With the increasing threats in the cyberspace, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals is larger than ever. As per a research conducted by Grand View Research, the Cybersecurity market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.3% from 2023 to 2030 that means it will hit a market value of approximately $400 billion. So, a huge amount of job opportunities will be created in the cybersecurity domain. Are you ready for these roles? If not then consider enrolling yourself into cybersecurity certification programs to learn the industry relevant skills and ace this career path.
But which is the best cybersecurity certification to do? Which certification is best for beginners and which is best for experts? Are there different types of certifications for different profiles? Let’s explore various online cybersecurity certification available in the market.
Best Online Cybersecurity Certification Programs
These are some of the best cybersecurity certification programs that you can do online:
- CompTIA Security+
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)
- Certified Cybersecurity Consultant (CCC™) – USCSI®
- Post Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity – MIT xPRO
Now, let us learn about them in detail
- CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Security+ is an entry-level cybersecurity certification that helps validate the cybersecurity skills of students and professionals. It is a widely accepted certification program and can be earned by passing a single exam called SYO-701. The exam tests the following important concepts in the cybersecurity domain:
- security architecture and designs
- cyberthreats, cyberattacks, and different types of vulnerabilities
- security of assets and data management
- identity and access management
- risk management
- security operations and incident response
Students can prepare for this exam through self-study, different types of training programs available online or through cybersecurity books.
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
This is an online cybersecurity certification program designed specifically for information security professionals and is widely recognized across industries. This certification exam is conducted by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC) ². The CISSP validates candidates’ different types of information security and cybersecurity skills.
The candidates must have at least five years of paid work experience in two or more of the eight domains of the ISC2 Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) and pass a 6-hour exam to earn this prestigious certification.
- Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)
The GIAC is one of the most challenging and rigorous certification program available. It is a series of cybersecurity certifications offered by the SANS Institute. You can choose from the following certifications offered in the GIAC series:
- Security administration
- Security management
- Security engineering
- Information security auditing
- Computer forensics
- Incident response
- Software security
Earning this certification requires passing proctored exam. Since they are recognized as a one of the most difficult and industry relevant program, they are widely recognized globally. These certifications are valid for 3 years and can be renewed later.
- Certified Cybersecurity Consultant (CCC™) – USCSI®
The United States Cybersecurity Institute (USCSI®) is one of the most reputed institutes offering online cybersecurity certification program. The Certified Cybersecurity Consultant (CCC™) is a self-paced online learning program that can be completed within 4-25 weeks of the enrollment.
The program is designed for mid-level cybersecurity professionals having 5+ years of work experience and want to take their cybersecurity career to the next level. This certification program empowers these professionals with the industry relevant cybersecurity skills to apply various cybersecurity practices in their organization. The program covers important topics such as:
- cryptographic techniques
- application of cryptography
- security architecture
- building an architecture
- Machine learning and cybersecurity, etc.
This certification is valid for 3 years and then candidates can choose to renew or recertify their certificate at great discounts. USCSI® also offers Speedster Program where if your organization or institute is registered with them, then you can avail a discount of up to 10% on your program fee. After enrolling you get access to a well-designed resource center to help you prepare for the certification exam.
- Post Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity – MIT xPRO
The Post Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity from MIT xPRO is a 10-month online program that provides students with a comprehensive introduction to cybersecurity. The program covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Defensive cybersecurity
- Offensive cybersecurity
- Network security
- Application security
- Cryptography
- Cybersecurity policy and ethics
The program is taught by MIT faculty and industry experts, and it includes a capstone project that allows students to apply the skills they have learned to solve real-world cybersecurity problems.
Conclusion
Apart from these there are other online cybersecurity certification programs available that will help you specialize in any particular interest in cybersecurity such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), etc. Many renowned universities such as Harvard and Stanford also offer graduate certificate in Cybersecurity to prepare you for this industry. Cybersecurity jobs are growing at a rapid pace. So you must prepare yourself with these top cybersecurity certifications and master the relevant skills now.
