International Cyber Security Certificates | CEH, CISSP, CISA

Cybersecurity is a field projected to grow by 33% in the market between 2020 - 2030. Considering that the average for other industries is 8%, this rate is quite high. Naturally, as this field grows to cybersecurity experts the demand is also increasing.

In the rapidly changing world of cybersecurity, obtaining some certifications can be a good step for your career. Cybersecurity certifications generally cover areas such as system security, attack detection, and cloud security.

Let's take a look at how cybersecurity certifications can help your career and what are the best cybersecurity certifications. Enjoy your reading!

What are Cybersecurity Certifications?

Cybersecurity certifications serve as proof verifying professionals' expertise and knowledge in protecting digital assets, networks, and systems against cyber threats. These certifications play an important role in the technology sector by standardizing the ability to identify and resolve digital security issues.

Industry-recognized certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) offer professionals the opportunity to stay updated on evolving cyber threats and defense strategies.

Thanks to certifications, professionals can enhance their credibility with employers and clients and position themselves as experts in their fields.

Certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and CompTIA Security+ are in high demand in the cybersecurity field due to their popularity in the industry.

1. CISSP, known for its rigorous exam requirements, focuses on various security areas such as security engineering and risk management.
2. CISM emphasizes information security management.
3. CISA is of great importance in terms of auditing and information systems control.
4. CEH provides ethical hacking skills.
5. Security+ serves as a fundamental certification covering the basic principles of cybersecurity. 

Benefits of Obtaining a Cybersecurity Certification

There are many benefits to obtaining a cybersecurity certification. Cybersecurity certifications are important for employers. Since these certifications usually require rigorous training and exams, they prove your expertise in the field of cybersecurity.

Certifications also demonstrate the ability to address issues in the areas of cybersecurity, information systems security, and cloud security. Displaying this skill set can make your resume more attractive.

International Cybersecurity Certifications

1. CEH: Certified Ethical Hacker

🧐 Who is it suitable for?: For programmers interested in penetration testing specialist roles

CEH, ethical hackers is one of the leading certifications. To help candidates learn the basics of ethical hacking, vulnerability analysis, system hacking, IoT and OT hacking, cloud computing, and cryptography up to a 20-module course is offered. 

CEH certification modules include:

• Footprint and reconnaissance
• Scanning networks
• Enumeration
• Vulnerability analysis
• System hacking
• Malware threats
• Social engineering
• Session hijacking
• Hacking web servers
• Hacking mobile platforms

EC-Council offered by EC-Council, the CEH certification is an internationally recognized certification that validates a candidate's knowledge and skills in the field of ethical hacking. This certification teaches you to think and act like a hacker. 

Topics include hacking technologies, the latest security vulnerabilities, information security laws and standards. Students are presented with real-time scenarios, exposed to hacking techniques, and taught how to scan their systems and protect themselves from hackers. 

2. CompTIA Security+

🧐 Who is it suitable for?: For professionals who are new to cybersecurity careers and want to pursue a career in the cybersecurity field

Another certification you might consider is CompTIA Security+. Even if you are new to cybersecurity, you've probably heard of this certification. It is considered one of the best cybersecurity certifications for beginners. This certification covers the following topics:

• Threat identification and analysis
• Vulnerability assessment
• Architecture, design, and implementation
• Operations and incident response
• Management, Risk, and Compliance

3. Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

🧐 Who is it suitable for?: For anyone who wants to pursue a career in penetration testing or aims to build a career in this field

Offensive Security's OSCP certification is one of the most respected practical penetration testing certifications in the market. Access to training prepared by expert instructors helps candidates prepare for the exam at the end of the course. The course also offers a Discord community for exchanging information with other cybersecurity professionals while studying for the exam.

The OSCP certification aims to impart the following skills:

• Penetration testing and attack techniques
• Linux and Windows exploits
• Vulnerability scanning and exploitation
• Penetration test reporting and Metasploit framework
• Antivirus evasion and privilege escalation

4. GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC)

🧐 Who is it suitable for?: For cybersecurity managers, IT engineers, penetration testing specialists, and auditors

GIAC offers a series of cybersecurity certifications starting with the Security Essentials exam. This certification helps candidates test their practical skills and validate their cybersecurity abilities. 

The exam covers the following areas:

• Access control
• Password management
• Cryptography
• AWS and Azure
• Defensible network architecture
• Incident management
• Linux fundamentals
• SIEM
• Web communication security

5. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) by ISACA

🧐 Who is it suitable for?: For cybersecurity professionals who want to transition into a team leader role

This certification is specifically designed to help cybersecurity professionals become candidates for management roles. It is not only globally recognized but also sought after by many organizations and government institutions. The areas covered in the exam include:

• Information security management
• Information security risk management
• Incident management

6. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) by (ISC)

🧐 Who is it suitable for?: For cybersecurity professionals aiming to transition into managerial and senior-level roles

CISSP is one of the best cybersecurity certifications for programmers and professionals who want to advance their careers in the industry. The CISSP certification frequently appears in cybersecurity job postings. It is not suitable for beginners and requires over 5 years of experience. 

CISSP targets experienced security practitioners and managers interested in software development security. It validates the ability to properly design, implement, and manage a cybersecurity program. 

7. CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)

CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner is a certification designed for experienced cybersecurity professionals who are not yet in managerial roles. The topics include:

• Security architecture
• Security operations
• Management, Risk, and Compliance
• Security engineering and cryptography

8. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

🧐 Who is it suitable for?: For experienced cybersecurity professionals who want to enhance their skills in the field of auditing

This certification is aimed at both internal and external auditors. Cybersecurity auditors obtain the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification. It helps demonstrate expertise in planning, executing, and reporting audits.

The certification covers multiple areas, from planning audits to executing them and reporting the results. The general areas included in the training and exam are:

• Information systems and audit process
• Management and governance of IT
• Acquisition, development, and implementation of information systems
• Information systems operations and business continuity
• Protection of information assets

9. Google Cybersecurity Specialist Certification

🧐 Who is it suitable for?: For those with no experience and who want to gain basic knowledge

Google Cybersecurity Specialist Certification is a Coursera program designed for beginners who want to gain basic knowledge with little or no experience. 

It focuses on the importance of cybersecurity practices and their impact on organizations. It also provides information on risks, threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigation strategies.

The general areas included in the training and exam are:

• Importance of cybersecurity practices
• Common risks, threats, and vulnerabilities
• Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools
• Hands-on experience with Python, Linux, and SQL 

It consists of eight total courses. It offers a flexible online format that allows you to complete the courses at your own pace and from anywhere. Compared to other cybersecurity certifications, it is a more cost-effective option. It even offers monthly subscriptions, yearly payments, and scholarship opportunities. 

How to Obtain a Cybersecurity Certification?

Before obtaining a cybersecurity certification, you should look at who the certification programs are suitable for. If you are new to this field, you can refer to the roadmap below. 

1. CompTIA Network+: Start Your Journey
   You can start your cybersecurity career with the CompTIA Network+ certification. This first step lays the foundation of network concepts that are essential to understanding what cybersecurity is. It is ideal for beginners.
2. CompTIA Security+: Learn the Fundamentals of Cybersecurity
   You can consider the CompTIA Security+ certification to delve deeper into basic security principles. This certification is essential for understanding the fundamentals of cybersecurity, including threat management and encryption.
3. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Specialize
   With fundamental security knowledge, you can advance to the CISSP certification. This certification provides in-depth knowledge for those who want to transition into management roles in cybersecurity.