For every career, there is a need to prove your expertise. Beyond the real scenario testing to ascertain your competency, there are various platforms where you can show that you have the required skill set for the expected task to earn an acceptable certificate. The model is the same in cybersecurity, and as a matter of fact, it is more important in this field because of the importance of skill verification before assigning a task. Cybersecurity is a fragile one that gives little or no room for mistakes, evidence of competency is a must for almost everyone before getting a job in the ever dynamic field.
Why Certifications are Important in Cybersecurity
The aim of cybersecurity is to defend against an attack, so a serious organization can’t put someone without verified skills in such a position. Having a certificate demonstrates the depth of your knowledge in cybersecurity. It also allows an organization to know your specializations within cybersecurity, depending on the certification you hold – alongside your demonstrated and paid work experience in the field. It also provides a benchmark for your skills and capabilities. As a certified person, it is evident that you have not only met a high capability standard, you also commit to upholding a code of ethics, with your certification path also requiring that an existing credential holder can attest to your good character.
List of Recognised Certificates in Cybersecurity for Entry Level.
a. Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI)
The recent use of electronic gadgets in carrying out cyber attacks has made forensic analysis a significant field in cybersecurity. Those who are experts or have adequate knowledge about the field gather the necessary evidence to prosecute offenders in the court of law. The CHFI certificate covers areas like Incident Report and Forensics, recovery of the deleted and encrypted message, and analysing and examining technical-based evidence. The certificate is relevant for those who want to work in law enforcement agencies.
b. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
For a blossoming career as a Cybersecurity Professional, you MUST be able to think like an attacker. That is why the Certified Ethical Hacker certificate is structured in a way where you have to think like one in other to pass. People who registered for CEH go through real-time scenarios where they are exposed to different ways hackers penetrate networks and steal information. They learn how to scan, test and hack and protect their systems. Obtaining the certificate is a good way for anyone who wants to be a Penetration Tester.
c. CompTIA Security+
The CompTIA examination is an excellent exam for those who want to enter into the security world. The certificate gives you an advantage for entry-level cybersecurity roles. The certificate is also relevant for those applying for jobs in other IT areas like System Administration and Network Management, etc.
It covers a wide range of topics like Network attack and defences, security policies, risk management and encryption standards.
d .CISCO Certified Network Associate
The CCNA is the lowest level in the CISCO stack of certifications. Obtaining this certificate shows that you have the required knowledge to manage CISCO pieces of equipment. The CCNA certification demonstrates your ability to recognize threats and vulnerabilities in a CISCO network, mitigate security threats, and develop an adequate security infrastructure.
The certificate is one of the most recognized in the industry due to the general acceptability of top organizations’ CISCO equipment. The CCNA certification establishes a strong foundation for job roles, including network security specialists, network support engineers, and security administrators.
e. Microsoft Certified Azure Security Engineer Associate
The certificate is issued by Microsoft for people who have expertise in implementing security controls and threat protection, managing identity and access, and protecting data, applications, and networks in cloud and hybrid environments as part of an end-to-end infrastructure. To obtain this certificate, you’re expected to have strong skills in scripting and automation; a deep understanding of networking, virtualisation, and cloud N-tier architecture; and a strong familiarity with cloud capabilities and products and services for Azure, plus other Microsoft products and services.
Conclusion
There are hundreds of cybersecurity certificates for entry-level cybersecurity roles. To gain an edge in the field, you should pick the relevant one as stated in our cybersecurity guide.
The certificates mentioned here are primarily entry-level.
There are similar certificates for those who have experience in the field like Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP), CISCO Certified Network Professional (CCNP) etc.
Understand what you want, start the process now and continue following the ladder.
