Top 15+ Cyber Security Certifications in 2020

Businesses these days are learning the importance of Cyber Security the hard way. Yet they seem to be ill-equipped with the infrastructure and professionals required to handle their transactions from threats of today and dangers of tomorrow.

IT Professionals with Cyber Security Certifications are known to grab higher packages compared to those without official certifications.

Currently, every IT Professional should also possess Cyber Security skills and knowledge as he/she needs to have the ability to protect apps, data, devices, and infrastructure.

Now you must ask which cybersecurity certifications are most valuable? That depends on which skills are you looking to imbibe. Some certifications could pay more while some could pay less, but overall the difference is negligible, and they are all valuable.

Let us now have a look at some of the Top Cyber Security Certifications of 2020, which could take your career to another level.

List of Top Cyber Security Certifications

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• CompTIA Security+
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
• EC-Council’s Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
• EC-Council’s Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI)
• GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
• Certified in Risk and Internationals Systems Control (CRISC)
• Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP)
• Certified Cloud Security Professional – CCSP
• Information Systems Security Management Professional (CISSP-ISSMP)
• Information Systems Security Architecture Professional (CISSP-ISSAP)
• Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (ISACA-CGEIT)
• Cisco CCNA Cyber Ops

1. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is one of the top most Cyber Security Certifications across the globe. It includes mastering the hacking technology but ethically by following law and order. The certification teaches the candidates to use hacking tools and techniques. The devices are used only by hackers and security professionals. 

They follow a tagline, “To beat a hacker, you need to think like a hacker.” An organization is always advised not to be limited to a particular vendor, technology, or any equipment.

In this certification, you can achieve an optimal information security posture in their organization by hacking it. You will be able to scan, test, hack, and secure systems. You will learn the phases of ethical hacking, namely Reconnaissance, Gaining Access, Enumeration, Maintaining Access, and Covering Your Tracks.

Want to Become a Certified Hacker? Sign Up for the CEH class today. Find detailed information about Certified Ethical Hacking Certification Training – CEH v10

COURSE OUTLINE

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA / PRE-REQUISITES

• Appear for the official EC-Council Training OR
• 2 years of work experience in IT Security

JOB ROLE

Candidates can apply for the below roles:

• Auditors
• Security Professionals
• Site Administrators
• Anyone related to network infrastructure

CERTIFICATION DETAILS

2. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

When it comes to Cyber Security Certifications you can absolutely not forget CISM. The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) Certification is one of the top certifications available across the globe. The CISM Certification aims at IT professionals who can manage, develop, and oversee information security systems. The CISM Certification was introduced in 2003 by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA).

CISM prepares candidates with knowledge and skills towards highest quality standards about audit, control, and security of IT Security Professionals. CISM Professionals possess advanced and proven skills in security, program development, risk management, management governance, and incident management and control.

Candidates who want to obtain technical expertise in IT/IS Security and control can opt for CISM Certification. Candidates can make a move from a team player to a manager. CISM adds credibility to your personality by imbibing confidence interacting with internal and external stakeholders, regulators, and peers.

Information Systems Audit and Control Association’s (ISACA), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification provides expertise about the following four domains.

COURSE OUTLINE

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA / PRE-REQUISITES:

• Candidates must have a minimum of 5 years of experience in IT Security
• Out of the five years of experience, three years of work experience must be in Information Security Management

JOB ROLE

• Security Consultant
• Business Analyst
• Security Product Manager
• Security Designer
• Security Systems Professional
• Security Auditor
• Information Risk Consultant

*** Roles vary according to the years of experience and seniority in the organization.

CERTIFICATION DETAILS

3. CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ provides core knowledge about the cyber-security role, which is helpful to acquire intermediate level cyber-security jobs. It provides best practices in hands-on troubleshooting skills to make candidates imbibe the problem-solving skills. These candidates not only know how to troubleshoot incidents but also address them.

