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By Susan Hoffman
Contributor, InCyberDefense
Companies are facing significant problems finding employees who are capable of ensuring that their organizations are protected from both internal and external threats. As a result, the need for talented, experienced cybersecurity professionals keeps growing.
According to the Bureau of Labor Standards, for example, the “employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 28 percent from 2016 to 2026. Demand for information security analysts is expected to be very high, as these analysts will be needed to create innovative solutions to prevent hackers from stealing critical information or causing problems for computer networks.”
Certification Is a Must for Cybersecurity Professionals
Getting a job in cybersecurity not only requires experience, but also certification. Business News Daily and PrepAway note that these 10 certifications are useful for people seeking cybersecurity careers:
1. CEH: Certified Ethical Hacker
2. CISM: Certified Information Security Manager
4. CISSP: Certified Information Systems Security Professional
5. GSEC: GIAC Security Essentials
6. ECSA: EC-Council Certified Security Analyst
7. GPEN: GIAC Penetration Tester
8. SSCP: Systems Security Certified Practitioner
9. CRISC: Certified in Risk and Information System Control
10. CISA: Certified Information Systems Auditor
Google, IBM and Microsoft also offer certifications, which can be equally useful as you’re exploring career options.
Certification Is Costly, but Worth the Investment
Obtaining certification will require some financial investment. For instance, the CompTIA Security+ certification costs $320 to $330 for the exam and the GSEC exam ranges from $739 to $1,699.
However, acquiring these certifications may also result in an opportunity to negotiate higher starting salaries, since a certification is a useful bargaining chip. If you’re already employed, your employer may be willing to help you with the cost of the exam since your organization would benefit from your increased knowledge and experience.
Recertifications Needed to Stay Current in the Cybersecurity Field
Some certifications such as Security+ or CISSP require recertification after a few years, so that your knowledge remains current. Be sure to carefully study the requirements for recertification to ensure that you will have the continuing education credits you’ll need for a new certification.
Certifications Make a Critical Difference in Interviews
While certification in the cybersecurity field requires considerable time, work experience and financial investment, it will help you to stand out from other job candidates. The right kind of cybersecurity certification could be the critical factor that affects the hiring manager’s decision about whether or not you get a cybersecurity job.