Top 5 Cybersecurity Certifications to Boost Your Career in 2024

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Cybersecurity is one of those domains that define how our data and privacy are maintained in the cyber world. Now a person spends around 5 hours a day over the internet, so one can imagine how much of our data is exposed to the world, and how vulnerable we and organizations are to different kinds of cyber threats. According to Statista, the Global cybercrime cost is expected to reach $23.84 trillion by 2027. And to mitigate such a huge loss, companies are seeking skilled and qualified cybersecurity professionals.

If you are exploring a rewarding career path, or if you are already in this domain, then these cybersecurity certifications are a great way to enhance your cybersecurity skills and boost your career.

Best Cybersecurity Certification to Boost Your Career

Certified Ethical Hacker
Certified Senior Cybersecurity Specialist (CSCS®)
Harvard VPAL Cybersecurity: Managing Risk in the Information Age
North-western Cybersecurity Leadership
CompTIA Security+ Certification Training

Now, let’s see what each of these certification programs has to offer.

Certified Ethical Hacker

This certification program is offered by the EC-Council and is highly popular among students and young professionals who want to try their hands on ethical hacking and penetration testing skills. Hacking has always been a popular cybersecurity trend attracting a lot of computer geeks, and now those students can officially learn how to breach an organization’s security system with this certification program. But you must remember, penetration testing is done in a controlled environment, not to exploit the organization’s resources, but to find vulnerabilities and rectify them at the earliest.

Certified Senior Cybersecurity Specialist (CSCS®)

CSCS®offered by the United States Cybersecurity Institute (USCSI®), is an advanced-level online cybersecurity certification program designed for senior-level cybersecurity specialists such as CISOs, Directors, CEOs, etc. This program empowers them to learn the latest cybersecurity tools and technologies that they can implement in their strategic decision to ensure maximum safety of their organization’s digital assets and infrastructure as well as keep their employee’s and customer’s data safe.

This certification offers:

Online self-paced learning program that can be completed within 4-25 weeks requiring a time commitment of 8-10 hours a week.
Professionals can prepare for the certification exam through ebooks, lecture videos, and practice codes available in the USCSI’s resource center accessible through their dashboard
Digital shareable badge upon earning the certification to highlight their skills in professional profiles like LinkedIn

This certification is valid for 3 years. You can renew your certificate six months before the certification’s expiry by paying a nominal fee of US $249.

Harvard VPAL Cybersecurity: Managing Risk in the Information Age

It is a short course offered by the prestigious Harvard University and GetSmarter which empowers students and professionals to identify and manage operational litigation, and reputational risks. In this 8-week long expert-led instruction program you will be able to learn about:

Conducting vulnerability assessments
Mitigating web and network security threats
Developing and leading cybersecurity plans
Responding effectively to cyberattacks

Ideal for both business leaders and cybersecurity professionals, this program equips you with the knowledge and skills to safeguard your organization’s digital assets in today’s ever-evolving cyber landscape.

North-western Cybersecurity Leadership

Offered by Northwestern University’s McCormick School of Engineering, this online certificate program strengthens your ability to guide and secure organizations during digital threats. Through five intensive courses, you’ll learn about:

Strategic cybersecurity leadership
Risk management and mitigation
Building robust cybersecurity programs
Effective communication and collaboration

If you want to become a confident leader in the field of cybersecurity, then this program is for you.

CompTIA Security+ Certification Training

Designed for beginners, this entry-level cybersecurity certification program is a great way to validate your foundational knowledge and skills in IT security and help you stand out from the crowd in the cybersecurity employment industry. Doesn’t matter if you are just starting in your cybersecurity career or want to upskill yourself, it is a perfect way to learn about:

Core security concepts like identifying and mitigating threats, understanding security practices, and apply security controls.
Secure networks, devices, and data from unauthorized access.
Respond effectively to cybersecurity incidents and minimize damage and other such cybersecurity skills.

Choose this if you want to get easily hired and negotiate a higher salary.

Conclusion

Depending upon your current career position and future career goals, identify what skills you want to learn, opt for the best cybersecurity certification program, and master the latest cybersecurity tools and technologies. 2024 is a great year for cybersecurity professionals. So, ensure this year belongs to you.

FAQs

Do I need a cybersecurity certification to get a job?

Certifications are not mandatory, but they increase your chances of getting hired as they demonstrate your skills, knowledge, experience, and commitment to professional development.

Which cybersecurity certification is right for me?

There are different kinds of cybersecurity certifications available in the market, designed for students and professionals at different levels of their cybersecurity career, teaching different skills, having huge differences in program fees, and offering different modes of learning. Choose the one that matches your requirements.

How much time and effort does it take to earn a cybersecurity certification?

It can range anywhere between 3 months to 18 months. Time commitment varies depending on the certification level and your chosen training method. Entry-level certifications might require months of self-study or shorter boot camps, while advanced options may involve longer, rigorous study plans.