Top 10 Cybersecurity Certifications for Professionals Whether you’re an aspiring cybersecurity enthusiast or a seasoned expert, there’s a certification tailored for you. The following is an alphabetical compilation of 10 of the most esteemed cybersecurity certifications.
- AWS Certified Developer-Associate
- Provider: Amazon Web Services
- Overview: This certification attests to your proficiency in utilizing AWS for developing, deploying, and debugging cloud-based applications. It also signifies your grasp of core AWS services and architectural best practices.
- Who Should Get It: Ideal for developers with AWS familiarity, proficiency in at least one programming language, and experience in IT and cloud services.
- Requirements: Pass the AWS Certified Developer-Associate exam and pay a $150 fee.
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect-Professional
- Provider: Amazon Web Services
- Overview: This credential demonstrates your capability in devising effective solutions for complex issues, along with expertise in automating processes and optimizing security and performance.
- Who Should Get It: Suited for individuals with a minimum of two years of experience in cloud architecture on AWS, familiarity with AMS billing and management consoles, CloudFormation templates, and in-depth knowledge of architectural design concepts.
- Requirements: Pass the AWS Certified Solutions Architect-Professional exam and pay a $300 fee.
- Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC®)
- Provider: ISACA®
- Overview: CRISC validates proactive risk management using an Agile-based approach, covering risk response and reporting, IT risk assessment, information technology and security, and corporate IT governance.
- Who Should Get It: Designed for professionals with three or more years of experience in IS control and IT risk management.
- Requirements: Pass the certification exam, submit experience details, pay a $50 processing fee, adhere to ISACA’s code of ethics, and pay a $760 exam fee ($575 for ISACA members).
- Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP)
- Provider: International Association of Privacy Professionals
- Overview: This certification demonstrates understanding of data privacy regulations, jurisdictional laws, and legal requirements for managing data.
- Who Should Get It: Ideal for those aiming to advance in the information economy and validate knowledge of data privacy laws and regulations.
- Requirements: Pass an examination and pay a $550 fee.
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM®)
- Provider: ISACA
- Overview: CISM signifies understanding of risk assessment, governance, and response to security threats, covering information security risk management, incident management, and information security programs.
- Who Should Get It: Recommended for information security managers with a minimum of five years of experience.
- Requirements: Pass an exam, pay a $50 processing fee, adhere to ISACA’s code of ethics, and pay a $760 exam fee ($575 for ISACA members).
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA®)
- Provider: ISACA
- Overview: CISA validates expertise in applying risk-based approaches to audit engagements, focusing on the information systems auditing process and information systems acquisition.
- Who Should Get It: Suited for professionals with at least five years of experience in IS/IT audit, assurance, information security, or control.
- Requirements: Pass the certification exam, submit experience details, pay a $50 processing fee, adhere to ISACA’s code of ethics, and pay a $760 exam fee ($575 for ISACA members).
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP®)
- Provider: The International Information System Security Certification Consortium
- Overview: CISSP showcases the ability to design, implement, and manage cybersecurity programs, covering topics like asset security, risk management, identity and access management, and network security.
- Who Should Get It: Recommended for experienced security professionals seeking career advancement.
- Requirements: Pay a $749 exam fee, pass the certification exam, submit an application with experience details, and adhere to the organization’s code of ethics.
- CompTIA® Security+
- Provider: CompTIA
- Overview: This entry-level certification verifies core skills in cybersecurity, focusing on assessing security vulnerabilities, recommending solutions, mitigating risks, responding to security threats, and monitoring hybrid environments.
- Who Should Get It: Ideal for individuals with two years of related experience aspiring to build a career in IT security.
- Requirements: Pay a $392 fee and pass the exam.
- GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC)
- Provider: Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)
- Overview: GSEC affirms understanding of information security concepts and hands-on experience with IT systems and security tasks.
- Who Should Get It: Suited for IT engineers, security managers, administrators, and information security professionals.
- Requirements: Pay for and pass a certification exam; first attempt costs $949, subsequent attempts are $849.
- Google Cloud-Professional Cloud Architect
- Provider: Google Cloud Platform
- Overview: This certification validates knowledge of cloud architecture and Google Cloud, demonstrating the ability to design and develop solutions ensuring security, compliance, and reliability.
- Who Should Get It: Suitable for individuals with a few years of industry experience and a desire to showcase expertise in Google Cloud architecture.
- Requirements: Pay a $200 registration fee and pass a certification exam; recommended to have at least three years of related experience, including one year with Google Cloud.
Choose the certification that aligns with your career goals and expertise level, and embark on the journey to enhance your cybersecurity skills.
