Cybersecurity space is the most lucrative and demanding space in the world. Recent times had made it mandatory for any size or line of the organization. The job growth in this discipline is more than 35%. And this growth is expected to increase at a rate of 17% until the onset of 5G.
The early or entry-level career in cybersecurity pays you more than $110000. At the same time, that gets nearly doubled as you continue your journey and get seasoned. The best part of cybersecurity Jobs is that it is purely skill-based. The more you project your expertise, the quicker you climb the ladder. It is not like the outmoded job hierarchy of governments or tall structured MNCs.
Despite being a part of MNC or working in any government wing you as a cybersecurity professional get equal and fair chance to grow. And this is more than the growth rate of any other discipline.
The structure
The framework of the discipline invites associate, graduates as well as masters and PH.Ds holders. Irrespective of your level of education you can crack into the cybersecurity sphere. The throttle comes with the certifications you choose to have. In cybersecurity, the certifications play a huge role in thrusting you from the crowd.
Certifications in cybersecurity are divided into three levels, and they are as follows:
- Entry-level or foundational
- Intermediate
- Expert level
It is crucial to understand that each of these levels demands a different you as well as certain mandatory years of experience to qualify for the examination. These certifications have to be renewed periodically, usually within 3-4 years of certification. The best part is most of the cybersecurity certifications conduct continuing education. And a certified professional has to submit these units along with some other assignments.
The certification
As we have already discussed the importance of certifications in cybersecurity. Further, we shall dive deep into some of its types and leading certifying organizations. Each of the names we shall discuss below holds a different stature in the cybersecurity domain. It is worthless to compare between them.
People tend to compare CompTIA certifications with (ISC)2 or ISACA. You must understand the placement, function and presence of these boards, association and consortiums across the globe.
CompTIA
CompTIA is known for its quality education to new entrants in the IT domain. This certification is famous among individuals whose education was indifferent to IT. Either they have done their education or specialization in some other discipline such as Business Studies, Arts, management et cetera.
CompTIA offers entry-level certifications such as CompTIA fundamentals, A+, Network+ and security+. After completing these core certifications, a professional cultivates knowledge and awareness in cybersecurity.
Later he opts for certifications like CompTIACySA+, CASP+ and PenTest+ to grow deeper into this discipline.
(ISC)2
In contrast to any other association, consortium or board, (ISC)2 has a glorious and humble beginning. They specialize only in cyber and information security certifications. Hence they are considered as Pantheon in cybersecurity. They offer a wide range of cybersecurity certifications that includes entry-level certifications to expert level.
The Associate of (ISC)2 is such an ideal option for inexperienced aspirants in cybersecurity. It requires no such experience to be eligible for the certification. Owning this certification one can further continue with intermediate and expert level certifications like SSCP, CCSP, CISSP, CAP, CSSLP et cetera.
These certifications are well recognized and adored by employers due to their strict and inclusive syllabus and an exam and its patterns. Till now (ISC)2remains on the top of the list of certifying organization in the world.
ISACA
With CSX Cybersecurity Fundamentals certificate ISACA encourages its applicants and professionals to demonstrate an understanding of the principles that frame the cybersecuritydomain. This certification is ideal for newbies, graduates and practitioners of IS and IT. It even supports career transitions.
Afterwards, you can opt for CSX-P or CSX practitioner that is an advanced level of cybersecurity certification provided by ISACA.
Conclusion
One must understand where you stand right now and seek where you want your life to go. Without clarity, you should not make a transition or opt for any discipline that is not appealing to you. The drive should be innate and not just a social motive. When you commit to it, you should commit with all your thrust, knowledge, perseverance and above all interest. Halfhearted attempts are always dangerous, and one cannot compromise his or her career to infatuation or to become socially likeable or match the trend.
