Cyber Security Certifications

Organizations are prone to cybersecurity threats globally than ever before. Company resources are highly exposed to data breaches and systematic hacks, and this trend is only going to increase in the years to come. Following a generalized approach will no longer provide security from sophisticated threats and professionals having expertise in the cybersecurity field aren’t enough to meet the existing demand.

So, the future is great for people choosing a Cyber Security career. We have listed the top certifications you can pursue to become a professional in the respective roles:

1. CompTIA Security+ Certification

CompTIA Security+ certification is for individuals who have started their career in IT or already made their way into the IT sector. This certification will the individuals to gain expertise knowledge in the following areas and make sure that the systems are safe and sound.

The certification is globally verified and also trusted worldwide where it validates the knowledge of IT security skills and operational knowledge is tested. The individual who has successfully completed this certification program will be capable of understanding and implementing the best practices in IT security domain. 

Pre-requisites :

• The individual should have a valid degree in Information Technology
• A 2 years experience in the networking field is ideal but it is not mandatory
• It is recommended to go through Network+ certification before attempting on Security+ certification.

Certification benefits :

• Threats, attacks, and vulnerabilities: Within this section, the individual will understand the different causes and also the scenarios when the threats and attacks will occur and how they are mitigated.
• Technologies and Tools: To mitigate or to safeguard existing platform you will need to explore new technologies and tools which will help you to effectively manage your activities.
• Risk management: This section will help you to understand the standard policies and procedures that will help you to understand and apply business policies where the risks and the impacts are reduced.
• Architecture and Design: Helps you to design the security frameworks from scratch
• Cryptography: The basics of cryptography will be introduced
• Identifying and Access Management: This will help you to allocate the right resources at the right time. All user access controls are managed under this section

Certification Cost :

The certification cost for CompTIA Security+ is about $179

Average salary :

The average salary of an individual who has accomplished Security+ certification, they will be earning somewhere between $43,450 to $96,840. The salary will be different based on the experience level and the area where the individual is going to be employed. All the external factors will come into the picture and they should also be taken into consideration.

2. SSCP - Systems Security Certified Practitioner

With the help of the Systems Security Certified practitioner course, the participants get an overview of the security strategies that a business organization has to go through. Further, these practices will actually help to safeguard and manage the sensitive information of the organization. 

Pre-requisites :

It is ideal to have some work experience in the field of information systems and more specifically into security-related work experience.

Practical knowledge of information security practices is important

Should be working in a full-time position for at least one year in the above-designated areas.

Certification benefits :

• The individual will be able to understand all access control related policies
• The individual will be at a stage to implement the security operations
• Identifies ways to continuously monitor the system access results.
• Will be in a stage to define countermeasures for situations like virus attacks, logic bombs, and trojan horses, etc. 

Certification Cost :
The certification cost for SSCP is about $250

Average salary :
The average salary of an individual who has accomplished SSCP, they will be earning somewhere between $62,300 to $94,600. The salary will be varied based on the state where you are going to work. Few external factors will also determine your salary.

3. CISSP: Certified Information Systems Security Professional

With the help of Certified Information systems security professionals course, the individual will get exposure towards the security concerns and can deal with a professional manner. The individual will be able to put the standard practices into implementation. 

Pre-requisites :

• The individual should be able to show at least 5 years of full-time work experience. The individual should be in Identity and Access Management or security engineering.
• Attend the certification exam, i.e. CISSP and get at least 700 marks out of the 1000 total. The entire exam will be off for 6 hours and it includes different types of questions.
• Once the certification exam is completed you will need to get endorsed by ISC Code of Ethics.

Certification benefits :

• The individual will show signs of working knowledge of Information security topics
• With the certification, it definitely makes you stand out and gives you an edge while attending interviews.
• It provides access to a network of industry and subject experts who are into the security domain.

Certification Cost :
The certification cost for Certified Information systems security Professional certification is about $599.

Average salary :

The average salary of an individual who has accomplished Certified information systems security professional, they will be earning somewhere between $73,627 to $111,600. The salary will be varied based on the state where you are going to work. 

4. CISA: Certified Information Systems Auditor

The individual who has successfully completed this certification will have the required skillset to completely govern and advise the IT team of an organization. The individual will be involved in the acquisition, development, testing, and implementation of information security systems.

Pre-requisites :

• This course is suitable for individuals who are already working in the information security domain. The certification will be a stepping stone for IT compliance managers, Chief compliance officers
• The individual should have at least 5+ years of full-time work experience in the field of Information security.

