Best Cyber Security Certifications to Kickstart Your Career

A career in cyber security offers exciting opportunities. This is a dynamic ever-evolving industry where you protect valuable data and information from cyber threats.

It’s no secret that the information technology industry has been progressing at lightning speed in recent years. And with groundbreaking language tools like ChatGPT and AI now learning how to read our minds, we have to ask ourselves – what’s next?

Technology is only getting more intelligent and that’s why cyber security is a top priority for individuals and organisations alike. With the increasing threat of cyber attacks, there’s a growing demand for professionals with expertise in this field. However, breaking into the cyber security industry can be challenging, especially if you don’t have any formal training.

In this blog, we’re showcasing the best cyber security certifications to kickstart your career in this booming industry.

Earning a certification is a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in cyber security to potential employers. With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which certification is right for you. Both short courses and vocational education and training (VET) have their advantages in the field of cyber security. However, the choice between the two different types of education depends on your career goals, current level of education, and industry requirements.

Cyber security short courses are widely recognised in the cyber security industry and can help you gain specific skills and knowledge. These industry-recognised certifications are focused on practical skills, making them a great option to upskill in a specific area. It’s important to note that some of these more advanced short courses require current experience in the industry upon enrolling.

Short courses on the other hand may not be sufficient for those who desire a more comprehensive knowledge of the field. Additionally, they may not be adequate for those new to the industry or aiming to progress to more advanced roles. VET courses such as the Certificate IV in Cyber Security provide a more comprehensive education in the field. They cover a range of topics and provide a deeper understanding of cyber security principles, concepts, and practices.

These courses can help you develop critical thinking skills and provide a pathway to more advanced roles in the industry. However, they typically require a longer time commitment and may not be necessary for entry-level positions.

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

The CISSP certification is widely recognised as one of the most prestigious certifications in the cyber security field. It covers a range of topics, including risk management, security operations, and network security. This certification is suitable if you wish to pursue a senior-level role, e.g. CISO or security manager.

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

The CEH certification is designed for those who want to learn how to think and act like a hacker. This knowledge can help better protect their organisation’s systems and networks. It covers topics such as footprinting and reconnaissance, scanning networks, and system hacking. This certification is ideal if you’re looking to work as a penetration tester, security analyst, or vulnerability analyst.

CompTIA Security+

The CompTIA Security+ certification is an entry-level credential. It covers topics such as network security, cryptography, and threat management. It’s a great certification for those who are new to the cyber security field and are looking to gain foundational knowledge. This certification is ideal for those who are looking to work as a security specialist, security consultant, or network administrator.

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

The CISM certification is designed for those who are looking to manage a company’s information security program. This course focuses on data protection and safety, including policy implementation, risk management, and security breach procedures. This certification is ideal for those who are looking to work as a security manager, security consultant, or CISO.

Certificate III in Cyber Security

The Certificate III in Cyber Security is a entry-level certification that provides an introduction to cyber security concepts and typically covers topics such as networking basics, security controls, and cryptography.

It’s a great option for beginners who want to gain foundational knowledge in the field. This course can open the door to various entry-level roles in IT and cyber security. Examples include system administrator, technical support, and junior security analyst positions.

Certificate IV in Cyber Security

The Certificate IV in Cyber Security is a more advanced course that builds on the concepts covered in the Certificate III. This course typically covers topics such as penetration testing, incident response, and security risk management and is a great option if you already have some experience or want to transition to more senior roles. Completing this course can lead to roles such as cyber security analyst, security consultant, or security administrator.

Diploma of Cyber Security

The Diploma of Cyber Security is an in-depth program that provides the skills and knowledge needed to oversee cyber security operations in an organisation. This course is designed for people who already have experience in the IT industry and wish to specialise in cyber security. It covers topics such as network security, cryptography, digital forensics, ethical hacking, risk management, and incident response.

In this course, you’ll learn about cyber security threats and how to create and implement effective strategies to combat these threats. By the end of it, you’ll gain skills in designing, implementing, and managing solutions for organisations of all sizes.

Whether it’s at work or in our personal lives, we’re faced with cyber threats all the time. Cyber criminals are getting more sophisticated in their attacks and this issue will only continue to grow as technology keeps advancing. That’s why the demand for cyber security professionals is at an all-time high.

Ultimately, the best cyber security certification for you depends on your career goals, current skillset, and personal preferences. By considering the best options available, you’re setting yourself up for a successful career in the field of cyber security.