As whole word is getting connected to each other over internet due to which multiple opportunity arising for attackers to attack on the organisation for stealing or damaging the data. This rise in cyber attacks creating huge demand for cyber security professionals across world. As per industry survey, its observed that demand for security professional is going to increase in future.
Best Cybersecurity Certifications
Most of the cyber security professional have atleast a bachelors degree in any stream but bachelors degree in computer science is gives advantage of better understanding of computers. Even aftr having bachelors degree most of the companies prefer cyber security certification which confirms the better understanding of cyber security knowledge.
FREE Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate
Overview
Google Cybersecurity Professional Certification provides a boost in cyber security career. In this program you learn most practical and theoratical skills about cybersecurity as follows:
Skills Covered in this programm.
- Python Programming
- Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) Tools
- SQL
- Linux
- Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)
- Security Hardening
Cost and Duration
- Cost: Free (Offer ends 8/5)
- Average Time: 6 months
1) Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Overview
This certification is one of the best and most difficult but can be cleared with good study. It is one of the must have certification in the cyber security domain. This certification gives confirmation that you are having enough knowledge to design,monitor and implement cyber security projects efficiently.
Job Roles and Salaries
| Job Role | Average Salary (INR) | Average Salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) | ₹76L | $170,000 |
| Security Administrator | ₹9,96,730 | $77,000 |
| IT Security Engineer | ₹5,51,262 | $102,000 |
| Senior Security Consultant | ₹13L | $114,000 |
Requirements and Cost
| Requirements | Four-year degree in computer science, at least five years of work experience in cybersecurity domains. |
| Cost | ₹61,409 ($749 USD) |
2) Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
Overview
The CISA credential from IT professional association ISACA helps to confirm your expertise in Vulnerability Assesment, designing and implementing controls, and Security compliance reporting.
Job Roles and Salaries
| Job Role | Average Salary (INR) | Average Salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| IT Audit Manager | ₹20L | $130,000 |
| Information Security Analyst | ₹6,00,000 | $99,000 |
| IT Security Engineer | ₹5,51,262 | $102,000 |
| IT Project Manager | ₹14L | $98,000 |
| Compliance Program Manager | ₹24L | $119,000 |
Requirements and Cost
- Requirements: Five years of experience in IT or IS audit, control, security, or assurance.
- Cost: ₹47,141 ($575 USD) for members, ₹62,320 ($760 USD) for non-members
3) Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
Overview
The CISM certification from ISACA validates your expertise in the management side of information security, including topics like governance, program development, and risk management.
Job Roles and Salaries
| Job Role | Average Salary (INR) | Average Salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| IT Manager | ₹12L | $105,000 |
| Information Systems Security Officer | ₹13L | $117,000 |
| Director of Information Security | ₹37L | $180,000 |
| Data Governance Manager | ₹30L | $150,000 |
Requirements and Cost
- Requirements: Five years of experience in information security management.
- Cost: ₹47,141 ($575 USD) for members, ₹62,320 ($760 USD) for non-members
4) CompTIA Security+
Overview
CompTIA Security+ is an entry-level security certification that validates the core skills needed in any cybersecurity role.
Job Roles and Salaries
| Job Role | Average Salary (INR) | Average Salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Systems Administrator | ₹4,50,000 | $77,000 |
| Help Desk Manager | ₹4,87,656 | $64,000 |
| Security Engineer | ₹8,19,355 | $102,000 |
| Cloud Engineer | ₹6,00,000 | $111,000 |
| Security Administrator | ₹9,96,730 | $77,000 |
| IT Auditor | ₹8,65,043 | $98,000 |
| Software Developer | ₹8,00,000 | $89,000 |
Requirements and Cost
- Requirements: No strict requirements, but Network+ certification and two years of IT experience recommended.
- Cost: ₹30,338 ($370 USD)
5) Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Overview
Ethical Hacking is a lawful hacking for discovering the vulnerabilities befor its docovered by hacker/attackers. CEH Certified ethical Hacker certification is provided by EC-Council platform.
Job Roles and Salaries
| Job Role | Average Salary (INR) | Average Salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Penetration Tester | ₹5,07,120 | $109,000 |
| Threat Intelligence Analyst | ₹8,86,971 | $89,000 |
| Cloud Security Architect | ₹12L | $159,000 |
| Cybersecurity Engineer | ₹7,36,376 | $102,000 |
Requirements and Cost
- Requirements: Two years of work experience in information security or completion of official EC-Council training.
- Cost: ₹98,295 ($1,199 USD)
6) GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC)
Overview
The GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC) is an entry-level security credential for those with some information systems and networking background.
Job Roles and Salaries
| Job Role | Average Salary (INR) | Average Salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| IT Security Manager | ₹19L | $105,000 |
| Computer Forensic Analyst | ₹7,86,931 | $88,000 |
| Penetration Tester | ₹5,07,120 | $109,000 |
Requirements and Cost
- Requirements: Understanding of security principles and networking concepts.