Certification benefits :

• The individual will be able to define the Audit process of Information security systems.
• Will be exposed to scenarios where the individual will be able to govern and control the entire IT environments
• Will have a better understanding of the Audit process for an organization’s information systems.
• Will be responsible for entire information systems implementation.

Certification Cost :

The certification cost for Certified Information Systems Auditor is about $595. If you are a member of ISACA then you will be eligible for a lower price for the certification. 

Average salary :

The average salary of an individual who has accomplished Certified information systems Auditor, they will be earning somewhere between $57,800 to $125,600. The salary will be varied based on the state where you are going to work. 

5. CISM: Certified Information Security Manager

The certification is offered for the individuals who have shown their expertise in IS Audit, control and security aspects in Information security workspace.

Pre-requisites :

• The individual should have at least 5 years of full-time work experience in Certified Information Systems.
• The individual should be in a managerial position where they should be managing the entire information security processes.

Certification benefits :

• With this certification, the individual will be considered as a skilled resource in the area of Information security
• The certification will be recognized worldwide.
• It shows that the individual is really passionate about information security area
• Idea generation and exchange can happen between like-minded individuals.

Certification Cost :

The certification cost for Certified Information Systems Auditor is about $595. If you are a member of ISACA then you will be eligible for a lower price for the certification.

Average salary :

The average salary of an individual who has accomplished Certified information systems Manager, they will be earning somewhere between $57,800 to $245,600. The salary will be varied based on the state where you are going to work.

6. CEH: Certified Ethical Hacker

The course is designed in such a way that the individual will be able to experience and gain knowledge on the core functionalities of Ethical hacking and they will be well versed with code writing to tackle the viruses and reverse engineer any particular program. Further, the individual will be able to go through concepts like advanced network packet analysis and learn about how to secure the IIS.

Pre-requisites :

• The individual should have a valid degree in the Information security field.
• Should have valid work experience in networking, Security analysis and should be aware of the industry standards for safeguarding the data.
• The individual should have knowledge of TCP/IP
• This course is best for an individual who is looking to enhance their career and move towards Ethical hacking as a full-time role. Individuals who are into Security Auditors, Network consultants, Security Managers will be a good fit for this certification. This part is not mandatory but it is beneficial.

Certification benefits :

• This certification will provide you with an immense working knowledge of Information security aspects.
• Opens up a wide choice for career growth. As this is in real demand right now.
• This certification will also cover requirements for Computer Network Defense (CND) analyst and CND Auditor

Certification Cost :

The certification cost for Certified Ethical Hacker is about $500.

Average salary :

The average salary for an individual who is a Certified Ethical Hacker will range from $70,000 to $ 98,000. The salary will be varied by taking into different factors like the state where you are going to work, experience level, etc.

7. OSCP: Offensive Security Certified Professional

The offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) certification is used for Penetration testing. It is the world’s first hands-on offensive IS certification course that an individual can get. The use of this certification will enable the individual to express and demonstrate the working knowledge of Penetration concepts and walk through the life cycle of the same.

Pre-requisites :

• The individual should have a coding experience
• Working knowledge of penetration testing
• Should be able to understand and articulate networking concepts

Certification benefits :

• The individual will be able to identify existing defects and also execute cyber attacks to test the system or the process.
• He will be in a stage to modify the existing code and check whether the system reaction
• He will be evaluated network pivoting and check for any PHP web application which is written with poor coding standards.
• The certification shows that the individual is dedicated and determined to add value to the security aspect of the organization. 

Certification Cost :

The certification cost for “Offensive Security Certified Professional” varies somewhere between $200 to $400. The cost varies because of the different levels of the certification. 

Average salary :

The average salary for an individual who is into “Offensive Security Certified Professional” ranges from $65,000 to $91,650. 

8. Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control

With the help of this course, the individual will be able to completely design, implement, execute, monitor and reevaluate Information security controls for the organizations. Topics like risk management, assessment, and control monitoring are defined. 

Pre-requisites :

• The individual should have a valid 10 years of full-time work experience.
• Out of which 3 years should be specific in CRISC domains

Certification benefits :

• This certification is globally recognized and adds an extra weight while attending interviews.
• The individual will be in a good position to design, implement, monitor and maintain Information security controls in an organization.

Certification Cost :

The certification cost for “Certified in Risk and Information systems Control” is about  $615. 

Average salary :

The average salary for individuals who have undergone “Certified in Risk and Information System control” is about $98,000 to $122,954. The value will be changed based on experience levels and area of working, etc.

