Top 11 Security Certifications

Certifications are essential for a security professional's job market prospects. They provide evidence of an individual's knowledge and skill in the field, which can be used to demonstrate their value to potential employers. Additionally, certifications can help security professionals stay ahead of the curve in terms of their knowledge and skillset, as many certifications require continuing education to maintain. Finally, certifications often provide access to exclusive networks, resources, and opportunities that could give an individual an advantage when searching for career advancement or other opportunities.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Securitys and explains how they can contribute to a security professional's career advancement.

What are Security Certifications?

Security certification is a formal process by which an organization or product is evaluated against a set of security criteria to demonstrate that it meets certain security requirements. The certification process typically involves third-party auditors who examine the organization or product, its processes and procedures, and its technical infrastructure to determine whether it meets the security standards.

Security certification can help organizations ensure that their systems are secure and compliant with industry regulations. For example, a company may choose to certify its products for compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). This standard requires organizations to maintain secure data storage and encryption protocols, implement access control measures, and adhere to other security best practices. Certification ensures that these requirements have been met and provides customers with assurance that their data is safe.

Certification also helps organizations demonstrate their commitment to security to customers, partners, regulators, investors, and other stakeholders. Achieving a security certification sends a strong message of trustworthiness and reliability which can give companies an edge in competitive markets. Additionally, some industries may require organizations to obtain certain certifications in order for them to do business within those sectors.

Pro Tip: When selecting a security certification program, look for one that includes hands-on labs and practice exams. This will ensure you have the opportunity to gain practical experience and prepare for your certification exam.

Related: What does a Security do?

Top 11 Security Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Securitys today.

1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates a professional’s knowledge and skills in the field of information security. It is offered by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2). The CISSP certification is designed to help professionals demonstrate their competence in designing, implementing, and managing information security systems.

The CISSP certification requires an individual to pass an exam that covers eight domains of information security: Access Control, Telecommunications and Network Security, Cryptography, Physical Security, Business Continuity Planning and Disaster Recovery Planning, Legal Regulations and Compliance, Security Architecture and Design, and Operations Security. The exam consists of 250 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within six hours.

In order to qualify for the CISSP exam, individuals must have at least five years of experience in two or more of the eight domains covered by the exam. Alternatively, they can have four years of experience if they also hold a college degree related to information security.

The cost for taking the CISSP exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically ranges from $699-$999 USD. Additionally, there are other costs associated with preparing for the exam such as study materials which can range from $100-$500 USD depending on what resources you purchase.

Once you’ve passed the exam you will become a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). This certification is valid for three years after which time you will need to renew it by earning Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits or retaking the exam.

2. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is a certification program offered by the International Council of E-Commerce Consultants (EC-Council). It is designed to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to identify, assess, and counter security threats posed by malicious hackers. The CEH credential is one of the most sought-after certifications in the IT security industry.

The CEH program consists of five days of classroom instruction and hands-on labs covering topics such as network scanning, system hacking, cryptography, web application penetration testing, malware analysis, and more. After completing the coursework and passing an online exam, students receive their CEH certification.

It typically takes about two weeks to complete the training for the CEH certification. Students must attend all five days of instruction in order to be eligible for certification.

To get certified as a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), you must first register for the course through EC-Council's website. You will then need to complete all five days of classroom instruction and pass an online exam at the end of your training.

The cost for taking the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) course varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $1,500-$3,000 USD depending on location and provider.

3. CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ is an international, vendor-neutral certification that validates the baseline skills necessary to perform core security functions and pursue an IT security career. It is compliant with ISO 17024 standards and approved by the US Department of Defense to meet directive 8140/8570.01-M requirements.

The CompTIA Security+ exam covers a wide range of topics related to network security, compliance and operational security, threats and vulnerabilities, application, data and host security, access control and identity management, and cryptography.

It typically takes around 30 hours of study time to prepare for the CompTIA Security+ exam. However, this can vary depending on your experience level in IT security.

To get CompTIA Security+, you must pass the SY0-501 exam with a score of 750 or higher out of 900 possible points. The exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions administered over a maximum of 90 minutes.

The cost for the CompTIA Security+ exam varies depending on where you take it but generally ranges from $320 to $400 USD.

4. GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC)

GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC) is a certification program offered by the Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC). It is designed to validate an individual's knowledge and skills in the areas of information security, risk management, and incident response. The GSEC certification is intended for individuals who work in IT security roles such as security analysts, network administrators, system administrators, and other related positions.