- Cost: ₹1,34,146 ($1,635 USD)
7) Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
Overview
The SSCP is another (ISC)² certification for hands-on operational IT and security roles.
Job Roles and Salaries
| Job Role | Average Salary (INR) | Average Salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Security Administrator | ₹9,96,730 | $77,000 |
| Security Analyst | ₹5,70,000 | $80,000 |
| IT Manager | ₹12L | $105,000 |
| Security Consultant | ₹12L | $114,000 |
Requirements and Cost
- Requirements: One year of paid work experience in one or more of the seven testing areas.
- Cost: ₹20,413 ($249 USD)
8) CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)
Overview
CompTIA’s CASP+ certification is designed for advanced security professionals who want to remain in hands-on technical roles.
Job Roles and Salaries
| Job Role | Average Salary (INR) | Average Salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Security Architect | ₹21L | $159,000 |
| Technical Lead Analyst | ₹14L | $109,000 |
| Penetration Tester | ₹5,07,120 | $109,000 |
| Cloud Security Architect | ₹12L | $159,000 |
| Senior Information Security Manager | ₹29L | $170,000 |
Requirements and Cost
- Requirements: Ten years of IT administration experience, including five years of hands-on security experience.
- Cost: ₹38,203 ($466 USD)
9) GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
Overview
The GCIH certification from GIAC focuses on incident handling, attack detection, and response.
Job Roles and Salaries
| Job Role | Average Salary (INR) | Average Salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Security Architect | ₹21L | $159,000 |
| Systems Administrator | ₹4,50,000 | $77,000 |
| Incident Responder | ₹9,00,000 | $98,000 |
| Penetration Tester | ₹5,07,120 | $109,000 |
Requirements and Cost
- Requirements: Understanding of security principles and networking protocols.
- Cost: ₹204,879 ($2,499 USD)
10) Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
Overview
OSCP certification is on of the most challenging and respected certification in the cyber security industry. It mostly focuses on the hands on practice of Penetration testing skills.
Job Roles and Salaries
| Job Role | Average Salary (INR) | Average Salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Penetration Tester | ₹5,07,120 | $109,000 |
| Security Consultant | ₹12L | $114,000 |
| Security Researcher | ₹18L | $150,000 |
| Incident Responder | ₹9,00,000 | $98,000 |
Requirements and Cost
- Requirements: No formal prerequisites, but a strong background in IT and networking is recommended.
- Cost: ₹81,958 ($999 USD)
Choosing the Right Certification
The essentials worth considering are the level of experience, cost and the focus, possible companies for future work. Here are some tips to help you decide:
| Level of Experience | The first type of certification you should look for is the one that will help you build from what you already know. If you are in the early stages of your IT career, you may want to start with entry-level certifications such as Security+ from CompTIA or Cybersecurity Professional Google Certification. |
| Cost | Licenses sometimes cost money, so you need to choose one that you can afford to acquire. Employers may also pay for the cost of certification and it might be worth asking whether too. |
| Area of Focus | Choose if you need a broad-based certification or one that is specialized in certain discipline like security or networking. |
| Potential Employers | Visit different careers section to view the most popular certification that organizations expect their employees to possess in the fields that interest you. |
Conclusion
Having a certification in cybersecurity can encourage one to think of a better position that one can take up in the sector. The available choices make it necessary to consider the most appropriate self- improve programme according to the experience, ambition, or financial strength of the individual. Before acquiring professional certifications, they should take fundamental ones and move to the higher certifications to achieve a good career in cybersecurity.
FAQs
1. What is the most valuable cybersecurity certification?
If there is a conflict between your work and certification, you may consider changing your work or the type of certification you require. CISSP is considered highly valuable by many organizations because of the way it is structured, and the recognition it receives.
2. Can I get a cybersecurity job without a degree?
Indeed, there exist numerous lower-paying cybersecurity positions where formal education is not mandatory, but certifications are valued.
3. How long does it take to get certified?
The time taken in gaining certification may also differ based on the certification as well as existing prior knowledge. Nonetheless, some certifications can be completed within few months if not weeks other might require a year or more to study for.
4. Are there free resources for studying cybersecurity?
Absolutely, yes, and the best thing with free resources is that they include tutorials, courses, and study guides that can be found on the Internet. Two examples of sites with cybersecurity courses are Coursera, edX, and Cybrary; the courses are free or cost a few hundred dollars.
5. How often do I need to renew my certification?
This depends on the certification type offered at the particular institution or organization. For instance CISSP certifications expire after every three years; CompTIA certifications also last for three years before they can be renewed. Please make sure to refer to the particularities of your certain certification, and its renewal procedure.
