Cyber threats are evolving, and organizations need skilled professionals to protect their data and networks.
If you want to break into the cybersecurity industry or advance your career, earning one of the best IT security certifications can set you apart.
These certifications can:
- Validate your expertise
- Enhance your job prospects
- Often leads to higher salaries
In this guide, we’ll explore the top cybersecurity certifications, their earning potential, and how they help security professionals stay ahead in the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape.
Let’s go.
What Are the Best IT Security Certifications?
IT security certification courses validate your expertise in securing systems, detecting vulnerabilities, and responding to security incidents. Here are some of the most recognized certifications in the industry that you can obtain in schools and also study online:
1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Offered by: (ISC)²
- Ideal for: Experienced security professionals
- Focus: Security architecture, risk management, network security, and security operations
- Benefits: This globally recognized certification qualifies you for roles like security analyst, security manager, and chief information security officer (CISO).
A CISSP certification ensures that professionals have the knowledge and skills to develop and manage an organization’s security systems effectively.
2. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- Offered by: ISACA
- Ideal for: Information security professionals looking to advance into management
- Focus: Information security governance, risk management, compliance, and incident management
- Benefits: Getting certified is an excellent choice for security professionals who aspire to take leadership roles in cybersecurity programs.
This IT security certification focuses on security principles, risk management, and incident response, making it essential for those overseeing security operations and policies.
3. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Offered by: EC-Council
- Ideal for: Ethical hackers and penetration testers
- Focus: Ethical hacking techniques, penetration testing, and security vulnerabilities
- Benefits: CEH certification teaches professionals to think like hackers to protect networks and resolve computer security incidents like the global IT outage and Crowdstrike breakdown. It also gives professionals insights into ethical hacking methodologies, intrusion detection systems, and practical skills to secure operating systems and applications.
4. Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)
- Offered by: SANS Institute
- Ideal for: Security analysts, network security engineers, and incident responders
- Focus: A variety of cybersecurity domains, including penetration testing, digital forensics, and security operations
- Benefits: Highly specialized certifications such as GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC) and GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH) provide professionals with the expertise to handle security vulnerabilities and cybersecurity incidents.
5. Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
- Offered by: Offensive Security
- Ideal for: Security professionals specializing in penetration testing
- Focus: Practical skills in ethical hacking, penetration testing, and exploitation techniques
- Benefits: A highly regarded, hands-on certification in the cybersecurity space.
OSCP holders demonstrate their ability to conduct penetration testing, identify security vulnerabilities, and enhance an organization’s security architecture.
6. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- Offered by: ISACA
- Ideal for: IT auditors and information security professionals
- Focus: Information systems audit, control, and assurance
- Benefits: A widely recognized certification that demonstrates expertise in assessing an organization’s security policies, ensuring compliance, and managing IT risks.
7. CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)
- Offered by: CompTIA
- Ideal for: Advanced-level cybersecurity professionals
- Focus: Security architecture, risk management, and enterprise security
- Benefits: Provides in-depth knowledge for security architects and analysts who must implement advanced security solutions and maintain enterprise-level cybersecurity systems.
8. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
- Offered by: (ISC)² and the Cloud Security Alliance
- Ideal for: IT security professionals focusing on cloud environments and hybrid infrastructures
- Focus: Cloud security architecture, governance, risk management, compliance, and data protection in the cloud
- Benefits: With the rapid shift toward cloud-based solutions, the CCSP is increasingly valuable.
This certification validates your ability to secure cloud infrastructures, design secure cloud architectures, and manage evolving risks in cloud environments.
It demonstrates expertise in cloud security best practices, making you a strong candidate for roles that bridge traditional IT security and emerging cloud technologies.
What Are the Highest Paid Certifications in Cyber Security?
Cybersecurity professionals with the proper certifications can command impressive salaries.
Here are some of the top-paying cybersecurity certifications:
- CISSP: Average salary of $125,000+ per year
- CISM: Average salary of $120,000+ per year
- CEH: Average salary of $105,000+ per year
- OSCP: Average salary of $115,000+ per year
- GIAC Certifications (GSEC, GCIH, GCIA, GPEN): Salaries range from $100,000 to $130,000, depending on specialization
- CISA: $110,000+ per year
- CASP+: $95,000+ per year
The Importance of Security Certifications in Today’s Cybersecurity Landscape
As cyber threats become more sophisticated, organizations seek highly trained professionals to secure their systems.
Certifications demonstrate a candidate’s ability to:
- Assess risks
- Implement security controls
- Respond effectively to security incidents.
A cybersecurity certificate boosts job prospects and helps professionals stay updated on the latest security trends and best practices.
Some key reasons why security certifications matter include:
- Industry Recognition: Employers value globally recognized certifications such as CISSP and CISM.
- Hands-On Skills: Certifications like OSCP focus on practical skills crucial for security operations.
- Career Growth: Certified professionals often land high-paying roles in security architecture, risk management, and penetration testing.
- Regulatory Compliance: Many industries require professionals to hold certifications to meet compliance standards.
FAQs About Cybersecurity Certifications
Is CompTIA Security+ Better Than CISM?
CompTIA Security+ is an entry-level certification ideal for beginners in cybersecurity.
It covers basic security principles and network security.
Conversely, CISM is an advanced certification focused on security management, making it more suitable for experienced professionals aspiring to lead cybersecurity programs.
What Is the Best Entry-Level Certification for Cyber Security?
The best entry-level IT security certifications for cybersecurity include:
- CompTIA Security+: Covers fundamental security principles
- GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC): Ideal for those wanting practical knowledge
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) – Security: Good for network security fundamentals
How Do I Choose the Right Certification?
Consider the following when choosing a certification:
- Career Goals: Do you want to specialize in penetration testing, security architecture, or risk management?
- Experience Level: Are you a beginner or an experienced security professional?
- Industry Requirements: Research job descriptions in your field to see which certifications are most in demand. Many jobs are in demand in office-based settings, but work-from-home IT jobs are also highly valued.
Start Your Cybersecurity Career Today with Yellow Tail Tech
The demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to rise.
Organizations rely on certified security experts to maintain security in various domains, such as cloud security, security operations, and security architecture.
Earning the best IT security certifications can lead to exciting, high-paying opportunities.
At Yellow Tail Tech, we help aspiring cybersecurity professionals gain the skills and certifications needed to excel in the industry. Our programs prepare you for globally recognized certification exams and provide hands-on experience in penetration testing, information security management, and incident response.
Ready to take the next step? Book a 10-minute intro call today to start your journey toward a rewarding cybersecurity career!
