IT Security Certifications: Top 30+ Certifications in 2019

Over the years, the practices developed and promoted understand design and implement enterprise governance of IT. Taking up the IT Security Certifications is one way to grow your career and secure your organization’s assets.

Here in this blog post, we have listed some IT Security Certifications that rule the Security Domain. These IT Security Certifications are the Top Most Certifications in the Security domain.

We have categorized these IT Security Certifications as per Domains:

1. Network Security
2. Penetration Testing
3. Security Management
4. Information Security
5. Cloud Security
6. Security Auditing
7. Advanced General Security

List of IT Security Certifications:

NETWORK SECURITY

• Cisco Certified Network Associate Security (CCNA Security)
• Cisco Certified Network Professional Security (CCNP Security)
• Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert Security (CCIE Security)
• Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE)
• Check Point Certified Admin (CCSA)
• Check Point Certified Expert (CCSE)
• Juniper Networks Certified Internet Specialist, Security (JNCIS-SEC)
• Juniper Networks Certified Professional, Security (JNCIP-SEC)
• Juniper Networks Certified Expert, Security (JNCIE-SEC)

PENETRATION TESTING

• EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• EC-Council Licensed Penetration Tester (LPT) Master
• Certified Mobile and Web Application Penetration Tester (CMWAPT)
• Global Information Assurance Certification Penetration Tester (GPEN)
• GIAC Exploit Researcher & Advanced Penetration Tester (GXPN)
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

SECURITY MANAGEMENT

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

INFORMATION SECURITY

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
• CompTIA Security+

CLOUD SECURITY

• Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge ( CCSK)
• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
• Certified Cloud Security Specialist (CCSS)
• Professional Cloud Security Manager
• Certified Integrator Secure Cloud Services

SECURITY AUDITING

• Certified information systems auditor (CISA)
• Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)
• Cobit Certification
• ISO 27001 Certification

ADVANCED GENERAL SECURITY

• ISO 27001 Certification
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Let us have a look at each IT Security Certification individually.

NETWORK SECURITY

Cisco Certified Network Associate Security (CCNA Security)

CCNA Security allows the candidate to get knowledge and skills to work with Cisco Networks. The CCNA Security Certification helps candidates develop a security infrastructure along with recognizing and mitigating threats. They emphasize on installing, monitoring, and troubleshooting the security architecture to maintain confidentiality and integrity of the system.

Cisco Certified Network Professional Security (CCNP Security)

Cisco Certified Network Professional Security (CCNP Security) is an advanced version of the CCNA Security Certification. It helps candidates to select, deploy, support, and troubleshoot Firewall, VPNs, IDS/IPS Solutions. Cisco Networks designed this certification for Security Engineers. They can support Routers, Switches, Networking Devices, and Appliances.

Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert Security (CCIE Security)

Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert Security (CCIE Security) is a Security Certification which provides skills and knowledge to support the infrastructure of Cisco Security in terms of implementing, maintaining and troubleshooting practices protecting the infrastructure against risks and threats. Usually Network Engineers and Network Architects take up this course.

Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE)

The PCNSE Certification helps gain in-depth knowledge and skills to design, install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot infrastructures built by Palo Alto Networks. Customers, re-sellers, pre-sales engineers, system integrators, and support staff take up this certification. PCNSE Certification validates the candidate to support the company and show their expertise functionally. The PCNSE Certification remains validatory for two years.

Check Point Certified Admin (CCSA)

Professionals who support, install, deploy, and administer Check Point Software take up the The Check Point Certified Security Administrator (CCSA) Certification . The certified equips himself with concepts and skills to perform tasks. The candidates need to have knowledge of TCP/IP and Working knowledge of Windows, Network Technology, and the Internet.

Check Point Certified Expert (CCSE)

Experts and re-sellers who want to perform configurations of Checkpoint Software Blades take up the Check Point Certified Security Expert (CCSE) Certification . They validate the candidate’s skills required to configure and manage Checkpoint Firewalls. The certification has two pre-requisites being CCSA training/certification and working knowledge of Windows, TCP/IP, and the Internet.

Juniper Networks Certified Internet Specialist, Security (JNCIS-SEC)

Juniper Networks is an American Multinational Company headquartered at Sunnyvale, California. The JNCIS-SEC Certification applies to the Network Professionals with knowledge of Juniper Networks Junos OS for SRX Series devices. This certification validates the candidate’s understanding of Juniper Security Technology along with configuration and troubleshooting of Juniper Networks.