9. ECSA - EC-Council Certified Security Analyst

The  EC-Council Certified Security Analyst is like an extension towards a certified Ethical Hacker course. Within this certification, the individual will be exposed to real-time scenarios where they will get their hands on penetration testing and gain exposure towards it. The individual will be able to gain experience in terms of writing a real penetration report.

Pre-requisites :

• The individual should have a valid degree in the Information security field.
• Should have valid work experience in networking, Security analysis and should be aware of the industry standards for safeguarding the data.
• The individual should have knowledge of TCP/IP
• Should have completed the Certified Ethical Hacking course.

Certification benefits :

• The individual will be able to apply his knowledge and experience gained in the Ethical hacking course. They will be able to apply the same in this in real-time scenarios and provide a penetration report.
• The certification itself is hard to get through, so it adds uniqueness to the individual who has completed the certification.

Certification Cost:

The certification cost for “EC- Council Certified Security Analyst” is about $300. 

Average salary :

• The average salary for an individual who is into “Offensive Security Certified Professional” ranges from $85,000 to $98,600.

10. GSEC: GIAC Security Essentials Certification

• This certification is suitable for individuals who are looking for career growth in cybersecurity space. Using this certification they will be able to showcase abilities to handle security tasks. The individuals should be responsible for demonstrating different concepts in the information security arena.

Pre-requisites :

• The individual should be aware of the topics like security and has a basic understanding of networking and security aspects.
• For individuals who are completely new to this sector, then they are advised to go through Introduction to Information Security.

Certification benefits :

• The user will be able to design and build a network architecture using different technologies, i.e. NAC, VLAN’s
• Will be able to run a lot of command-line tools to analyze the system
• He will gain practical knowledge of Threat management, Windows Security, Linux Security, etc.

Certification Cost :

The certification cost for “GSEC: GIAC Security Essentials Certification” is about $ 2,400. This is in the hands-on lab exam fee.

Average salary :

The average salary for an individual who is into “GIAC Security essentials” ranges from $75,000 to $88,600. 

11. GPEN - GIAC Penetration Tester

This certification is suitable for security individuals who are trying to build their career in the security domain. This certification shows that the individual has in-depth experience in terms of breaking the system by identifying possible vulnerable. Further, the course will expose individuals to various penetration testing methodologies. Also, the best practices of conducting the penetration test on any system are also defined.

Pre-requisites :

• The individual should be well versed in the Information security domain.
• Working knowledge of password masking and resolving password attacks is desirable
• More importantly, the individual should be enthusiastic to break the system.

Certification benefits :

Considered as a value-add resource in the team as the system is completely tested.

Adds value to your career profile and will be able to get more exciting opportunities to work with.

Certification Cost :

The certification cost for “GSEC: GIAC Penetration Tester” is about $ 500. 

Average salary :

The average salary for an individual who is into “GIAC Penetration Tester” ranges from $98,000 to $120,000. 

12. GCIH: GIAC Certified Incident Handler

A GIAC Certified Incident Handler will be responsible for handling all security incidents. All the common attack techniques are analyzed and based on the appropriate tools are utilized to build a counter-attack process so that the data can be secured.

Pre-requisites :

There are no specific set pre-requisites for taking up this certification. But it is advisable to have minimum knowledge of Security aspects and dealing with the cyber attacks. A full-time degree in Information security is desirable

Certification benefits :

• The individual will be able to understand all the incidents
• Will be proactive and will be able to detect malicious applications and uncertain network activity
• Provide a real-time solution to all the common attacks techniques that cyber attackers use.

Certification Cost :

The certification cost for “GSEC: GIAC Certified Incident Handler” is about $ 1,600.

Average salary :

The average salary for an individual who is into “GIAC Certified Incident Handler” ranges from $92,000 to $125,000. 

13. CCENT

CCENT stands for Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician. The individual will be able to understand the basics of networking concepts and it is considered as the first step for Cisco’s certifications. The course generally talks about simple network build-up cases and provides a basic skill set validation for employees where they can work as a network support assistant.

Pre-requisites :

There are no prerequisites for taking up this course. Anyone can go through this certification.

Certification benefits :

The individual will be well versed in all basic networking concepts which will help him to start his career as a network support assistant. This certification is like a basic certification in Cisco and further can be used to build up a networking profile.

Certification Cost :

The certification cost for “Cisco Certified Entry Network Technician” is about $ 125.

Average salary :

The average salary for an individual who is into “CISCO Certified Entry Networking Technician” ranges from $30,000 to $92,000. This salary range is for individual who belongs to entry-level to mid-level positions.

