Top certifications in cyber security industry

Cyber attacks, threats, phishing scams, email hijacking – we are coming in terms with these words more often than ever. As data breaches and systematic hacks of company resources are becoming more frequent, companies and individuals are facing nasty consequences and there is no sign of this trend slowing down. This also means, if we look at the other side then it is clear that more breaches, more losses, more sophisticated threats are paving the way for more job opportunities for IT & programming professionals.

Let's have a look at some facts that prove that there is an urgent and critical need for trained cyber security professionals:

• The cost of cybercrimes will double in the next five years and it will cost $6 trillion per year worldwide. (Source: cybersecurityventures.com)
• Businesses will experience ransomware attacks every 40 seconds. (Source: Kaspersky Lab)
• 1 in 131 emails is malicious. (Source: Symantec's Report)
• An IoT device can be attacked within 2minutes. (Source: Gartner)
• Cyber security jobs will increase exponentially and unfilled positions in cyber security will reach 3.5million by 2021.

Combating against the increasingly sophisticated threats is not possible without qualified security professionals. And there is a lack of skillful professionals in this field. So, companies are ready to pay a hefty amount for certified IT security professionals.

What are the top certifications?

Though certification is not always necessary to learn a skill but, according to an employer's point of view, gaining a certification shows that you have been through a curriculum and learned enough to pass a knowledge test about the subject. Some employers prefer particular certification for particular positions.

Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

OSCP, though a new curriculum, has got a lot of popularity for its toughness and practical based hands-on learning structure and exam. The offensive security certified professional course teaches how to attain, alter and apply publicly obtained exploit code. To get through the exam, the participant has to attach to a virtual environment remotely where they are expected to attack and compromise multiple operating systems and devices within 24 hours and thoroughly document how they did it. OSCP tests individual by assessing their penetration testing process and lifecycle through an arduous 24-hour certification exam. Professionals who have passed OSCP prove their ability to be presented with an unknown network, enumerate the target within their scope, exploit them and clearly document their results in a report. This Course is offered by Offensive Security.

Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI)

CHFI certified security professionals are equipped with knowledge and training to follow the footprints of a hacker and determine the source of data breaches and attacks. Business houses and government agencies are hiring top-notch talents in this field who can uncover and analyze complex digital evidence which is then used to hunt down and prosecute the cyber criminals in a legally admissible way. Demand for Forensic Investigators is soaring high in major industries like law enforcement, military and defense, insurance and banking, legal practices and cyber security firms. To qualify for the certification, one must go through the formal training or have at least 2 years of proven information security work experience and educational background with digital security specialization.

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Those who are serious about running a long way in the Information Security field, CISSP is for them. It is an advanced level certification for IT pros offered by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium recognized worldwide for its standard of excellence. Professionals with this certification are seasoned employees or consultants who possess expert knowledge and technical skills necessary to develop, guide and then manage security standards, policies and procedures within their organization and also updated with latest IT threat landscape, including emerging and advanced persistent threats. They are also responsible for taking control of the technologies to minimize attack surfaces. To obtain CISSP, one must have at least five years of work experience in the security industry.

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

The CISA designation is awarded to professionals working with information systems auditing, control or security. To become certified, one must meet some requirements including successful completion of the CISA examination, submit an application for CISA certification, adherence to the code of professional ethics, adherence to the continuing professional education system, compliance with the information systems auditing systems. Enterprises demand IS audit professionals that possess the knowledge and expertise to help them identify critical issues and customize practices to support trust in information systems. With a growing demand for individuals possessing IS audit, control, and security skills, CISA has become a preferred certification program by individuals and organizations around the world as it ensures that they are highly qualified and experienced professionals.

Though IT security education curriculum is full of courses and certifications, it is very important to have an analytical and inquisitive mind to learn the subject well. Keep that instinct alive and keep upgrading yourself. Happy hacking!

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