You will learn:

• To detect various types of threats and vulnerabilities and learn about penetration testing and vulnerability scanning concepts
• About installing, configuring, and deploying multiple tools and technologies while assessing and troubleshooting issues
• About installing and configuring identity and access management
• About implementing risk management with best practices
• About implementing secure network architecture and design
• About installing and configuring wireless security settings and implementing public infrastructure

COURSE OUTLINE

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA / PRE-REQUISITES:

• There are no pre-requisites for the CompTIA Security+ Exam
• Another recommendation is that the candidates have a minimum of two years of experience in IT Administration with a Security focus

JOB ROLE

• System Administrator
• Network Administrator
• Security Administrator
• IT Auditor/ Penetration Tester
• Security Specialist
• Security Engineer
• Security Consultant

CERTIFICATION DETAILS

4. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is one of the highest-ranked videos in the IT Security Certifications market. The CISSP Certification will validate a candidate’s technical knowledge about designing, engineering, and managing the over security infrastructure.

The broad range of topics included in the CISSP Certification ensures its relevancy across many domains in the field of IT Security. Candidates are taught about eight domains stated in the course outline below.

For detailed information, click here.

COURSE OUTLINE

Eligibility / Pre-requisites

• Candidates must have a minimum of 5 years paid work experience in 2 or more of the eight domains
• Four years college degree OR Regional Equivalent OR Additional Credential from (ISC)2 = 1-year required experience
• A candidate who does not fulfill the above may work as the Associate of (ISC)2 for six years to attain the experience required. 

JOB ROLE

• Chief Information Security Officer
• Chief Information Officer
• Director of Security
• IT Director/Manager
• Security Systems Engineer
• Security Analyst
• Security Manager
• Security Auditor
• Security Architect
• Security Consultant
• Network Architect

CERTIFICATION DETAILS

5. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification validates a candidate’s expertise to audit, monitor, control, and assess an organization’s IT and other business systems.

The CISA Certification builds a foundation to build a thriving IT Career. Candidates from the entry-level to mid-career level can opt for this certification. CISA can help you strengthen your ability to apply a risk-based approach to plan, execute, and report on audit engagements. It will provide you instant credibility while interacting with stakeholders, regulators, external auditors, and customers.

Once CISA Certified, your team will be declared as expertise in auditing, control, and information security. Your team will be able to assess vulnerabilities, report to compliances, and enhance controls.

COURSE OUTLINE

Eligibility / Pre-requisites

• Candidates require a minimum of 5 years of paid work experience in systems auditing, control, or security

Since the above could take up a lot of time here are some substitutes:

• One year Information Systems OR Non-Information Systems Auditing Experience substitutes for the one-year required experience
• 60 or 120 hours university credits can be substituted for 1 or 2 hours respectively
• Bachelor or Master Degree from a university with ISACA sponsored Model Curricula substitutes one year experience
• Master’s Degree in Information Security or Information Technology can be substituted for one year of experience
• Two years as an instructor at an accredited university in a related field counts as one year experience

JOB ROLE

• Internal Auditor
• Public Accounting Auditor
• IS Analyst
• IT Audit Manager
• IT Project Manager
• IT Security Officer
• Network Operation Security Engineer
• Cyber Security Professional
• IT Consultant
• IT Risk and Assurance Manager
• Privacy Officer
• Chief Information Officer

CERTIFICATION DETAILS

6. Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

At Offensive Security, Penetration Testing with Kali Linux is the foundation course that provides all basic knowledge and skills. Candidates who are beginners in Offensive Security or Penetration testing, this is a great opportunity.

You can take up the online ethical hacking course at your own pace. The course comprises of penetration testing tools and techniques via hands-on experience. PWK not only provides skills but also prepares candidates mentally to be a successful penetration tester.

Information Security Professionals who are interested in making a career in Professional Penetration Testing can take up this course.