Juniper Networks Certified Professional, Security (JNCIP-SEC)

Juniper Networks is an American Multinational Company headquartered at Sunnyvale, California. The JNCIP-SEC is a Professional Level Certification designed for Networking Professionals who have the knowledge of Juniper Networks Junos OS for SRX Series devices. JNCIP-SEC candidates have an understanding about security technologies along with configuring, managing and troubleshooting skills.

Juniper Networks Certified Expert, Security (JNCIE-SEC)

JNCIE-SEC is an Expert Level Certification. The JNCIE-SEC Practical Exam helps networking professionals to install, manage, configure, and troubleshoot Junos Security Platforms. Candidates will build a secure network consisting of interconnected services and sites. The exam aims at three sections viz, Security Infrastructure, Management, and Security.

PENETRATION TESTING

EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

A CEH professional looks for loopholes and vulnerabilities in the target system. They use the same tools and knowledge as a malicious hacker but to protect their firms. CEH Professional designs and governs hacking measures following standards and reinforcing hacking as a one of a kind profession.

EC-Council Licensed Penetration Tester (LPT) Master

The Licensed Penetration Tester (LPT) Master is an Expert Level Certification designed by the EC Council. The Certification Exam consists of three levels with three challenges in each against a several layered network architecture consisting of hardened machines, appliances, and networks to carry out Certification Exams. The exam requires candidates to demonstrate an approach to test and validate security defenses.

Certified Mobile and Web Application Penetration Tester (CMWAPT)

The CMWAPT Certification will help you gain knowledge and skills to handle Mobile and Web Application Penetration Testing. The CMWAPT Certification includes Mobile and Web Application Pen-testing Process and Methodology, Web Application Vulnerabilities, Web Application Attacks, Android Application Components, Android Application Attacks, iOS Application Components, iOS Application Attacks, and Secure Coding Principles. It is a 50 questions exam test.

Global Information Assurance Certification Penetration Tester (GPEN)

A GPEN Professional assess target networks and systems to find security loopholes. Penetration Testing Methodologies forms a part of the certification. They take care of the licit issues practices. No training required for the exam, and the lab modules are facultative. It is a 3-hour exam with 80-115 Questions and passing score of 74%.

GIAC Exploit Researcher & Advanced Penetration Tester (GXPN)

Designed for a Security Personnel who asses networks, application, and systems, The GIAC-GXPN is one of the distinguished IT Security Certification in the industry. A Security Personnel’s job duties involve to assess target networks, systems, and applications to find vulnerabilities. These candidates have knowledge and skills to conduct penetration tests, to find security flaws and risks associated with them. It is a 55-75 questions test with a time limit of 3 hours and a passing score of 67%.

Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

The OSCP consists of Virtual Networks containing targets of configurations and operating systems. An OSCP certified candidate can research the network, identify threats, and mitigate them. An OSCP can write Bash and Python Scripts. OSCP is a twenty-four hour examination which also shows that the OSCPs have a degree of persistence and determination.

SECURITY MANAGEMENT

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

The CISSP Certification will teach you to design security networks. These professionals can implement and manage complex security networks. Security Analysts, Security System Engineers, Directors and Managers of Security, Chief Information Officer, and Chief Information Security Officer, etc take up the CISSP Certification.

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) hosts the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) Certification. The CISM focuses on international security practices and also on the candidate who manages, designs, oversees, and assess the company’s information security.

INFORMATION SECURITY

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

The CISSP Certification proves that you can design, implement, and manage a cybersecurity program. Experienced security practitioners, managers, and executives take up CISSP. Chief Information Security Officer, Security Systems Engineer, Security Analyst, Security Manager, Security Auditor, Security Architect, Security Consultant, Network Architect are some posts assigned for a CISSP professional.

Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)

Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) Certification is globally recognized. It is known for providing security administration and operations knowledge and skills. Post achieving the SSCP Certification you will be able to implement, monitor, and administer IT infrastructure. The SSCP is for IT administrators, managers, directors, and network security professionals. Job roles assigned are  Network Security Engineer, Systems Administrator, Security Analyst, Systems Engineer, Security Consultant/Specialist, Security Administrator, Systems/Network Analyst, and Database Administrator.

CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ is a Global Certification. It validates the skills and knowledge you need to perform core security functions and pursue an IT security career. The CompTIA Security+ Certification emphasizes hands-on practical skills, ensuring the security professional to solve issues. Security+ focuses on the latest trends and techniques in risk management, risk mitigation, threat management, and intrusion detection. The new Security+ certification covers the Junior IT Auditor/Penetration Tester job role, in addition to the previous job roles for Systems Administrator, Network Administrator, and Security Administrator.

