Best Cybersecurity Certifications for 2023

Introduction

World events such as the pandemic and civil unrest have resulted in an upsurge in cybersecurity issues in recent years, and organizations require assistance. As a result, cybersecurity specialists are in high demand.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 35% increase in cybersecurity employment between 2021 and 2031. The BLS views this growth rate as much faster than the national average.

Cybersecurity jobs are plentiful, but they take time to come by. Many of these positions go empty because candidates need to be more eligible. To be considered for these opportunities, individuals must have strong cybersecurity abilities. This article covers detailed knowledge of the Best Cybersecurity Certifications for 2023.

Which Cybersecurity Certifications Are the Best?

• CompTIA Security+ Certification

According to Skillsoft, one of the most popular certifications in the world is CompTIA Security+.

IT professionals who pass the CompTIA Security+ test demonstrate their competence in assisting organizations in countering cyberattacks. Many different job titles use CompTIA Security+. Systems administrators, security engineers, and security consultants are a few examples. The BLS classifies the CompTIA Security+ employment roles as “network and computer systems administrators.”

• CISM (Certified Information Security Manager)

 CISM certification is among the highest-paying, most-popular, and most-pursued certifications, according to Skillsoft.

Information security professionals with five years of experience, such as information security managers, aspiring managers, or IT security consultants, who are experienced in creating and overseeing corporate information security programs, are eligible for the CISM certification.

• Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)

One of the most sought-after and valuable cybersecurity certificates Global Knowledge offers is CRISC. It helps applicants fully understand the IT risks’ effects on particular organizations.

CRISC is intended for specialists with at least three years of enterprise-level information security program management expertise, such as business analysts, CIOs, CISOs, project managers, and other IT professionals. Individuals with experience in risk management, control, compliance, and assurance tasks are preferred. Holders of certification may accurately identify IT risks and design information system controls.

• CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor)

The CISA test validates knowledge for technicians who audit IT and business systems. Certification holders understand how to detect and prevent fraud and noncompliance, analyze audit results and communicate them to the impacted organization. While difficult to get, CISA is an excellent choice for technicians looking to advance their auditing and security skills.

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEHv12) Certification

The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEHv12) certification course is one of the most in-demand security credentials in the world. This internationally recognized security training certifies your capacity to detect flaws in the organization’s network architecture and assists in the effective combat of cyber-attacks.

As the threat in the cyber world is constantly expanding, the industry requires cyber security professionals to prevent threats and attacks in organizations worldwide. The Certified Ethical Hacker (C|EH v12) programme is widely recognized in cybersecurity.

Options for Entry-Level Certification

• CompTIA Security+ certification

CompTIA Security+ is one of the most widely held and highest-earning cybersecurity credentials and an excellent entry-level, vendor-neutral certification for people new to cybersecurity. CompTIA Security+ was ranked first on TechTarget’s list of ten cybersecurity credentials to help your career in 2023.

• Information Security Fundamentals (GISF) from GIAC

The GIAC Information Security Fundamentals (GISF) course was created for people new to information security and wishing to get started. It covers essential information security principles, such as threats and information, and the best techniques to protect data.

Certification Options for Penetration Testing

• CompTIA PenTest+ Certification

CompTIA PenTest+ is a vendor-neutral certification that teaches IT professionals to master penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and management. It is the most thorough exam available, including all stages of penetration testing. Other penetration testing exams only cover a portion of the penetration testing process.

CompTIA PenTest+ assures candidates can offer remedial approaches, effectively convey results to their management team, and provide realistic recommendations. The CompTIA PenTest+ certification can help you get a career as a penetration tester, web app penetration tester, vulnerability analyst, security consultant, or cybersecurity analyst.

• GPEN (GIAC Penetration Tester)

GPEN (GIAC Penetration Tester) is a vendor-independent certification that qualifies you to perform effective penetration testing. It verifies an IT professional’s ability to run a penetration test by best practices. GPEN holders may confidently undertake reconnaissance, exploits, and a process-oriented approach to penetration testing projects. GPEN is intended for ethical hackers, penetration testers, forensic specialists, and other information technology security professionals.

• OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional)

The Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) is a certification for ethical hacking and a gateway to penetration testing. Network administrators and IT security professionals, including penetration testers, security consultants, engineers, analysts, and other experts, should strongly consider the OSCP certification.

Cybersecurity Certifications at the Senior Level

CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) certification

CASP+ is an advanced cybersecurity certification that is vendor-neutral and aimed at security architects, technical lead analysts, senior security engineers, and application security analysts. It teaches them the practical skills to deploy effective solutions within established cybersecurity policies and frameworks.

CASP+ is the only performance-based certification aimed at advanced cybersecurity technicians rather than managers. It is unique in that it addresses security architecture and engineering rather than simply one or the other. CASP+ is the only credential that allows technical executives to assess an enterprise’s cyber preparedness and design and implement solutions that ensure the organization is ready for future attacks.

• CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)

According to Skillsoft, the (ISC)2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification is one of the most sought-after and highest-paying cybersecurity qualifications.  Candidates for the CISSP exam must have at least five years of paid security analyst experience. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in computer science can reduce their work requirements by one year.

• GSE (GIAC Security Expert)

One of the most critical cybersecurity certifications, but also one of the hardest to achieve, is the GIAC Security Expert (GSE).

The GSE test requires many prerequisite certifications, including the GSEC, GCIA, and GCIH, provided by the GIAC/SANS Institute.

Which Cybersecurity Certifications Should One Pursue First?

Choosing your first cybersecurity certification might be a daunting task. That is why choosing a well-recognized industry standard, such as CompTIA Security+, is preferable, which covers cybersecurity fundamentals.

Over 500,000 information technology professionals have acquired CompTIA Security+ certification. The certification’s success can be attributed to various factors:

• It is well-known in the industry and around the world. Employers are aware of CompTIA. As a result, CompTIA Security+ will add weight to your resume and provide you with instant credibility with companies.

• CompTIA Security+ does not have any requirements. As a result, it is an excellent first cybersecurity certification to obtain.

• It is vendor-independent. Vendor-neutral certifications apply to any equipment. They offer technicians the fundamental abilities required to achieve vendor-specific cybersecurity certifications in the future. These designations provide IT professionals with the diversified skill set that businesses need.

Conclusion

One of the best technologies has developed in the area of cybersecurity. Working daily to safeguard critical infrastructure protection, a cybersecurity expert is continually up against new, intriguing difficulties. A cybersecurity certification enhances professional worth, makes one stand out from the crowd, and makes one a more valued contributor to the IT security community.