COURSE OUTLINE

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA / PRE-REQUISITES

• Candidates must have solid understanding about TCP/IP Networking
• Work Experience in Windows and Linux Administration
• Understanding of Bash Scripting with Python or Perl

JOB ROLE

• Penetration Tester
• Security Engineer
• Security Consultant
• Information Security Analyst
• Cyber Security Engineer
• Cyber Security Analyst
• Senior Security Consultant

7. EC-Council’s Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO)

The Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO) Certification aims at providing the IT networking world with top-level information security executives. The CCISO Certification focuses on technical knowledge, along with the application of information security management principles. This program is developed by sitting CISO’s for current and aspiring CISOs.

To appear for the current CCISO Exam and earn the CCISO Certification, candidates must meet the basic CCISO requirements, which we will discuss in the upcoming sections.

This certification brings the middle-level managers up to the level of Executive Leaders and enhances the skills of existing Information Security leaders.

COURSE OUTLINE

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA / PRE-REQUISITES

• Candidates appearing for the CCISO Certification require five years of experience in at least 3 out of 5 CCISO domains
• Candidates who do not meet the eligibility stated above, can look for the EC-Council Information Security Manager (EISM) exam and then apply for the CCISO Exam when they meet the requirements

JOB ROLE

• CNDSP Analyst
• CNDSP Manager
• CPT CND Manager
• CPT Interactive Operator
• CPT Systems Architect
• Cyber Security Analyst
• Incident Analyst

CERTIFICATION DETAILS

8. EC-Council: CHFI – Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator

Digital Forensics is the science of gathering evidence and examining it. It includes network forensics, computer forensics, and mobile forensics. A Cyber Security Professional helps an organization from threats and vulnerabilities. System administrators detect the issue with the system and validate it for irregular behaviours

A cyber-attack is critical, and it is important for Cyber Security Investigators to preserve evidence of a breach of law. In many cyber-attacks, laws break due to improper or non-existing forensic investigations.

Candidates with Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator Certification become team members in Incident Handling and Incident Response teams. This certification provides knowledge and skills in digital forensic domains.

COURSE OUTLINE

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA / PRE-REQUISITES

• Candidates require two years of experience in Information Security Domain
• Education background with Digital Security Specialization

JOB ROLE

• IT Security Specialist
• Network Security Pro
• Penetration Tester
• IT Auditor Positions
• Security Engineer

CERTIFICATION DETAILS

9. GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)

The GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC) Certification provides the candidate with knowledge about Information Security. The GSEC certification holders are qualified for IT System roles with security tasks.

This certification helps candidates to obtain knowledge about preventing attacks and detect threats. It consists of tips and tricks to win the battle against many cyber-attacks that harm your environment.

COURSE OUTLINE

• Active defense, defense in depth, access control & password management
• Cryptography: basic concepts, algorithms and deployment, and application
• Defensible network architecture, networking & protocols, and network security
• Incident handling & response, vulnerability scanning and penetration testing
• Linux security: structure, permissions, & access; hardening & securing; monitoring & attack detection; & security utilities
• Security policy, contingency plans, critical controls and IT risk management
• Web communication security, virtualization and cloud security, and endpoint security
• Windows: access controls, automation, auditing, forensics, security infrastructure, & securing network services

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA / PRE-REQUISITES

• Candidates appearing for GSEC need to have a basic understanding about technology, networks, and security

JOB ROLE

• Security professionals
• Security managers
• Operations personnel
• IT engineers and supervisors
• Security administrators
• Forensic analysts
• Penetration testers
• Auditors

CERTIFICATION DETAILS

10. Certified in Risk and International Systems Control (CRISC)

The Certified in Risk and International Systems Control (CRISC) Certification is one of the distinguished certifications by The Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA). This certification indicates that the candidate is an expert in identifying and managing enterprise IT risk. Qualified candidates can implement and maintain information systems controls. The CRISC Certification will provide you recognition and credibility, which will give an instant boost to your career.

The Certified in Risk and International Systems Control (CRISC) certification is well suited for mid-career professionals. These professionals should be working in enterprise risk management and control. The CRISC Certification will help you gain knowledge and become an expert while interacting with stakeholders, co-workers, and regulators.

