Cyber Security Certification Path For Beginners in 2024

In the past decade, technology has evolved in multiple ways. There has been a considerable rise in cybercrime using the new technologies. AAG in 2020 reported a 358% increase in malware attacks compared to the previous year.  

Cyberattacks can hit your device in any form, ranging from Phishing (the most common type of cybercrime) to Denial of Services (DoS). The Internet Crime Complaint Centre’s 2020 report stated about 465,177 reported incidents. Governments from various parts of the world have initiated programs and introduced courses that help organisations prepare to fight cybercrime.   

Almost any organisation can fall prey to cyber threats, which urges them to take necessary steps to ensure Cyber Security. Nowadays, companies are investing more in digital security than physical protection. This has surged the demand for Cyber Security Career Paths.  

Looking to make career in Cyber security? Check out this blog to discover the best Cyber Security Certification Path for 2023.  

Table of Contents  

1) What is Cybersecurity Certification Path? 

2) What is the significance of a Cybersecurity Certification Path? 

3) Cybersecurity Certifications for Beginners in 2023 

  a) CompTIA Security+ 

  b) Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) 

  c) System Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) 

  d) Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)  

  e) Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) 

4) Cybersecurity skills beneficial for certification 

5) Conclusion 

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What is Cybersecurity Certification Path? 

Cybersecurity Certification Path guides you to the ultimate goal of securing a Cyber Security Job and equips you with the right tools. Here 'tools’ refer to the range of courses that can help you reach your target. As Cybersecurity professionals, your certifications on the latest developments in the security domain will be valued alongside your degrees. If you are a beginner, then entry-level certifications are the best way to earn your dream job. 

What is the significance of a Cybersecurity Certification Path?
 

Cybersecurity refers to the methods used to protect your data, networks, computers, and more from various Cyber Security Attacks. Both individuals and organisations widely use it. Attaining Cyber Security Certifications, specifically focusing on Cyber Security Essentials, helps in your career advancement. If you are someone who is already a part of the IT world, wouldn't you want to upgrade your skills and hence your pay? 

Here are some of the benefits of choosing this path: 

Become a highly valued employee 

In the past year, one of the largest cases of data leakage was reported in March by the Shields Healthcare Group when it became a victim of cybercrime. It ended up facing a huge loss. This is a strong reminder of why Cyber Security engineers are integral in safeguarding a company's IT infrastructure and data.  

Obtaining a Cyber Security Certification can increase your chances of landing a job in this sector. In the cybersecurity domain, your value increases exponentially with the right type of course certification. 

Elevate your earnings 

Cyber Security jobs can be of different types – Cyber Security Analyst, Security Architect, Network Security Engineer, etc. A Security Architect earns an average of £43,000- £1,00,300. 

With the alarming predictions set for cybercrimes this year, companies are busy gearing up to protect their data and networks. If you are a beginner in this field looking for a way to earn more, then a Cyber Security Certification Roadmap is what you need.  

Expand Knowledge 

The world of Cyber Security is ever-changing. This requires one to update their skill set constantly and, in that process, expand their knowledge. The scope is especially huge for beginners as they initially study entry-level courses and gradually make their way up to advanced ones, all while making good money.  

Apart from the technical knowledge, working in this field improves your problem-solving skills and team spirit and ingrains other useful qualities that can be applied in work and life.  

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Career Progression 

Finding a job in this field is very easy. Many people constantly change their jobs, while some stick to their profiles and remain associated with the same company for a long time. Businesses are always look out for better-qualified Cyber Security professionals. You can decide if you want to switch jobs or remain loyal to one organisation and move your way forward. Either way, you are one step ahead of your peers with the help of cybersecurity certifications. 

Cybersecurity Certifications for Beginners in 2023 
 

Jobs in cybersecurity are huge in numbers, but getting a job is difficult because companies want to hire experienced and trained individuals. A Cyber Security Certification can make finding a job much easier, as it shows that you possess the necessary skills suited to the job. You can earn from several different certificates varying on your skill set and experience. Let's look at some certificates that will help you kickstart your career in this field. 

CompTIA Security + 

CompTIA Security + is the most sought-after certification in this field, especially for beginners. It is the foundational course recommended for every Cybersecurity professional, as it allows you to branch into other streams within the security domain. The CompTIA Security + covers the base concepts of general Cybersecurity. The syllabus comprises basic cyber-attacks, risk management, digital forensics, and system hardening.   