CLOUD SECURITY

Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK)

The CCSK Certification issued by the Cloud Security Alliance provides knowledge about the Cloud Security Fundamentals. It covers Cloud Computing, Cloud Control Matrix (CCM), Cloud Security Alliance, etc. The candidates are recommended to have a knowledge of firewall, encryption, secure development, and identity management. It also provides Cloud Security Knowledge Plus, which offers material and hands-on expertise. Candidates perform a series of exercises by building a fictional organization into the cloud.

Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

Co-created the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) and (ISC)², CCSP, coined to be the Premier Cloud Security Certification due to its global credential providing a standard of cloud security. CCSP offers instant credibility and differentiation along with recognition. You will always be ahead in terms of knowledge as CCSP give versatility across different cloud platforms and career advancements. If you are passionate about security and want to stay up to date with the ongoing trends, then you definitely must appear for the CCSP Certification.

Certified Cloud Security Specialist (CCSS)

The Certified Cloud Security Specialist is a three-day Training Program focusing on Cloud Computing concerning its security aspects, and solutions. This course covers taxonomy in two categories, viz, Architectural and Technological Security Taxonomy, and Process and Governance Security Taxonomy. Candidates can take up either GSTF-CCCA or GSTF-CCCS or EXIN Cloud Technologies as a pre-requisite. The course will also provide industrial case studies to underscore the security issues in the cloud.

Professional Cloud Security Manager (PCSM)

The Professional Cloud Security Manager (PCSM) Certification teaches the candidate to secure different cloud computing services and deployment modules, and also to design security in cloud infrastructure, configuration, and application running. It covers analyzing and managing access to cloud computing resources. There are no formal pre-requisites, but the candidate should have attended a practitioner level training, which includes cloud security training concepts. It is a 75 questions exam with 65% passing and 25 MCQs.

Certified Integrator Secure Cloud Services

Secure Cloud Services Certification provide professionals with skills required to handle cloud services. This certification focuses on IT Security, Cloud Computing, and Service Management. The IT Security domain focuses on installing a security mindset at the entry level. Cloud Computing provides security management knowledge. This domain focuses on Security Service Management.

SECURITY AUDITING

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

People who audit, control, monitor, and assess IT and Business Systems are all Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certified. It contains five precise domains which are

• Information Systems Operations, Maintenance and Service Management
• Information Systems Acquisition, Development, and Implementation
• Governance and Management of IT
• Protection of Information Assets
• Auditing Information Systems

Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)

The PCI security standards are technical and operational requirements set by the PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) to protect cardholder data. The rules apply to all entities that store, process or transmit cardholder data. The Council, enforced by the founding members of the Council, American Express, Discover Financial Services, JCB International, MasterCard Worldwide and Visa Inc works with merchants of all sizes, POS Vendors, Financial Institutions, and Hardware and Software Developers who create and operate global infrastructure.

Cobit Certification

The Cobit Certification carried out by COBIT 5 is one of the reputed certifications of the IT Security Industry. COBIT has grown bigger and broader into the Information and Technology (I&T) Governance and Management Framework which continues to establish itself as a generally accepted framework for I&T governance. Here is the structure of the COBIT Framework:

• Governance and Management Objectives
• Designing Tailored Governance System
• Governance and Framework Principles
• Governance System and Components
• Key Concepts and Terminology
• Net Framework Introduction
• Performance Management

ISO 27001 Certification

Information Security Management Systems (ISMS) provides a structured way of handling the company’s information. ISO/IEC 27001 provides requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an information security management system. It is a quality standard that differentiates needs to implement an information security management system. ISO 27001 certification looks intently at the totality of an organization’s information assets and then steps through a process which gauges risks related to these assets.

ADVANCED GENERAL SECURITY

ISO 27001 Certification

The ISO 27001 Certification belongs to the ISO/IEC 27000 family of standards helps organizations keep information assets secure. Using this family of standards will help you manage the security of assets such as financial information, property, employee details, or information entrusted to you by third parties. ISO/IEC 27001:2013 specifies the requirements to establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve the IT Security Management System within the context of the organization. The conditions set out in ISO/IEC 27001 are generic and intend to apply to all organizations.

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

The (ISC)² issues The Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP) . CISSP will help you design, implement, and manage cyber-security. CISSP provides job roles, which include Security Manager, Security Auditor, Security Architect, Security Consultant, Network Architect. CISSP isn’t an option for every cybersecurity professional. Before you start down your certification path, do not miss the opportunity to pursue a certification aligned with your immediate career goals.

These IT Security Certifications will give you an edge over your colleagues.

Share your feedback in the comments below and also let us know if you have passed any of these certifications.