14. CCNA Security

CCNA stands for Cisco Certified Network Associate Security. This certificate validates mid-level associate who has working knowledge and relevant skills to work on Cisco networks. With the help of this certification, the individual will be able to demonstrate skills of building up a security infrastructure.  This certification completely focused and oriented on security technologies, installations, troubleshooting and monitoring different network devices. 

Pre-requisites :

The individual should be able to go through the basic certification, i.e. CCENT. Also, CCNA Routing and Switching are also considered to be a prerequisite.

Certification benefits :

• The candidate will be able to demonstrate working skills in building a safe and secure infrastructure.
• You will have an edge to your profile and helps you to make the right career move.
• This certification is like a stepping stone to move to the next professional-level certification, i.e CCSP

Certification Cost :

The certification cost for “Cisco Certified Network Associate Security” is about $ 250.

Average salary :

The average salary for an individual who is into “Cisco Certified Network Associate Security” ranges from $44,500 to $113,000. This salary range is for individual who belongs to entry level to mid-level positions.

15. CCNP Security

CCNP stands for Cisco Certified Network Professional Security. This certification is for candidates who are into Network Security Engineer positions. They will be responsible for security in routers and switches.

Pre-requisites :

• The candidate should have work experience within the networking domain and should have a working knowledge of network security aspects
• They should hold a valid CCNA certification.

Certification benefits :

• Add value to the current profile for the individual and portrays that they have a working knowledge of network security issues.

Certification Cost :

The certification cost for “Cisco Certified Network Professional Security” is about $ 300.

Average salary :

The average salary for an individual who is into “Cisco Certified Network Associate Security” ranges from $66,500 to $113,000. 

Checkout Cyber Security Interview Questions

16. CCIE Security:

CCIE stands for Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert Security. This certification gives out credibility for the candidate and acknowledges that the individual has an expert level of skills in terms of architecting, engineering, implement and troubleshoot the entire CISCO technologies. All of the above tasks are executed by keeping the standard practices on the mind.

Pre-requisites :

• At least 3 to 5 years of full-time work is necessary to take up this certification.
• No other specific requirements are needed.

Certification benefits :

• With this certification, the profile of the candidate will be unique in the market and has more chance of getting into higher salary packages.
• Also validates that the individual has required the level of expert skills to manage and support all CISCO network security solutions.

Certification cost:

The certification cost for CCIE Security is about $315 and this is the written exam. For the lab exam, it will cost you about $1400.

Average salary :

The average salary for an individual who is into “Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert Security” ranges from $85,500 to $100,000. 

17. CWNP: Certified Wireless Network Professional

This certification provides information and knowledge on Wireless LAN’s. The individual will be able to gain technical expertise on Wireless LAN’s.

Pre-requisites :

• It is advised to have Certified Wireless Network Administrator certification done before applying for CWNP certification.
• All networking concepts and wireless networking concepts should be well versed.

Certification benefits :

• Adds credibility to network professionals and provides an edge for their career growth.
• It is mandatory for organizations to employ certified networking professional.

Certification cost:

The certification cost for CWNP is about $250 and this is the written exam. 

Average salary :

The average salary for an individual who is into “CWNP” ranges from $60,500 to $88,000. 

18. CWSP: Certified Wireless Security Professional

This certification provides an opportunity for security professionals to gain in-depth knowledge about WLAN security issues and also at the same time gives out information about all the latest tools and technologies that are available to mitigate the same. Using all of this, security professionals will be able to configure security designs and architecture.

Pre-requisites :

• Should complete the basic certification CWNA
• Should have a good understanding of Networking concepts and Wireless security concepts

Certification benefits :

• A wide range of concepts on security risks like detecting attacks, wireless analysis, and monitoring solutions can be built by the candidates.
• Takes the credibility of becoming an expert in configuring Wireless LAN’s

Certification cost:

The certification cost for CWSP is about $205 and this is the written exam. 

Average salary :

The average salary for an individual who is into “CWSP” ranges from $75,500 to $90,000. 

19. CWNE: Certified Wireless Network Expert

This is the final step of CWNP certification program. By achieving this the individual will possess the most advanced skills on Wireless Lan networks.

Pre-requisites :

• The individual should clear all levels of certification, i.e. CWSP, CWAP, and CWDP
• Should have at least 3 years of experience in implementing enterprise Wi-Fi implementation experience.
• Should have at least two professional networking certifications.

Certification benefits :

• The certified holder will be able to completely take care of administration, installation, configuration and troubleshoot of wireless network systems.
• Adds a high level of credibility to the individuals who have cleared this certification. 

Certification cost:

The certification cost for CWSP is about $550 and this is the written exam. 

Average salary :

The average salary for an individual who is into “CWSP” ranges from $98,500 to $245,600.