The CompTIA Security + is usually always mentioned with the CompTIA Network + certification, as the syllabus for both is similar. Earning the CompTIA Network + certification is suggested before applying for Security +. 

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Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) 

Out of the many certifications provided by the EC-Council, the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification is the most popular. As the name suggests, it deals with hacking, which may be an interesting concept for beginners. Although CEH is a great course to crack, it does require completion of EC-Council training or two years of experience. 

The syllabus deals with covering the basic hacking tools and techniques and early potential security threat detection. The exam follows a penetration testing-focused pattern. This certification can give you various job choices like Junior Penetration Tester, Senior SOC Analyst, Cybersecurity consultant, and more.
 

System Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) 

The SSCP certification provided by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2 is a great course for beginners to pursue in 2023. It requires a minimum of 1-year work experience only. If you hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree, then the 1-year experience can be deferred. The SSCP certification is the best starting point to move toward the Best Cybersecurity Certification Path.   

The SSCP certification opens doors to cybersecurity jobs like Systems Administrator, Security Analyst, Network Security Administrator, and more. A certified SSCP practitioner earns an average salary of £63,537 as System Administrator.   

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) 

The CISA is an Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) certification. It is popular among those who wish to shine in the domains of IT governance and management. A few of the responsibilities of CISA practitioners are assessing vulnerabilities within an organisation and carrying out audit strategies. Cybersecurity jobs like Senior Audit IT Consultant, Data Privacy Senior Consultant, and Security Practice Lead are some positions you could fill with the CISA certification. 

The work experience requirement can go up to five years. But, your Bachelor's or Master's degree from a university that sponsors ISACA programs can make up for an entire year of work experience. A one-year experience in Information Systems is also accepted. 

Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) 

The GSEC is offered by Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC). It aims to provide holistic knowledge in various areas ranging from password management to forensics. Cryptography, Network Security, and Linux are other areas covered by this certification.  

A GSEC certification leads to jobs like Cyber Security Analyst, Cyber Security Associate, and Security Services Agent. This certification is ideal for beginners, as there are no strict prerequisites.  

Cybersecurity skills beneficial for Certification 

In the current scenario where companies have more faith in their cloud storage over employees, the stakes of data protection are high. As long as humans depend on technology, Cybersecurity professionals will never go out of jobs. This requires aspiring professionals to have certain basic Cybersecurity skills. Here, we will go through some Cybersecurity skills that can prove helpful to you before obtaining certification.   

Cloud Security 

Day after day, companies shift to cloud-based domains to store and retrieve data. This makes cloud security a priority for organisations. To build a career in this field, you must master cloud security basics. Having experience in handling platforms like Microsoft Azure and the Google Cloud Platform will certainly be of help. 

Knowledge of Operating Systems (OS) 

Basic knowledge of operating systems like Windows and Linux is pivotal for any Cybersecurity professional, let alone an aspirant. Microsoft Windows, Apple macOS, Linux, and Kali Linux are the widely known and used OSs. It is cardinal in penetration testing, security research, ethical hacking, computer forensics, and more.   

Audit and Compliance 

Cybersecurity Audits lie at the crux of procedures that protect data and systems. It oversees whether the implemented policies and procedures are functioning effectively. It provides insights into the company's vulnerabilities which can help in early problem detection and eliminate data breaches. Experience in auditing can prove useful while securing certifications like CISA. 

Coding 

'Coding' is the most frequently used word in the IT environment. Even the general population is aware of this term, and that is a testament to how important a skill it is. Basic coding languages like C, C++ and HTML are primary requirements for any aspirant in the IT world, let alone the Cybersecurity domain. 'Golang' is a useful coding language that can help in cryptography. Likewise, Python is a high-level language booming in popularity among cyber experts today. 
 

Conclusion

A Cyber Security Certification Path can be easily taken by anyone with a vested interest in the IT world, particularly the Cybersecurity domain. There are numerous courses available for you to crack, within various levels. Securing a job as a Cybersecurity professional is easy as long as your skillset is updated. If you are a beginner in this field, hope the contents of this blog have helped you make the right choice for your career.  

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