The GSEC certification exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed in three hours. To obtain the certification, applicants must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher.

To become certified, applicants must first register for the exam and pay a fee of $1,699 USD. After registering for the exam, applicants can access online study materials or attend instructor-led training courses to prepare for the exam.

Once an applicant has successfully passed the GSEC certification exam they will receive their official GIAC Security Essentials Certification credential which is valid for four years.

5. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) is a certification offered by ISACA, an international professional association focused on IT governance. It is designed to recognize individuals who have the skills and knowledge necessary to develop, manage and oversee an enterprise’s information security program. The CISM certification is highly sought after in the industry and is considered a key credential for those looking to advance their career in the field of information security.

The CISM exam typically takes about four hours to complete, and consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as risk management, information security governance, incident management and security architecture. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have five years of experience in at least three of the four domains covered by the exam: Information Security Governance, Risk Management & Compliance, Security Program Development & Management and Incident Response & Recovery.

To get certified as a CISM requires passing the CISM exam with a score of 500 or higher out of 800 points. The cost of taking the exam varies depending on where you take it; typically it ranges from $400-$600 USD. Once you pass the exam you will need to submit an application for certification along with proof that you meet all eligibility requirements which includes having five years of relevant work experience. After your application has been approved you will receive your official CISM certificate from ISACA.

6. ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) is a globally recognized certification in the field of information security management. It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s ability to design, implement, and manage an effective information security program. The CISM certification is ideal for IT professionals who are responsible for managing, designing, and overseeing an organization’s information security.

It typically takes 3-6 months to prepare for the CISM exam depending on the amount of study time you dedicate to it. To become certified, you must pass a four-hour exam that covers four domains: Information Security Governance, Risk Management and Compliance, Information Security Program Development and Management, and Information Security Incident Management.

The cost of the CISM exam varies depending on your country of residence. In the United States it costs $575 for ISACA members or $760 for non-members. You will also need to pay a one-time application fee of $50 when you register for the exam.

To get certified you must meet certain prerequisites including at least five years of experience in information security management within the past 10 years prior to submitting your application. Once you have met these requirements, you can apply online through ISACA's website and submit your application along with supporting documentation such as proof of work experience or education credentials.

7. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) is a certification program offered by (ISC)2, an international non-profit organization focused on cyber security. The CCSP is designed to provide cloud security professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to protect data and applications in the cloud. It covers topics such as risk management, identity and access management, data security, compliance, incident response, and more.

The CCSP certification requires at least five years of cumulative experience in information technology with three years of information security experience. Candidates must also pass an exam consisting of 125 multiple-choice questions. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and costs $599 USD.

In order to obtain the CCSP certification, candidates must first register for the exam through (ISC)2’s website. Once registered, they will be provided with study materials and practice exams to help them prepare for the exam. After passing the exam, candidates must submit their application for certification along with proof of their professional experience in order to receive their CCSP credential.

8. Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)

The Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) is an information security certification offered by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2). It is designed for IT professionals who have at least one year of experience in the field of information security and who are looking to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. The SSCP credential validates a practitioner’s ability to implement, monitor, and administer IT infrastructure using information security best practices.

To obtain the SSCP certification, you must pass a 3-hour exam that consists of 125 multiple choice questions. You must also have at least one year of cumulative paid work experience in the field of information security, or have completed an approved college course in the subject.

To prepare for the exam, you can take online courses, read books on information security topics, attend conferences or seminars related to information security topics, or participate in practice exams. Additionally, ISC2 offers its own self-study materials and instructor-led training courses.

The cost of taking the SSCP exam varies depending on where you take it. In general, it costs around $500 USD.

9. Microsoft Technology Associate: Security Fundamentals (MTA: SF)

Microsoft Technology Associate: Security Fundamentals (MTA: SF) is a certification that validates an individual’s knowledge of computer security. The MTA: SF certification demonstrates an understanding of fundamental security concepts, including authentication and authorization, encryption, malware, and risk management. It also covers the basics of Windows operating system security.

The MTA: SF exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and consists of 40-60 multiple choice questions. The exam focuses on topics such as network security, application security, operating system security, cryptography and identity management.

To get the MTA: SF certification, you must pass the corresponding exam (Exam 98-367). You can take the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center or online through Microsoft’s website. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $90-$120 USD.

