A Look at Cybersecurity Certifications: Options for Graduates

Businesses everywhere are increasingly digitized and interconnected, with much of their work unfolding across crowd-based platforms and virtual workspaces. While digital technology can make any business more adaptive and productive, it also comes with some notable risks, particularly the threat of cyberattacks and data theft. As such, enterprises of all sizes rely on cybersecurity professionals to help maintain information technology (IT) safety protocols.

The cybersecurity field is very promising for anyone seeking a career in technology or computer science. One way to compete for the best, highest-earning jobs is by demonstrating a high level of training and skill. In addition to obtaining an undergraduate degree , technology professionals can showcase their aptitude by seeking relevant cybersecurity certifications.

Why Seek Cybersecurity Certifications?

There are many benefits to seeking certification in the cybersecurity field—for employees and employers alike. For example, earning a certification in cybersecurity requires a high level of knowledge and technical acumen, which can yield remarkable results in the workplace. Certified cybersecurity professionals will generally engage with their work more thoughtfully, strategically, and effectively.

Cybersecurity certifications also convey value to employers by attesting to a high level of subject matter expertise. Employers who want to prevent costly data loss, and to ensure regulatory compliance, will actively seek this expertise. While certification is not always required for IT security jobs, it can open doors to higher salary ranges and positions of greater authority.

What Are the Top Cybersecurity Certifications?

As for specific certifications, there are many options for current and prospective cybersecurity professionals to consider. Here are some of the most sought after certifications.

Certified Ethical Hacker

One of the primary goals of any cybersecurity professional is to thwart the efforts of hackers and other computer-based criminals. The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) indicates a professional who knows how to beat hackers at their own game, using some of the principles of hacking to look for system vulnerabilities and risk exposures—and then to put the right safeguards in place.

This is one of the most commonly sought certifications for new and seasoned cybersecurity professionals. Administered by the EC-Council, the certification exam covers everything from cryptography to cloud computing.

Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)®

Administered by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), this certification verifies knowledge of risk management principles, including risk response, risk reporting, and IT governance. It is a good option for mid-career IT professionals who want to take their skills to the next level.

Note that eligibility for the certification exam requires at least three years of work experience in a field related to cybersecurity or IT.

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)®

ISACA oversees a number of the top cybersecurity certifications, including the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM). This is an option for mid-career professionals who want to take on roles that involve cybersecurity strategy formation. It covers things like incident management and cybersecurity governance.

Five years of relevant work experience is necessary to be eligible for this certification.

Google Cloud—Professional Cloud Architect

It is not uncommon for major tech companies to offer their own cybersecurity certifications, specifically pertaining to their own data ecosystems. This certification, available from Google, is a prime example.

Completing this certification denotes a high level of aptitude in creating, building, and scaling secure cloud-based networks. As such, it is especially relevant for cybersecurity professionals who want to increase their efficiency at working in cloud-based environments.

While there are no requirements in terms of work experience, Google recommends at least three years of IT experience, including at least one year working in the Google Cloud ecosystem.

What Are the Best Ways to Prepare for Cybersecurity Certifications?

For those who want to fully prepare for their certification exams, here are a few suggestions to keep in mind.

• Research the certification in advance. Not only do different certifications have varying work requirements, but they can also have diverse formats. Advanced research can yield information regarding the number of questions, total timeframe, and topics covered.

• Get some real-world IT experience. For most certifications, excluding those specifically labeled for recent graduates, it makes sense to develop some abilities working in a real-world cybersecurity or IT department.

• Get a degree. Earning an undergraduate degree in cybersecurity, information technology, or a related field is generally required for cybersecurity jobs.

Prepare for Success with Cybersecurity Certifications

The cybersecurity field offers many opportunities for IT professionals, and one of the best ways to pursue advanced opportunities is by seeking certification.

To prepare for certification, explore the educational opportunities available at East Carolina University®, including our online Bachelor of Science in Information & Cybersecurity Technology with a Cybersecurity concentration . This degree program is designed to provide the skills necessary for certification and long-term career benefits.

Find out more about earning a cybersecurity degree today.

Recommended Readings

Cloud Computing vs. Cybersecurity: Comparing the Fields

What Is Intelligence Collection, and Why Does It Matter?

Cybersecurity Skills by Industry

Sources:

EC-Council, Certified Ethical Hacker

Google, Professional Cloud Architect

ISACA, How to Get CISM Certified

ISACA, What is the CRISC Difference?

National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies, Cybersecurity Certifications

United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, Information Security Analysts