This certificate will prepare candidates for real-world threats. They will learn to pick up relevant tools to assess, govern, and mitigate risk. As well all the knowledge that the risk is being increasing day by day and reducing the same such professionals are always on the top of their game.

COURSE OUTLINE

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA / PRE-REQUISITES

• Candidates appearing for the CRISC Certification must have three years of work experience where they have managed IT Risk by implementing IS controls. 
• The three years of work experience must comprise of cumulative work experience across at least two CRISC domains. 

JOB ROLE

• IT professionals
• Risk professionals
• Control professionals
• Business analysts
• Project managers
• Compliance professionals
• Chief Security Officer
• Risk Analyst
• Chief Technology Officer
• Chief Information Security Officer

CERTIFICATION DETAILS

11. Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP)

The Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP) certification is designed for professionals to maintain compliance and risk mitigation practices. It also handles arm practitioners with the information required to add value to their business.

This certification teaches you the data privacy laws and regulations and their application. It provides knowledge about rules and enforcement models, jurisdiction laws, and legalities for handling and transferring data.

It demonstrates the world your knowledge about privacy laws and regulations. Post being a CIPP Certified Professional, you will gain a foundational understanding about global concepts of privacy data protection. It also comprises of subject matters like jurisdictional laws, privacy concepts and principles, enforcement and regulations models, and legalities required to handle and transfer data and more.

For more information on CIPP click here.

12. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

(ISC)² and the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) came together to develop the Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) Certification. This certification provides security professionals with skills, knowledge, and abilities in cloud security design, architecture, operations, implementation, controls, and compliance.

The CCSP Certification Professionals provide information security expertise to the cloud computing environment. They are competent in handling cloud security architecture, design, operations, and service orchestration.

The CCSP Certification is built upon existing credential and educational programs like Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK).

COURSE OUTLINE

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA / PRE-REQUISITES

• Candidates appearing for CCSP must possess a total of 5 years of experience.
• Out of the five years of experience, three years must be in Information Security, and one year in 1 or more out of the 6 CCSP domains
• CSA’s CCSK Certification substitute for one year experience in 1 or more of the six domains
• CISSO credential substitutes for the complete CCSP experience
• Candidate who fails to achieve the experience may work as an Associate of (ISC)² by successfully passing the CCSP exam. The associate can work for six years to earn five years of experience.

JOB ROLE

• Enterprise Architect
• Security Administrator
• Systems Engineer
• Security Architect
• Security Consultant
• Security Engineer
• Security Manager
• Systems Architect

CERTIFICATION DETAILS

13. CISSP – ISSMP – Information Systems Security Management Professional

The Information Systems Security Management Professional (ISSMP) Certification is a CISSP. This professional can establish, present, and govern information security programs. ISSMP professionals possess management and leadership skills.

The ISSMPs are trained to align security programs with the organization’s mission, goals, and strategies. They help organizations to meet their financial and operational requirements in support of their desired risk position.

The topics included in the ISSMP Syllabus ensure that the candidates receive relevant knowledge and skills in the field of information security management. It consists of 6 domains, as stated below.

COURSE OUTLINE

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA / PRE-REQUISITES

Full-Time:

The work experience calculation works on a monthly basis. Thus candidates must have a minimum of 35 hours/week experience for four weeks to obtain one month of work experience.

Part-Time:

Part-time experience required by the candidate cannot be less than 20 hours/week and more than 34 hours/week.

• 1040 hours of part-time = 6 months of full-time experience
• 2080 hours of part-time = 12 months of full-time experience

JOB ROLE

• Chief Information Officer
• Chief Information Security Officer
• Chief Technology Officer
• Senior Security Executive

CERTIFICATION DETAILS

14. CISSP-ISSAP – Information Systems Security Architecture Professional

The Information Systems Security Architecture Professional (ISSAP) is a CISSP Certification. CISSP-ISSAP Candidates specialize in designing security solutions and providing management with risk-based guidance to meet organizational goals.

 ISSAPs facilitate the alignment of security solutions within the organizational context (e.g., vision, mission, strategy, policies, requirements, change, and external factors).

