The realm of cyber security is in a constant state of flux, demanding an ongoing commitment to learning for cyber security practitioners if they wish to remain adept at countering emerging threats. Among the most potent strategies for achieving this is by pursuing certifications. These certifications involve assessments or tests that validate your proficiency in specific domains. Upon achieving certifications, you can include them in your CV, setting you apart from other contenders in the field.
Nonetheless, due to the rapid evolution of cyber security, there is an abundance of certifications related to security and risk management. When choosing the certification that fits you best, having so many options can be overwhelming. Options span from becoming a certified information security manager or an offensive security certified professional to a certified information systems auditor or even a certified ethical hacker.
Are You Curious About Which Certification Corresponds With Your Career Trajectory?
You’ve come to the right place! In the following sections, we will offer comprehensive insights into the most credible beginner cybersecurity certifications, detailing the individuals who reap the most significant rewards. This guidance will empower you to recognize the best cyber security entry-level certifications that aligns seamlessly with your goals.
Exploring the Best Cyber Security entry-level Certifications
Much like any professional journey, excelling in cyber security requires a distinct skill set. Certification acts as a recognized seal, affirming your ability to shoulder security and risk management responsibilities once you conquer the certification’s challenges.
A certification presents a clear outline to hiring professionals, portraying your expertise and dependability in safeguarding networks and beyond. Each cyber security certification entails rigorous assessments, and some selected certifications even provide preparatory training to fortify your prowess before undertaking the certification process.
Top Cyber Security Certifications
Discover our selection of the finest cyber security certifications, commencing with foundational credentials and culminating in advanced designations.
1. Certified Ethical Hacker (C|EH)
Initiating a career in cyber security through the C|EH program is an excellent choice, though certain prerequisites are advisable prior to embarking on this journey. A foundational understanding is essential before delving into C|EH. A recommended baseline is a minimum of 2 years of experience in IT security before considering the C|EH.
Organizations often engage the services of certified ethical hackers, either through contractual arrangements or as part of their full-time staff, to enhance the organization’s security stance. The C|EH is a fundamental requirement for many job profiles. The core of ethical hacking revolves around a systematic approach involving identifying, assessing, testing, and communicating vulnerabilities within an organization’s infrastructure. While ethical hacking encompasses a wide array of technologies, the structured methodologies imparted by the C|EH program empower ethical hackers to scrutinize practically any application or system they are assigned to. They can pinpoint potential vulnerabilities and offer guidance on effective remediation strategies. Notably, ethical hackers undergo intensive training in offensive and defensive tactics within military entities. This equips them with essential expertise to assess target systems and proactively safeguard their organizations’ assets in real-world scenarios.
2. Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (C|HFI):
The C|HFI program encompasses the fundamental components of digital forensics analysis and assessment that the contemporary landscape demands. The curriculum is thoroughly evaluated, ranging from the identification of breach indicators to the careful collection of evidence for potential legal proceedings. The C|HFI guides students through each phase of the process, grounded in practical learning experiences. This program is meticulously crafted for industry professionals with firsthand experience, catering to a diverse range of roles such as forensic analysts, cyber crime investigators, cyber defense forensic analysts, incident responders, information technology auditors, malware analysts, security consultants, chief security officers, and enthusiastic individuals ambitious to enter these domains.
3. Certified Network Defender (C|ND)
This certification provides a fair and unbiased approach to learning secure networking practices and how to analyze and strengthen computing systems that are commonly used in today’s IT setups. The C|ND stands out as a program solely focused on network security and defense. It’s recognized for being the only one of its kind in the market.
Developed by industry experts, the Certified Network Defender is aimed at helping IT professionals actively protect digital business assets. It equips them to detect and respond to cyber threats effectively, using threat intelligence to predict potential risks. This program is all about creating and implementing strong network defense systems for organizations.
4. Certified Penetration Testing Professional (C|PENT)
This program provides comprehensive training in conducting effective penetration testing within a corporate network environment. This training encompasses the entire process, from attacking and exploiting vulnerabilities to evading detection and implementing defenses.
The C|PENT’s practical training environment offers an opportunity to elevate skills to the next level. This program goes beyond traditional penetration testing, teaching participants how to assess loT systems, OT systems, develop custom exploits, create tools, execute advanced binary exploitation, employ double pivoting to access concealed networks, and tailor scripts and exploits to penetrate the most profound network segments.
How can EC-Council University help you acquire all these certifications?
By choosing to pursue your master’s or bachelor’s degree with EC-Council University, you can seamlessly acquire all of these prestigious certifications. Our curated selection of top-tier cyber security entry-level certifications span from foundational credentials to advanced designations, providing a comprehensive pathway for your career growth. All these beginner cybersecurity certifications are included in our degree programs at no additional cost. Students can pursue their academic goals while seamlessly attaining these certifications, setting a solid foundation for a thriving cyber security career.
