When technology is getting increasingly advanced every day, the world is getting more connected as well. Now, we are surrounded by smart devices all around. Be it smart home equipment, smart wearables, or intelligent IoT devices that we use all the time, they are all interconnected and, unfortunately, more prone to cyber-attacks.
Not only individuals but also businesses are constantly under cyber-attacks. Therefore, the demand for skilled and certified cybersecurity professionals who can protect businesses, their customers, and the world from such malicious actors is rising.
Cybersecurity certifications are a great way to showcase your skills in this domain, and having one will surely pave your path to a successful career. So, let us explore some of the best programs to help you start your cybersecurity career in 2024.
Popular Cybersecurity certifications to start cybersecurity career in 2024
A cybersecurity certification is a credential that validates your cybersecurity skills and expertise and also displays your commitment to professional development.
1. Certified Ethical Hacker
Ethical Hacking is an important part of cybersecurity where you give the ethical hackers or cybersecurity professionals permission to breach the organization’s security in a controlled manner. This act aims to identify loopholes in the organization’s security measures to rectify them within time before malicious hackers do their jobs.
You will learn each element of this skill in detail through the Certified Ethical Hacker certification program offered by the EC-Council. In this course, you will learn important ethical hacking concepts such as vulnerability analysis, system hacking methodologies, packet-sniffing techniques, social engineering concepts, session-hijacking techniques, and much more
2. Certified Cybersecurity General Practitioner (CCGP™)
CCGP™ from the United States Cybersecurity Institute (USCSI®) is among the most prevalent cybersecurity certification programs for beginners. Students and professionals looking to start their cybersecurity careers will be able to make their foundation strong in the cybersecurity domain through this program.
The CCGP™ covers essential cybersecurity concepts such as understanding cybersecurity, fundamentals of cybersecurity, protection of devices, authentication for security, various security terms, etc.
Some distinguishing features of this certification program are:
- It is a completely self-paced online learning program
- Can be completed within 4-25 weeks at your place and your time
- Offers an excellent resource center consisting of high-quality study materials to prepare for the exam
- Offers exciting payment options where students can pay in full, in interest-free installments, or pay later using Klarna
- Students can also get discounts of up to 10% through their Speedster program
3. CompTIA Security+
This is another entry-level certification program offered by CompTIA Security+ designed to empower students and professionals with the knowledge and skills required to assess security risks, secure networks and devices, manage security incident response, and implement security controls. It is also among the most credible certifications for cybersecurity professionals recognized by employers in the IT industry.
The CompTIA Security+ exam is a 90-minute exam consisting of multiple-choice questions covering the following six domains:
- Network security
- Cloud Security
- Software development security
- Threat analysis and incident response
- Security assessment and auditing
- Security architecture and engineering
4. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
CISSP is an advanced-level cybersecurity certification program. It is designed to validate the candidate’s skills and expertise in designing, implementing, and managing the best cybersecurity programs. It is also widely recognized by employers.
The CISSP exam is 6 hour long and covers the following eight domains:
- Security and risk management
- Asset Security
- Security Architecture and Engineering
- Communication and Network Security
- Identity and Access Management
- Security Assessment and Testing
- Security Operations
- Software Development Security
To be eligible for this certification exam, the candidate must have at least 5 years of cumulative paid work experience in 2 or more of the eight domains of CISSP Common Body of Knowledge. There are some experience waivers also available. Professionals also get various resources to prepare for this certification exam.
5. Cybersecurity Professional Certificate at MIT
The Cybersecurity Professional Certificate by MIT xPRO is popular among students aspiring to enter cybersecurity careers. This certificate helps students gain the industry-relevant cybersecurity skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the ever-changing field of cybersecurity.
As a foundational certification, this program covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Cybersecurity fundamentals
- Network security
- Cryptography
- Ethical Hacking
- Incident response, etc.
Taught by experienced MIT faculty, the program helps students learn the latest trends and technologies in the field of cybersecurity.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity is a growing field. With the advanced development in technology, there has been a rise in cyber threats and sophisticated cyber-attacks, and so has the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals. Now, every organization from across the industries globally is looking to hire cybersecurity professionals who can demonstrate their experience and expertise in cybersecurity. So, aspiring students and professionals must take advantage of these top cybersecurity certification programs and start their cybersecurity journey in 2024 with great confidence.