The topics included in the ISSAP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) ensure that they are relevant across other domains in the field of IT Security.

COURSE OUTLINE

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA / PRE-REQUISITES

• Candidates must possess CISSP
• Candidates must have 2 years cumulative full-time paid work experience in 1 or more out of the 6 domains

JOB ROLE

• Chief Information Security Officer
• Chief Technology Officer
• Business Analyst
• System Architect
• Network Designer

CERTIFICATION DETAILS

15. ISACA’s Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT)

The CGEIT Certification is the only IT Governance Certification and a framework-agnostic available in the market. Obtaining the CGEIT Certification can make you a trusted advisor in your firm.

Candidates aspiring for executive positions can obtain the CGEIT Certification. CGEIT prepares you to handle the governance of an entire organization. A CGEIT professional can help in enhancing the strategic value of an organization. They are skilled and well experienced in providing business strategies and goals. They are also capable of managing IT Investments to maximize ROI. A CGEIT Certified Professional strives to build excellence in IT Operation and Governance.

Past records show 90% more effective teams, 70% improved expertise and efficiency, and 94% retained employees with CGEIT Certification.

COURSE OUTLINE

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA / PRE-REQUISITES

• Candidates need to possess a minimum of five years of professional work experience in enterprise management or should have been serving in an advisory or governance support role
• One year of experience should be related to enterprise IT governance frameworks. The rest years of experience could be related to strategic management, risk optimization, benefits, realization or resource optimization (pick any 2)

JOB ROLE

• IT Managers
• IT Analysts
• Business Professionals
• IT Consultants
• IT Directors
• IT Executives
• IT Governance Professionals

CERTIFICATION DETAILS

16. Cisco CCNA Cyber Ops

Any certification from the world leading company would look great on your CV. Cisco CCNA is one such Cyber Security Certification available in the market. Due to rapid and extensive detection of cybersecurity breaches, organizations need to effectively respond to security incidents. Professionals need to keep an eye on security systems and protect them from being affected by cybersecurity threats.

The Cisco CCNA Cyber Ops Certification will prepare the candidate to begin a career at the associate level within the security operations center.

Candidates will learn the A-Z about Cyber Security in the following ways:

• Design: Incorporating Security into your Infrastructure
• Build: Implementing and Preparing a Secure Design
• Monitor: Continuously assessing and detecting breaches and anomalies
• Respond: Identifying Entry, Determining Scope, Containing Threat, and Remediating
• Automate: Learning from former attacks to defend upcoming ones

COURSE OUTLINE

210-250 SECFND

• Fundamentals of Networking Protocols and Networking Devices 3
• Network Security Devices and Cloud Services 109
• Security Principles 159
• Introduction to Access Controls 185
• Introduction to Security Operations Management 241
• Fundamentals of Cryptography and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) 309
• Introduction to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) 339
• Windows-Based Analysis 357
• Linux- and Mac OS X—Based Analysis 379
• Endpoint Security Technologies 403
• Network and Host Telemetry 419
• Security Monitoring Operational Challenges 487
• Types of Attacks and Vulnerabilities 499
• Security Evasion Techniques 523

210-255 SECOPS

• Threat Analysis
• Forensics
• Fundamentals of Intrusion Analysis
• NetFlow for Cyber Security
• Introduction to Incident Response and the Incident Handling
• Incident Response Teams
• Compliance Frameworks
• Network and Host Profiling
• The Art of Data and Event Analysis
• Intrusion Event Categories

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA / PRE-REQUISITES

JOB ROLE

• Information Security Analyst
• Security Engineer
• Network Security Engineer
• Cybersecurity Engineer

CERTIFICATION DETAILS

All the above Cyber Security Certifications will not only provide you with immense knowledge but also develop your skills to build, operate, maintain, and troubleshoot the security architecture.

The Cybersecurity Industry projects to provide 3.5 million jobs globally by 2021. Hurry up and get yourself Certified with Top Cyber Security Certifications.