Many businesses are struggling to find qualified IT security professionals to help protect their networks and data. This is why it is more important than ever for IT professionals to get certified in information security.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of information security analysts to grow 29% from 2024 to 2034, making it the fastest-growing computer occupation. Earning the right certifications is one of the most direct ways to qualify for these roles.
Key Takeaways
- CompTIA Security+ is the most common starting point for a cybersecurity career.
- CompTIA CySA+ and EC-Council’s CEH are strong next steps for analyst and ethical hacking roles.
- CompTIA SecurityX (formerly CASP+) is an advanced certification for experienced security professionals.
- CompTIA Network+ and Cisco’s CCNA are among the most recognized network security certifications.
There are many IT security certifications on the market today. However, not all of them are created equal. MyComputerCareer is an Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET)-accredited organization that offers multiple IT security programs such as the Cyber Warrior Program (CWP), the Information Technology Security and Administration (ITSA), Cyber Security Specialist (CSS), Cyber Security Engineer (CSE), and the Associate of Applied Science in Network Administration and Cyber Security. ACCET is continuously recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a reliable authority on educational quality since 1978. Aside from helping you become a Cybersecurity specialist, these MyComputerCareer programs will prepare you to earn top IT certifications from organizations such as Microsoft, CompTIA, Cisco, EC-Council, and others.
In this article, we will break down the best cybersecurity certifications and network security certifications by experience level, so you can see which one to pursue first.
CompTIA Security+
The CompTIA Security+ certification is a globally recognized IT security credential for entry-level cybersecurity professionals. It covers risk management, network security, compliance, and security operations.
It’s the first security certification IT professionals should acquire, establishing the fundamental understanding required of any cybersecurity position. Cybersecurity professionals with this certificate are able to handle security issues rather than simply recognize them.
The CompTIA Security+ is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates the fundamental abilities of people looking to work in IT security. Those who pass this exam may prove their competence in the following areas based on the test objectives:
- Attacks and vulnerabilities – Recognizing different types of attacks and having the skills and understanding of vulnerability scanning and penetration testing.
- Appropriate Technologies – Installing and configuring diverse network components and troubleshooting difficulties affecting operational and information security technologies.
- Design and Architecture – Understanding how to utilize cloud computing, a secure network, system architecture, and virtualization technology.
- Access management – The measures taken in the preceding phases to create, enhance, and maintain security are implemented. Identity management, access control, access services, and management control are all involved.
- Cryptography and PKI – The process of configuring security settings and implementing public key infrastructure (PKI).
- Risk Management – This course will teach you how to apply this information in the real world of business and how risk management and data security best practices have a direct impact on bottom lines.
CompTIA CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst)
The CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) certification is a widely recognized intermediate cybersecurity certification for security analysts. It validates your skills in detecting threats, vulnerability assessments, and emergency response tactics. It covers topics such as threat detection, vulnerability management, security operations and incident response, and the latest version adds AI concepts. It also prepares you for jobs such as security engineer, security analyst, SOC analyst, and forensic investigator. If you want to move from an entry-level role into security analysis, CySA+ is a strong next step after Security+.
CompTIA SecurityX (Formerly CASP+)
The CompTIA SecurityX, formerly called the CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+), is CompTIA’s most advanced cybersecurity certification. This certification covers a wide range of topics such as risk management, incident response, cloud computing, and more. It prepares you to take on responsibilities such as security architecture analyst or consultant. It also demonstrates your capabilities in threat modeling, vulnerability assessments with penetration testing tools, detecting vulnerabilities via code analysis, and reverse engineering malware to find attack vectors. SecurityX is designed for experienced professionals who want to prove senior-level, hands-on security skills.
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification validates you have the skills to manage and optimize modern networks. The CCNA exam covers networking fundamentals, IP services, security fundamentals, network access, IP connectivity, automation, and programmability.
The CCNA training course and exam give you the foundation to take your career in any direction. Cisco certifications are widely recognized by employers in networking, cybersecurity, cloud and data center roles. Professionals who want to specialize further can move on to Cisco’s CCNP Security.
EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Earning the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification from EC-Council is a great way to show employers you have what it takes to be a security professional. The CEH credential is a well-recognized intermediate cybersecurity certification. The CEH teaches you to think like an attacker so you can protect your organization’s IT infrastructure from cyber threats.
An essential topic for any security professional, this certification covers footprinting and reconnaissance, scanning networks, host enumeration, system hacking, malware analysis, and more. A CEH certification can help prepare you for a security analyst or information security engineer position.
Start Your Cybersecurity Certification Path
IT security certifications are in high demand and will only become more so in the coming years. IT professionals with the right certification can stand out to employers and qualify for higher-paying roles. Each of the certifications mentioned above has its own strengths, and it’s important to match the certification to your experience level and career goals. Starting with one of the best cybersecurity certifications for your level makes it easier to build toward advanced credentials over time.
MyComputerCareer can help you prepare for cybersecurity and network security certifications and get ready for your job search. We provide numerous training opportunities in Information Technology, alongside ongoing Career Services and Financial Aid for those who qualify. Reach out to us if you’re interested in getting started on a career in IT security.