10 Top Certificates to Open Doors in Your Security Career

Combining work experience with the right certificates can open doors in a security career. With so many certificates available in this profession, it can be challenging to choose the best certificate to advance a career.

The cybersecurity industry is forecasting a shortage of seasoned professionals. Selecting the best certifications can help propel a professional in the desired career direction. These 10 certifications can help pave the path to career success.

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Supported by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC²), CISSP is considered the Ph.D. of security certificates. It is designed for experienced professionals who manage the organization’s security program. Obtaining this certificate provides global recognition in achieving a level of excellence in the field of cybersecurity.

Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)

SSCP is designed for entry-level professionals. It is an excellent certificate to lead into the CISSP certification. SSCP is a collection of the best policies and procedures used to demonstrate a practitioner’s ability to secure websites and server infrastructure. Achieving this certificate validates and confirms a practitioner’s expertise of security within the software development lifecycle.

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

Being CISA-certified is an opportunity to show a level of excellence in auditing, monitoring and controlling skills. This world-renowned credential showcases a practitioner’s knowledge and ability in assessing vulnerabilities. It is the certificate desired among practitioners whose responsibility is centered around monitoring, controlling, and assessing information technology systems.

Certificate Information Security Manager (CISM)

CISM is one of the most sought after certificates. It Is designed for managers who oversee a network’s security and want to promote the use of international security best practices. Achieving this credential demonstrates the expertise and knowledge in information security management.

GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)

GSEC targets practitioners who want to demonstrate that they are ready to take on security tasks. They need to show a deeper level of understanding of IT than basic terminology. GSEC is a globally recognized entry-level certificate used to help progress a practitioner’s career to more advanced certifications.

CompTIA Security+

Globally recognized Security+ focuses on network security and risk management. It offers the best benchmark practices in IT security services. Achieving this credential demonstrates that the practitioner has the capabilities to secure a network.

GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN)

The GPEN targets professionals who focus on assessing a network for vulnerabilities. The certificate covers penetration testing methodologies, legal issues, and how to conduct the penetration test. It focuses on assessing targeted networks. Obtaining the GPEN credential confirms a practitioner has obtained the knowledge of technical and non-technical procedures on conducting penetration tests.

EC-Council Certified Security Analyst (ECSA)

ECSA is designed for penetration testers, sysadmins and risk assessment professionals. The purpose of this certificate is to test the knowledge and application of penetration testing methodologies in a hands-on lab network. Gaining an ECSA demonstrates not only the ability to identify and mitigate risks, practitioners learn how to reduce or eliminate them to secure the infrastructure.

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

CEH targets practitioners who are responsible for the network and data security. The certification uses methods by hackers to probe and hack the network for vulnerabilities. Practitioners learn the steps to secure a network. Any detected vulnerabilities are fixed to secure the system.

Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

OSCP challenges practitioners to prove their ability to execute penetration testing in a lab network. This certification is completely hands-on. Practitioners must prove that they have a clear understanding of the penetration life cycle and process. The final exam is a testament to the persistence and determination required by documenting and reporting the findings discovered in a virtual network within a 24-hour period.