Cybersecurity certifications that are now more valuable to employers than ever

Just like every other field, Cybersecurity certifications are designed to validate an individual's expertise and skills in all areas of cybersecurity. Also, having a certification can be a plus when applying to jobs as this explains to employers that you have what it takes to keep the organization's systems free from all forms of cyber threats. While certifications are not a substitute for real-world experience, they are very important.  

What should you consider before taking a cybersecurity certification?

There are several factors to be considered before opting for certification, some of them include:

Your level of experience

Regardless of the path, there are some certifications designed for entry-level cybersecurity workers and some for people who have been in the field for a while. Before settling for a course, check through the information attached to it to be sure you are picking the one that suits your level of experience. If you are not new to the field, you may want to check out more advanced courses; newbies can look for foundational or introductory courses. 

Goals

What are you looking to achieve or learn? Why do you need the certification? Some people may need to take certification courses to boost their career prospects, others may take it to gain specific skills and knowledge. Understanding your goals will help you choose the perfect certification to suit your purpose. 

Course cost

You need to check if you can afford the course you want. There are free courses but if they don't meet your needs, you need to pay a price and some of them can be expensive. 

Instructor Expertise

There are online course providers that give insight into the profile of instructors available to teach the course. Check through the profile of the instructors to be sure they are experienced enough to deliver the course to students. 

Course content

Courses have modules, outlines, and syllabus. Therefore, look carefully to confirm that the course covers the essential topics, methods, and technologies you are looking to learn. 

With all of the above being said, if you are in the cybersecurity field or looking to join the team, here are valuable certifications you can earn to impress your employer:

CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional  

CISSP is a widely accepted cybersecurity certification that is offered by (ISC)² - International Information System Security Certification Consortium, Udemy, Alison, the knowledge academy, and many other online providers. The certification proves that an individual possesses the skills to effectively design, execute, and manage a best-in-class cybersecurity program. 

Perks: Exclusive resources, educational tools, peer-to-peer networking opportunities, and career-building benefits such as events and professional development.

Price: varies depending on the online provider. (ISC)² says it is free for the first year but subsequent payment is $50 annually. 

CEH - Certified Ethical Hacker

This certification is designed for professionals in the cybersecurity field who want to learn about hacking activities and gain the skills to be able to identify vulnerabilities in systems and networks. The certification is offered by different course providers such as the: 

•  EC council - $859 - $2,999

Perks: EC council provides 5 days of training, 20 modules, over 220 hands-on labs, 3500 hacking tools, exam voucher, exam retakes, and ethical hacking video libraries.

• Udemy - $14.99

Perks: 6.5 hours on-demand video, 6 downloadable resources, and certificate of completion. 

• Alison.com - Free (but you have to pay for a certificate. 

Perks: 3 modules and a certificate of completion. 

CompTIA Security

This certification is mostly common with entry-level cybersecurity specialists because it covers the foundational concept of cybersecurity alongside the skills which include cryptography, risk management, and network security. The following online course providers offer the certification: 

• Udemy - $15

Perks: 19.5 hours on-demand video, 30 downloadable resources, and Certificate of completion. 

• Simplilearn - $392

Perks - Exam Voucher, Access to CertMaster Labs, 8X higher interaction in live online classes conducted by industry experts, 2 Simulation Test Papers (90 Questions Each), 6 domains required to become an IT security professional, and Course Completion certificate. 

CC - Certification in Cybersecurity

This is another entry-level certification that indicates basic cybersecurity competence. (ISC)² offers this certification to prepare newbies for their entry-level roles and interviews, understand and be able to understand security principles, access control, network security, cryptography, and more. Another course provider that offers this certification is :

• Udemy - $13

Perks:  17.5 hours on-demand video, 6 articles, 8 downloadable resources, 2 practice tests, certificate of completion, and audio description in existing audio.

C|HFI - Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator

This certification presents participants equipped with the necessary skills to effectively investigate complex security threats, and record, and report cyber crimes to prevent subsequent attacks. The course is available on C|HFI Ec- council with the following features: 

• 50 GB of crafted evidence files

• Detailed methodological learning approach

• Dark web and IoT forensics

• Extensive coverage of malware forensics

• Latest forensic tools

Price: $700

C|Pent - Certified Penetration Testing Professional

A certified penetration specialist is expected to possess technical competence in ethical hacking and penetration testing domains. Online course providers include : 

• Hackthebox academy

Price: $490

Perks: 28 extensive module covers, 1 exam voucher (2 attempts). 

Check out the course here

• Ec-council 

Price: $3,499

Perks: On-Demand Instructor-led Training Videos, official E-Courseware, online cyberQ labs, certification exam, certificate of Completion, one additional certification course included, live Instructor-led training (in-person or online), exam Insurance Program, online exam prep, and CodeRed continuing education video subscription.

CCSP - Certified Cloud Security Professional 

A certified Cloud Security Professional is expected to be skilled at understanding the latest cyber threats and technologies that can protect a system's data. The certification acknowledges an individual as one who is highly skilled in cloud security and design. Price: $990

Perks: Lifetime access to high-quality self-paced, e-learning content curated by industry experts, 24x7 learner assistance and support, industry-recognized course completion certificate7 real-world case studies. 

Certification is available on Simplearn.