20. CompTIA Network+

This certification course will enable the networking professionals to build expert skills in building, managing and protecting the data assets of an organization, they will be completely working on the data network of the company.

Pre-requisites :

• This course is beneficial for individuals who are into networking professional field.
• Any individual who is in IT technician role or Network consultants, Help Desk Technicians can go for this certification to see career growth.

Certification benefits:

• This certification is considered as the first step of professional-level certification in networking.
• It is globally certified certification so if you are planning to go abroad you will still be covered and showcase your expert skills in the particular domain.

Certification cost:

The certification cost  for CompTIA Network +  is about $294

Average salary :

The average salary for individual who is into “CompTIA Network+” ranges from $78,500 to $90,600.

21. CASP: CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner

With ever-growing cybersecurity threats, organizations are constantly looking out for talent in this arena where they can build safe and secured layers of protection for their assets. To validate this specific skill set at the professional level, the CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner is used.

Pre-requisites :

• The individual should have at least 10 years of experience in IT administration
• Out of that 5 years should be on technical security experience

Certification benefits:

Gives credibility in the market that the individual is capable of building and managing security process which will help the organizations to safeguard their data.

Certification cost:

The certification cost  for CompTIA Network +  is about $426

Average salary :

The average salary for an individual who is into “CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner” ranges from $74,500 to $97,600.

22. CPT: Certified Penetration Tester

This certification is framed in such a way that the candidate can actually brush up their skills and also gain working knowledge in the penetration testing arena.

Pre-requisites :

• The individual should possess a good understanding of security concepts
• Should be well versed in one coding platform
• Should be willing to learn new skills based on the market.

Certification benefits:

• The certification holders will have an edge while looking out for job switch and also helps in terms of career growth.
• They are in high demand as the cyber-attacks are increased to a considerable level.

Certification cost:

The certification cost  for Certified Penetration Tester  is about $499

Average salary :

The average salary for an individual who is into “Certified Penetration Tester” ranges from $60,500 to $74,600.

23. CEPT: Certified Expert Penetration Tester

This certification is framed in such a way that the candidate skillset is evaluated in terms of penetration testing and his expertise level as well. This will enable the individual to be a professional level expert in the field of penetration testing.

Pre-requisites :

• The individual should possess a good understanding of security concepts
• Should be a valid certification holder of Certified Penetration Tester

Certification benefits:

• The certification holders will have an edge while looking out for job switch and also helps in terms of career growth

Certification cost:

The certification cost  for Certified Expert  Penetration Tester  is more than $499

Average salary :

The average salary for an individual who is into “Certified Expert Penetration Tester” ranges from $75,500 to $90,600.

24. CISSP-ISSAP: Information Systems Security Architecture Professional

With the increased use of technology and ever-changing platforms, it has been difficult for organizations to protect their data and also to safeguard their assets. To fulfill this need the organizations are looking to set up relative policies and they are looking for talent expert resources to the job. The individual who has certified with ISSAP is considered to be a value add to the team.

Pre-requisites :

• The individual should be already associated with ISC.
• Should be aware of Information Security procedures

Certification benefits:

• Having this certification will add credibility to your profile
• The individual will be able to play a key role in Security Infrastructure.

Certification cost:
The certification cost  for Information Systems Security Architecture Professional is about $ 599

Average salary :
The average salary for an individual who is into “Information System Security Architecture Professional” ranges from $90,500 to $125,600.

25. CISSP-ISSEP: Information Systems Security Engineering Professional

This course is framed in such a way that it discusses how to secure the infrastructure and eventually help to safeguard the data and also the organization's assets.

Pre-requisites :

• The individual should be associated with ISC
• Should be well versed with Information Security concepts

Certification benefits:

• Will add value to the profile and will be considered as a premium resource

Certification cost:

The certification cost  for Information Systems Security Engineering Professional is about $ 599

Average salary :

The average salary for an individual who is into “Information System Security Engineering Professional” ranges from $80,500 to $110,600.

26. CISSP-ISSMP: Information Systems Security Management Professional

The course is framed in such a way that the organization's assets and information in terms of data are safeguarded by implementing the standard procedures and policies.

Pre-requisites :

• The individual should be associated with ISC
• Should be well versed with Information security Concepts and also should have hands-on experience with management activities.

Certification benefits:

• This will provide a boost to your career growth.
• The expert skills are certified and acknowledged with this certification

Certification cost:

The certification cost  for Information Systems Security Management Professional is about $ 599

Average salary :

The average salary for an individual who is into “Information System Security Management Professional” ranges from $90,500 to $120,600.