical hacking to penetration testing.
Their courses are designed to be engaging and interactive, with instructors who are experts in their field.
Udemy’s certifications are recognized industry-wide, and their courses are often affordable and accessible, making them an excellent option for beginners, but at most times, employers don’t recognize them.
2. Coursera
Coursera is another online learning platform that partners with top universities and companies like Google, IBM and others to offer specializations in cybersecurity.
Their courses are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity principles and practices, covering topics such as cryptography, network security, and risk management.
Coursera’s specializations are taught by renowned professors from leading universities and professionals in companies, ensuring that students receive a high-quality education.
3. eDX
edX is a non-profit online learning platform that offers a variety of cybersecurity courses and certifications.
Their courses are designed to provide a broad understanding of cybersecurity concepts and practices, covering topics such as cybersecurity fundamentals, security management, and incident response.
edX’s Cybersecurity The MicroMasters program is a popular choice for beginners, providing a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity.
Their certifications are recognized industry-wide, and their courses are often free or low-cost, making them an excellent option for those who want to start their cybersecurity journey.
4. Cybrary
Lastly, Cybrary is an online learning platform that offers free and paid cybersecurity courses and certifications.
Their courses are designed to provide practical skills and knowledge in cybersecurity, covering topics such as ethical hacking, penetration testing, and security management.
Cybrary’s certifications include the popular CompTIA Security+ certification, which is highly respected in the industry.
Their courses are often taught by industry experts, providing students with real-world experience and knowledge.
Related Read:
How to Protect Your Personal Data Online in 10 Simple Steps .
Conclusion
Gaining cybersecurity certifications is a great way for beginners to kick-start their careers in this evolving field.
By getting certified, you’ll not only gain the skills and knowledge you need to succeed, but you’ll also be able to demonstrate your expertise to potential employers and enhance your job prospects.
Plus, with the demand for cybersecurity professionals on the rise, you’ll be entering a field with plenty of opportunities for growth and advancement.
So why wait?