Best Cyber Security Certificates for Beginners

In this post you will find out some of the best cyber security certificates out there that are well-suited well-suited for beginners.

Cyber security is a rapidly growing field. Consequently, there is a high demand for professionals with the skills to protect organizations and individuals from cyber threats. Although it is a challenging field, it can be really rewarding , and it can open up many opportunities for career advancement.

Remuneration wise, professionals in the cyber security field are in high demand and can command high salaries, especially for those with experience and certifications.

Despite the high demand, there is a shortage of qualified cybersecurity professionals. This can make it easier for those with the right qualifications and experience to find a job.

A field that is constantly growing and evolving. Below you can find some certificates that will help you learn cybersecurity, and stay ahead of the curve.

CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ is a globally recognised certification for entry-level to mid-career cybersecurity professionals.

It covers the fundamental concepts of security, including threat management, network security, cryptography, identity and access management, and security operations. The certification focuses on both practical and theoretical knowledge, preparing individuals for real-world security scenarios.

The certification exam tests knowledge in the following areas:

1. Threats, attacks, and vulnerabilities
2. Technology and tools
3. Architecture and design
4. Identity and access management
5. Risk management
6. Cryptography and PKI
7. Security operations

The certification is vendor-neutral and does not focus on specific technologies, making it a good starting point for those new to cybersecurity. It is recognised by many employers, including the US Department of Defence (DoD) 8570 Directive.

To become certified, individuals must pass the Security+ certification exam. The exam is 90 minutes long and consists of 90 multiple-choice and performance-based questions.

Having the Security+ certification can demonstrate a basic knowledge of security concepts and best practices, and can be helpful in advancing a career in cybersecurity.

Check out the following udemy course, and start preparing for the exam:

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Security

Cisco Systems offers this certification, focusing on the security of network infrastructure. It is designed for network administrators and security professionals who are responsible for the security of Cisco networks.

The certification covers a range of topics, including security principles, security threats, firewalls, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), intrusion detection and prevention, and access control. The certification exam focuses on security topics related to Cisco products and services, including Cisco IOS software and Cisco ASA firewalls.

To become certified, individuals must pass the CCNA Security certification exam. The exam covers the following topics:

1. Network security
2. Threats and vulnerabilities
3. Firewall technologies
4. VPNs
5. Intrusion detection and prevention
6. Access control and identity management

Having the CCNA Security certification can demonstrate a solid understanding of security principles and practices, and the ability to implement and maintain secure Cisco networks.

This certification is valuable for those looking to advance their careers in cybersecurity, particularly in roles that focus on the security of Cisco networks and products.

Check out the following Udemy course, if you want to get started:

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is a globally recognized certification for information security professionals, although not oriented for beginners. It is considered to be one of the most comprehensive and highly respected information security certifications available.

The CISSP certification covers a broad range of security topics, including security and risk management, asset security, security engineering, communications and network security, identity and access management, security assessment and testing, and security operations.

The certification exam tests knowledge in the following domains:

1. Security and Risk Management
2. Asset Security
3. Security Architecture and Engineering
4. Communication and Network Security
5. Identity and Access Management
6. Security Assessment and Testing
7. Security Operations

To become CISSP certified, individuals must pass a rigorous exam and have at least five years of full-time work experience in two or more of the eight domains covered by the certification.

Having the CISSP certification can demonstrate a strong understanding of information security concepts and best practices, and can be beneficial in advancing a career in the field.

Also recognised by many organisations and employers, it is often a requirement for senior-level information security positions.

Check out the following Udemy courses, if you would like to get started:

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

This certification is for those who want to learn how to identify and prevent hacking threats. Ethical hacking involves simulating real-world attacks on a company’s network to identify and remediate vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors.

The CEH certification program covers a wide range of topics related to ethical hacking and penetration testing, including network scanning and reconnaissance, enumeration, system hacking, web application hacking, and exploitation techniques.

The certification exam tests the candidate’s ability to identify and use the same tools and techniques used by malicious hackers to identify vulnerabilities in a network.

1. Introduction to Ethical Hacking
2. Footprinting and Reconnaissance
3. Scanning Networks
4. Enumeration
5. System Hacking
6. Malware Threats
7. Sniffing
8. Social Engineering
9. Denial of Service
10. Session Hijacking
11. Hacking Webservers, Web Applications, and Web Services
12. SQL Injection
13. Hacking Wireless Networks
14. Hacking Mobile Platforms
15. Evading IDS, Firewalls, and Honeypots
16. Cloud Computing
17. Cryptography

Having the CEH certification can demonstrate a strong understanding of ethical hacking principles and practices, and the ability to identify and remediate network vulnerabilities.

Many organisations and employers recognise the CEH certification, and is often a requirement for professionals who specialise in penetration testing and ethical hacking.

Check out the following courses, with more than 400 question to practice for the exam:

Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) Security Essentials (GSEC)

This certification covers the fundamental concepts of security, vendor-neutral, designed to test a candidate’s ability to understand and implement basic security concepts, and techniques in a real-world environment.

The GSEC certification covers a range of security topics, including network security, system security, cryptography, security management, and incident response.

The certification exam tests the candidate’s knowledge and understanding of these topics, and their ability to apply that knowledge to real-world security scenarios.

The exam covers the following topics:

1. Security Architecture and Models
2. Cryptography
3. Network Fundamentals
4. Security Management Practices
5. Access Control Systems and Methodology
6. Business Continuity Planning and Disaster Recovery Planning
7. Laws, Regulations, and Compliance
8. Operations Security
9. Incident Response and Forensics
10. Application, Data, and Host Security

Having the GSEC certification can demonstrate a strong understanding of information security concepts and best practices, and the ability to apply that knowledge to real-world security scenarios.

Conclusion

To summarise, this post covers some of the best and most recognised cyber certificates. These certificates will help you to be seen as a cyber security qualified professional.

It’s worth noting that many certifications have prerequisites and some experience in the field is always an added advantage. Also, depending on the specific field or job you want to pursue, there might be certifications that are more beneficial than others.

I hope you find this post useful and thanks for reading and supporting this blog.

Happy coding!

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