Trying to handle cybersecurity without the proper training is like swimming in shark-infested waters without a shark cage. The speed and invisible nature in which hackers attack is alarming. A hacker can infiltrate a system in seconds from anywhere in the world and not leave a trace. They can go undetected until they decide to reveal they’ve compromised your information.
Business owners recognize that they need a plan in place. Unfortunately, most don’t understand cybersecurity enough to determine what they actually need. To make matters worse, hackers are constantly creating new ways to swipe your data. In fact, a study showed that a new virus emerges every 4.2 seconds.
Creating a complete protection plan for your business requires a professional. Someone with the proven skills to help keep you one step ahead of the hackers.
Here are 5 of the top recognized cybersecurity certifications in the world (listed in alphabetical order):
1. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Hackers constantly find new ways to attack information systems and exploit business vulnerabilities. Businesses are now seeking out professionals often called “white hat hackers”. These professionals use the same techniques used by hackers to identify your vulnerabilities.
The CEH certification is popular among the military, manufacturing, software, and telecommunications sectors. These credential holders have been trained to spot over 270 different attack methods and technologies commonly used by hackers.
2. Certified Information Security Management (CISM)
If you’re looking for someone to manage the security of your network, then the CISM certification should be something you look for. You can be sure that professionals with this certification are not beginners. A minimum of 5 years of documented experience in Information Security is required before you can even take the course.
The CISM certification is popular among the education and consulting industries. These credential holders have been trained with a strong focus on strategy and policies.
3. CompTia Security+ (Security+)
CompTia’s Security+ certification is well-respected and one of two entry-level certifications to make this list. While it is not mandatory, it is suggested that professionals have at least 2 years of experience before they try to obtain this certification. It is widely seen as one of the best introductory qualifications. This should be a minimum for anyone working in the cybersecurity sector.
The Security+ certification is popular among the healthcare sector. Even though Security+ is an entry-level certification, these professionals have expertise in many areas including threat management and security infrastructure.
4. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
The CISSP is considered by many as the king position in the field of cybersecurity certifications. If a professional wants to be known as a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), then they need to have their CISSP. The CISSP credential is recognized worldwide for its standards of excellence. This is an advanced-level certification that requires a minimum of 5 years of experience in at least two of the eight different cybersecurity disciplines.
The CISSP certification is popular among the energy, engineering, investments, hospitality, utilities, wholesale, legal, and professional services sectors. There are less than 85,000 professionals in the United States with this certification. This is the reason it continues to be one of the most sought-after credentials.
5. GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
GSEC is the second well-respected, entry-level certification to make this list. This certification does not require any prior experience and therefore is great for those wanting to enter the field of cybersecurity. If a professional claims to be in cybersecurity and doesn’t at least have this certification, then I would question how serious they are.
The GSEC certification is popular among the banking sector. Professionals with this certification have good all-around information security skills.
Conclusion
The cybersecurity industry is going to continue to grow in depth and complexity. Different certifications will provide expertise in specific fields of work as a security expert. There are basic credentials like Security+ and GSEC, that provide professionals with a starting point. There are also advanced-level credentials like the CISSP, which signify the elite expertise that a professional has achieved. Regardless of what your cybersecurity needs are, find a professional that has invested the time in mastering their craft.
Simple Plan IT takes the stress and confusion out of cybersecurity. Our Cyber Secure service was created by our in-house team consisting of two CISSP’s, one CEH, and is supported by certified Project Management Professionals (PMP). Our service starts with a detailed risk analysis. We then address everything needed to secure your business and keep you compliant.
For those that are serious about cybersecurity, we’re able to do real-time monitoring with near-real-time remediation. Dedicated engineers in our private Security Operations Center (SOC) will watch your network in real-time. They will be looking for events that require more investigation, documentation, and remediation. Should and event occur, they will immediately execute upon a predetermined plan.
If you question whether your current strategy is adequate, we encourage you to give us a call. Our certified security experts can assist you in developing a plan that is right for you.
Schedule a call with one of our experts to discuss your needs today.
Thank you for your time and we look forward to helping you in the future.
