Best 5 Cybersecurity Certifications to master fundamentals of Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is an interesting domain. Right from protecting an organization's critical assets to protecting consumer data, and combating innovative cyber-attackers, cybersecurity professionals are involved in several tasks. As per Statista, there were 5.4 million cybersecurity professionals employed globally and as the cyber threats are continuously increasing, the demand for skilled and certified cybersecurity professionals will also be on the rise.

So, if you are seeking a career in cybersecurity, you need to be strong at the fundamentals of cybersecurity along with knowledge of the latest technologies used in cybersecurity such as AI and ML. ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study 2023 mentioned these skills as the most in-demand skills that 28% of cybersecurity managers look for in professionals.

Here let us explore some of the top cybersecurity certifications to build your foundation in cybersecurity upon which you can build other relevant and latest cybersecurity skills.

Certified Cybersecurity General Practitioner (CCGP)

CCGP is one of the best cybersecurity certification programs available across the globe now. It is offered by the United States Cybersecurity Institute (USCSI) and is designed for students and young professionals looking to make a career in cybersecurity. It empowers them with strong fundamental skills in cybersecurity such as Information Security and Intrusion Detection Systems, Cybercrime Source Identification Techniques, Infrastructural Vulnerabilities and DDoS Flooding Attacks, and more.

CCGP is a self-paced online learning program that can be completed within 4-25 weeks and requires only 8-10 hours a week. Not just that USCSI also offers an excellent resource center consisting of eBooks, lecture videos, practice codes, and use cases to help applicants prepare for the certification exam.

The applicants can schedule their exam between 25 to 175 days of enrollment and even request a further extension (by mailing the examination team) if they have any prior professional commitment. They get one free attempt to pass the exam, however, if they fail, they can appear again by paying $149 for each further attempt.

CompTIA Security+

It is another popular entry-level and vendor-neutral cybersecurity certification that validates candidates' foundational knowledge and cybersecurity skills in core security functions. CompTIA Security+ certification is often considered the starting point for many IT security careers.

It focuses mainly on the essentials of cybersecurity such as network security, system administration, cryptography, risk management, etc.

The CompTIA Security+ certification exam is typically computer-based and covers the following major domains:

• Threats, Attacks, and Vulnerabilities
• Architecture and Design
• Implementation
• Operation and Security Controls
• Incident Response
• Risk Management

You can find several resources on their website to prepare for the exam.

(ISC) Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)

SSCP has been designed for entry-level to mid-level cybersecurity professionals and is offered by ISC2, the premier cybersecurity certification body.

This certification helps professionals validate their ability to implement, monitor, and administer IT security controls in a hands-on operational role. So, if you are an IT professional and have experience in security administration, and network security, or are already working as a security analyst or system administrator, then this will help you validate your skills to a broad range of employers.

This certification also has a computer-based exam and covers various domains such as security operations and administrations, cryptography, access controls, risk management, incident response and recovery, and other important cybersecurity concepts.

GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)

SANS Institute, a well-established name in the field of cybersecurity training offers this GSEC certification and caters to professionals looking to learn a wide range of foundational concepts in information security. The exam covers various topics including network security concepts (firewalls, intrusion detection systems, virtual private networks), security policies and procedures, fundamentals of cryptography, understanding of operating systems, and more.

The certification exam is conducted at Pearson VUE testing center and it is aligned with the GSEC exam blueprint outlined by SANS (it is available on the SANS institute website). The institute also offers several resources including instructor-led and self-paced training courses.

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Ethical hacking is among the most in-demand cybersecurity skill which helps organizations identify vulnerabilities in their security system before cyber-attackers can actually exploit them.

By earning this credible cybersecurity certification from the EC-Council, you will be able to validate your skills and expertise in penetration testing methodologies, vulnerability assessment, hacking tools and techniques, and more.

This certification will help you demonstrate your understanding of the attacker mindset which is essential for cybersecurity job roles like penetration tester or vulnerability assessment roles.

Conclusion

So, these are some of the top cybersecurity certification programs widely recognized across industries around the globe. Having these certifications under your belt is a great way to demonstrate your cybersecurity skills and ability to perform all kinds of cybersecurity tasks to protect your organization from various kinds of evolving cyber threats. Earning certification also increases the chances of getting hired and with higher salaries. So, find a suitable certification program matching your career goals, and enroll now.