Cyber security is big business and the potential data breach or hack to a business can be absolutely devastating to a company and its bottomline.
For the number of cyber security experts and penetration testers across the world, there are some key certifications that you can apply for, giving you the legitimacy to grow your business, whilst also gaining expertise and collaborations from the body and its other members.
What is Cyber Security and What Does it Cover?
Cyber security is the active defending of systems, programs, networks, data, and devices from cyber attacks. Through the application of cyber security software, the risk of cyber attacks is significantly reduced, protecting your company against the unauthorised exploitation of networks, technologies, and systems. It focuses on protecting your computer systems from unauthorised access which could lead to them being made inaccessible or otherwise damaged.
Cyber security is sometimes known as information technology security or electronic information security, and can be divided up into more specific categories such as:
-
Application security which prioritises keeping your devices and software free from threats.
-
Disaster recovery and business continuity which consists of how an organisation responds to cyber security incidents.
-
End-user education which teaches users good cyber security practices such as deleting suspicious email attachments.
-
Information security which protects the privacy of your data.
-
Network security which secures a computer network from intruders, both targeted and opportunistic.
-
Operational security which includes how data assets are handled and processed.
The Most Established Cybersecurity Accreditations
1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
The CISSP certification is for experienced security professionals who are perhaps looking to advance their career into roles such as: senior security consultant, IT security engineer, and, amongst others, chief information security officer.
Requirements:
-
5+ years of cumulative work experience in at least 2 of 8 cyber security domains – a four-year degree in computer science satisfies 1 year of this requirement, and part-time work and paid internships are also included.
Cost: $749
2. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
The CISA certification is designed for mid-level IT professionals who are looking to advance into job roles such as: IT audit manager, IT project manager, and, amongst others, compliance program manager.
Requirements:
-
5+ years of experience in IT/IS audit, security, assurance, or control – a 2 or 4 year degree can satisfy 1 or 2 years of experience, respectively.
Cost: $575 for members, $760 for non-members,
3. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
The CISM certification is ideal for those looking to change from the technical to the managerial side of cyber security, including job roles such as: director of information security, data governance manager, and, amongst others, IT manager.
Requirements:
-
5+ years of experience in information security management – up to 2 years could be satisfied with general information security experience, and a further 1 or 2 years could be waived with another certification or a graduate degree in an information security-related field.
Cost: $575 for members, $760 for non-members
4. Security+
CompTIA Security+ is an entry-level certification that validates core skills needed for roles such as: software developer, help desk manager, and, amongst others, security engineer.
Requirements:
-
There are no specific requirements, however, you are encouraged to earn the Network+ certification first, and gain 2+ years of IT experience with a security focus.
Cost: $370
5. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
The CEH helps you to think as a hacker would, enabling you to take a more proactive approach to cyber security. The CEH would be helpful for roles such as: penetration tester, threat intelligence analyst, and, amongst others, cyber incident analyst.
Requirements:
-
2+ years of work experience in information security, or completion of an official EC-Council training.
Cost: $950 to $1,199, dependent on test location.
For more information about cyber security, you can find online courses available here.