10. EC-Council Certified Network Defender (CND)

EC-Council Certified Network Defender (CND) is a certification program designed to help IT professionals gain the necessary skills and knowledge to protect, detect, and respond to network security threats. The certification covers topics such as understanding network security fundamentals, implementing secure network architectures, managing network security operations, and responding to cyber incidents.

The CND certification requires successful completion of a 120-hour course that includes both online and in-person components. The course is divided into four modules: Network Security Fundamentals, Secure Network Architecture Design, Network Security Operations Management, and Cyber Incident Response. Each module consists of lectures, labs, simulations, and assessments. Upon successful completion of the course and all assessments with a passing score of 70% or higher, candidates will receive their CND certification from EC-Council.

To get the CND certification you must first register for the course through EC-Council's website. You will then be able to access the online learning portal where you can complete the course at your own pace within six months. Once you have completed all four modules with a passing score of 70% or higher on all assessments, you can submit your application for the CND exam. After passing the exam with a score of 70% or higher you will receive your CND certification from EC-Council.

The cost of the CND certification varies depending on which training provider you choose to use for your coursework. Generally speaking it ranges between $1,000-$2,000 USD depending on which provider you choose and if there are any discounts available at the time of purchase.

11. Check Point Certified Security Administrator (CCSA).

Check Point Certified Security Administrator (CCSA) is a certification designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and skills in managing Check Point security solutions. The CCSA certification is awarded by Check Point Software Technologies, a leading provider of network security solutions.

The CCSA certification is designed for IT professionals who are responsible for the installation, configuration, management, and troubleshooting of Check Point security products. It covers topics such as basic networking concepts, firewall architecture and components, authentication methods, VPNs, logging and monitoring tools, and more.

It typically takes around 6 months to prepare for the CCSA exam. During this time candidates should become familiar with the Check Point product line and its features as well as review the material covered in the exam objectives. Candidates can also take advantage of online resources such as practice tests and study guides to help them prepare for the exam.

To get the CCSA certification candidates must pass the Check Point 156-215.80 exam which consists of 80 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 90 minutes. The exam fee is $250 USD per attempt.

In order to maintain their certification status individuals must retake the exam every two years or complete at least one approved training course during that period.

Do You Really Need a Security Certificate?

Yes, you do need a security certificate if you are running an online business or any other website. A security certificate is a digital file that contains information about the identity of your site and its encryption keys. It is issued by a trusted third-party organization, such as VeriSign or Thawte, and it allows secure communication between your server and visitors’ web browsers.

Having a security certificate is essential for any website because it helps protect against malicious attacks, like phishing or identity theft. Without one, hackers can intercept data sent between your server and visitors’ computers, potentially stealing sensitive information like passwords or credit card numbers. In addition, some browsers will display warnings to visitors if they visit an unsecured website. This could cause them to think twice before entering personal information on your site.

In addition to protecting against malicious attacks, having a security certificate also ensures that all communications between your server and visitors’ computers are encrypted using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). This means that all data sent between the two points is encrypted so that outsiders cannot read it even if they manage to intercept it in transit. SSL encryption also helps build trust with visitors since they know their personal information is safe when interacting with your website.

Overall, having a security certificate is an absolute necessity for any website that collects sensitive information from its visitors or handles financial transactions. Not only does it protect against malicious attacks but also builds trust with potential customers by showing them that their data is safe when interacting with your site.

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FAQs About Security Certifications

1. What are the benefits of getting a security certification?

Answer: Security certifications can help you gain knowledge and skills in the field of cybersecurity, demonstrate to employers that you have the qualifications necessary to do the job, and open up new career opportunities.

2. What are some of the most popular security certifications?

Answer: Some of the most popular security certifications include Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC), and EC-Council Certified Security Analyst (ECSA).

3. How much does it cost to get a security certification?

Answer: The cost of getting a security certification varies depending on the type of certification, but most certifications range from $200-$500 USD.

4. How long does it take to get a security certification?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to get a security certification depends on your experience level and how quickly you can study and prepare for the exam. Generally, it takes anywhere from one to six months to complete all requirements for obtaining a security certification.

5. Are there any prerequisites for getting a security certification?

Answer: Yes, some certifications may require you to have certain qualifications or experience in order to be eligible for the exam. Check with the provider of your chosen certification for more information about prerequisites.