Cybersecurity Careers: In-demand skills and certifications for cybersecurity professionals.
Cybersecurity is a rapidly growing field in tech. This is because more cyber threats are happening and data breaches can be very harmful. By 2023, the global cybersecurity market is expected to hit $258.99 billion.
As technology gets more complex, the need for skilled cybersecurity experts is rising. The job outlook for these professionals is looking up, with a 32 percent growth expected from 2022 to 2032. This is much faster than the average job growth rate.
Key Takeaways:
- The cybersecurity market is projected to reach $258.99 billion by 2023.
- Job outlook for cybersecurity professionals is expected to grow by 32 percent between 2022 and 2032.
- The demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals is increasing as organizations invest in protecting their digital assets.
Top 10 Cybersecurity Certifications Companies are Hiring For
Companies are looking for cybersecurity pros with the right skills and certifications. Having a certification shows you know your stuff and gives you an edge in the job hunt. We’ve looked at job sites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Simply Hired to find the top 10 cybersecurity certifications companies want.
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): This is a top certification that covers many cybersecurity areas. It includes security, risk management, and network security.
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA): For those who audit and check IT and business systems, CISA is the go-to certification. It shows you know about auditing and controlling information systems.
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM): CISM is for those who manage information security. It includes risk management and incident handling. Companies want people with this certification to lead their security teams.
- CompTIA Security+: This is a starting point for cybersecurity careers. It teaches about network security and how to handle threats. Many companies need this certification before you can move up.
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): CEH is for those who know how to find and fix security weaknesses. It’s important for companies to keep their systems safe.
- Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP): With more companies using the cloud, CCSP focuses on keeping cloud data safe. People with this certification are in demand as companies protect their cloud data.
- GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC): GSEC is for beginners in cybersecurity. It covers security basics, networking, and how to handle incidents. It’s a great start for a cybersecurity career.
- Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP): With more focus on privacy, CIPP teaches about privacy laws and keeping data safe. It shows you know how to handle privacy risks and follow the rules.
- Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP): OSCP is a big deal in penetration testing and ethical hacking. It tests your skills in finding and using security weaknesses to get into systems.
- Certified Incident Handler (GCIH): GCIH is all about handling and responding to security incidents. It teaches you how to spot, deal with, and fix cybersecurity problems. Companies want people with this certification to improve their security.
These certifications can help you succeed in cybersecurity and are what companies want to boost their security. Getting one or more of these certifications makes you a valuable asset. It also increases your chances of getting a great cybersecurity job.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification is a top choice in the cybersecurity world. It’s known worldwide and shows that professionals know a lot about keeping information safe and secure.
People with the CISSP certification really get the eight main areas of cybersecurity. These areas include things like keeping data safe, making sure systems are secure, and keeping networks safe. They also cover managing risks, testing security, and more.
Companies really want people with the CISSP certification. This is because they know these professionals can handle all parts of cybersecurity. With this certification, you can work as a top cybersecurity expert in many roles. These roles include being a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), a Security Administrator, or an IT Security Engineer.
To take the CISSP exam, you need at least five years of work experience in two or more of the eight main areas. Or, you can have a four-year degree in a computer-related field to count as one year of experience.
The exam for CISSP certification covers a lot of topics. These include managing risks, using cryptography, and keeping software secure. The exam costs $749 and is given by (ISC)², a group that focuses on cybersecurity certifications.
Getting the CISSP certification shows you’re serious about cybersecurity. It opens up more job chances for you. It gives you the skills to keep information safe, reduce risks, and make sure data is kept private and secure.
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification is a top-notch qualification. It shows that professionals know how to spot security risks, set up controls, and check if things follow the rules. CISA is a key certification for those in cybersecurity auditing, making it highly valued in the field.
Getting the CISA certification can boost your career and lead to more job options. CISA-certified people can look for jobs like:
- IT Audit Manager
- Cybersecurity Auditor
- Information Security Analyst
- IT Security Engineer
- IT Project Manager
- Compliance Program Manager
These jobs need people who know a lot about checking information systems, controlling them, and keeping them secure. The CISA certification gives professionals the skills and knowledge to do well in these roles. It helps them make sure cybersecurity is strong in companies.
To take the CISA exam, you need at least five years of experience in IT or IS audit, control, security, or assurance. This rule makes sure CISA-certified people have a strong background and real-world experience.
The CISA certification costs $575 for members and $760 for non-members. Getting this certification is a smart move. It can really help your career grow and lead to better job opportunities in cybersecurity.
With the CISA certification, professionals become trusted experts in information systems auditing and security. It’s a big plus that proves their skills and makes them more credible in the fast-changing world of cybersecurity.
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification is a top choice for those in information security management. It shows that professionals know how to manage an enterprise’s information security program well. They learn about governance, risk management, incident management, and how to develop security programs.
CISM-certified pros have the skills to lead teams in information security. They are key in keeping organizations safe from cyber threats. They make sure information is kept confidential, its integrity is maintained, and it’s available when needed.
With a CISM certification, professionals can aim for top jobs like an IT Manager or Information Systems Security Officer. They also can be an Information Risk Consultant, Director of Information Security, or Data Governance Manager. These jobs need people who can create and put into action strong information security plans to protect sensitive data.
To get the CISM certification, candidates must have certain experience. They need at least five years in information security management, with three years in three or more of the five certification domains. Having a graduate degree in an information security field can reduce the experience needed by one or two years.
The CISM certification exam checks candidates’ knowledge in areas like Information Security Governance and Information Risk Management. It also covers Information Security Program Development and Management, Information Security Incident Management, and Information Security Management. Passing the exam shows that professionals can handle security challenges well.
Getting the CISM certification costs $575 for ISACA members and $760 for others. This certification is a big step in a career in information security management, opening up many opportunities.
CompTIA Security+
The CompTIA Security+ certification is a key credential for those starting in cybersecurity. It checks if you have the basic skills needed for any cybersecurity job. With more threats online, companies need people who can keep their data and systems safe. This certification gives you a solid base in cybersecurity and best practices.
By getting the CompTIA Security+ certification, you show you can check an organization’s security, keep different environments safe, understand risks and follow rules, and handle security issues. This certification is known worldwide and is a reliable way to show you know about cybersecurity.
People with the CompTIA Security+ certification can work in many cybersecurity jobs. Jobs include Systems Administrator, Help Desk Manager, Security Engineer, Cloud Engineer, Security Administrator, IT Auditor, and Software Developer. This certification lets you move into different areas of the industry.
There are no strict requirements to take the CompTIA Security+ exam, but getting the Network+ certification first is a good idea. Also, having at least two years of IT experience with a security focus helps. This background makes learning security topics easier and helps with the exam prep.
The CompTIA Security+ certification exam costs $392. The exam keeps getting updated to match new cybersecurity threats. This means certified professionals always have the newest knowledge and skills.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity careers are more in-demand than ever. The need for digital protection and the threat of cyberattacks are growing fast. This makes it crucial to have skilled people to keep information safe and systems secure.
Getting certifications like CISSP, CISA, CISM, and CompTIA Security+ can boost your career. These certifications show you know about risk management, checking information systems, and security rules. They help you stand out in the cybersecurity world.
But, having certifications isn’t enough. Cybersecurity pros need to keep up with new trends and practices. This helps them tackle new threats. Keeping up with learning and professional growth is key to doing well in this field.
In summary, a career in cybersecurity looks bright for those with the right skills and certifications. As companies focus more on cybersecurity, the need for skilled people will keep growing. By choosing the right certifications and staying ahead of threats, you can set yourself up for success in this fast-changing field.
