Your Cybersecurity certification roadmap is here! Cybersecurity has been the topmost concern for ages. But, the cyber threat landscape is evolving and impacting every industry from fintech to healthcare, ecommerce, govt. organizations, and more. Thus, everyone needs modern-age solutions and skills to fight against advancing cyber threats.
Only in the first half of 2024, Ransomware payments increased by 2%, rising from $449.1 million in 2023 to $459.8 million in 2024. From CrowdStrike outages to Google malware, Msupedge Malware Attacks, and 2024 Whatsapp outage incidents have highlighted the importance of the right cybersecurity practices.
However, understanding and implementing cybersecurity strategies need expertise and skills, raising the demand for certified cybersecurity professionals.
If you want to make a difference and build solutions against the most challenging cyber threats, then prepare yourself with the right Cybersecurity training and certifications in 2024.
The Urgency of Cybersecurity Certifications in 2024
Over time, technology has advanced and is successful in beating traditional attacks. But, attackers and hackers are also leveraging the same technology that needs modern-age professionals with skills and in-depth knowledge.
Also, the scarcity of the right cybersecurity talents is the major reason for the growing demand. Recently, the SBI chairman stated that banks are facing challenges in getting the right cybersecurity skills.
- 90% of security leaders report that a lack of skilled workers has made it difficult to implement their cybersecurity strategies.
- In 2022, 90% of leaders preferred hiring certified professionals, up from 81% in 2021.
- 72% of leaders found that hiring certified staff improved security and awareness in their organizations.
- The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) reports a global shortage of 3.4 million cybersecurity professionals.
It’s clear that certified professionals are a top priority for organizations in 2024. With that in mind, we’ve curated a list of the top 10 In-demand cybersecurity certifications that you should consider to elevate your career and meet industry demands.
List of Top 10 Cybersecurity Certifications
Below, we look at 10 Popular Security Certifications 2024 from top organizations. We explain the skills they cover, who they’re best for, and how to qualify for them.
1. AWS Certified Developer – Associate
By: Amazon Web Services (AWS)
This beginner-level certification shows you understand how to use AWS technology. You will learn to develop, deploy, and troubleshoot cloud-based apps. To earn it, you’ll need to pass an exam with 65 multiple-choice and response questions.
Suitable for developers who already have some AWS experience and want to deepen their knowledge of AWS services, features, and best practices.
Exam Requirements
- At least one year of exp. with AWS and other cloud platforms
- Knowledge of an advanced programming language
- Basic knowledge of cloud-native apps
- Experience in application development using development tools
Salary expectations
- Starting salary- $97,000 per annum
- Experienced- $151,843 per annum
2. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional
By: AWS
This certification shows you can handle complex problems, automate tasks, and improve security, performance, and cost in cloud systems. To get certified, you need to pass an exam with 75 multiple-choice questions.
Suitable for Ideal for developers with 2+ of exp. building cloud solutions on AWS.
Exam Requirements
- Proficient with Windows and Linux, AWS tools like the Billing and Management Consoles, AWS CLI, APIs, and CloudFormation templates
- Knowledge of scripting languages
- Experience assessing cloud app needs, designing hybrid cloud setups, and following best practices for cloud architecture
Salary expectations
- Average salary- $132,852 per annum
3. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
By: EC-Council
*Best for Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing
The CEH certification helps you learn ethical hacking to find weaknesses in systems and protect against cyberattacks. The exam covers skills like reconnaissance, cryptography, and cloud computing, and hacking techniques for various systems, networks, apps, and devices.
- Exam/Program Duration: Four hours (125 questions)
- Location: ECC Exam and Pearson VUE centers globally
- Cost: $850
Suitable for Ideal for both new and experienced cybersecurity professionals.
Exam Requirements
- Must have done an EC-Council training course (if you lack cybersecurity knowledge)
- Or have at least 2 years of experience in information security
- A strong background in computer programming, computer science, software engineering, mathematics, and/or information security
Salary expectations
- Beginning ethical hacker- $72,000 per annum
- Experienced hacker- up to $200,000 per annum
4. Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)®
By: ISACA
The CRISC certification shows you are skilled in managing risk. It includes topics such as risk response, report issues, IT risk assessment, and governance. The exam has 150 questions. It covers 4 domains of knowledge-
- Domain 1 – Governance (26%)
- Domain 2 – IT Risk Assessment (20%)
- Domain 3 – Risk Response and Reporting (32%)
- Domain 4 – Information Technology and Security (22%)
Suitable for mid-career professionals who want to prove their knowledge in managing cybersecurity risks.
Exam Requirements
- At least three years of work experience must be in governance or IT risk assessment.
- Follow the CRISC Code of Professional Ethics.
Salary expectations
- Payscale – $143,000
- Coursera – $151,995
- Certification Magazine – $156,390
5. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
By: ISACA
*Best for Governance Framework Creation
A Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) is an expert who spots potential threats and weaknesses in security systems. They help prevent breaches by designing, implementing, and managing an organization’s security network.
CISMs play a key role in governance, risk management, incident response, and running information security programs. To become a CISM, you need to be officially certified.
ISACA reports that there are over 48,000 CISM-certified professionals globally, making it a highly sought-after role in the field of information security.
- Exam/Program Duration: Four hours, with 150 questions across four job practice domains
- Location: Online or at 1,300 PSI sites globally
- Cost: $760 for non-members, $575 for ISACA members; $50 application fee
Suitable for mid-career people with experience who want to manage, oversee, assess, and design information security strategies.
Exam Requirements
You need at least five years of experience in information security management.
Salary expectations
- Entry level- USD 126,525
- Mid-level- USD 122,048
- Senior Level- USD 180,305
6. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
By: ISACA
*Best for Systems and Controls Assessment
The CISA certification shows you can effectively plan, carry out, and report on audits using a risk-based approach.
- Exam/Program Duration: Four hours (150 questions)
- Location: Available online or at 1,300 PSI locations globally
- Cost: $760 for non-members, $575 for ISACA members; $50 application fee
Suitable for mid-career professionals who want to prove their skills in auditing information systems.
Exam Requirements
- At least five years of experience in auditing, securing, and controlling information systems.
- Up to three years of experience can be substituted with university coursework or teaching.
- Adhere to ISACA’s Code of Professional Ethics.
- Follow ISACA’s Information Systems Auditing Standards.
Salary expectations
- Entry level- USD 63,000 – USD 79,000
- Mid level- USD 75,000 – USD 100,000
- Senior level- USD 100,000 – USD 132,000
7. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
By: (ISC)²
*Best for Technical Security Expertise Across Diverse Domains
CISSP shows top-level skills in creating, implementing, and managing cybersecurity programs. It is accredited by ANSI’s National Accreditation Board (ANAB).
- Exam/Program Duration: Four hours (125-175 questions)
- Location: Pearson VUE testing centers around the world
- Cost: $749
Suitable for Experienced professionals, such as security experts, security managers, and professional executives.
Exam Requirements
- Five years of relevant work experience.
- Alternatively, a mix of education, experience, and other certifications can substitute for some of the work experience.
Salary expectations
- Average base salary- $127,000
8. CompTIA Security+
By: CompTIA
*Best for Foundational Cybersecurity Knowledge
Certification Overview
CompTIA Security+ is a beginner-level certification that covers a wide range of cybersecurity topics and skills. The exam has up to 90 questions and lasts 90 minutes. Questions can be multiple-choice or performance-based. To pass, you need a score of 750 out of 900.
- Exam/Program Duration: 90 minutes
- Location: Online or Pearson VUE testing centers
- Cost: $404
The latest Security+ exam (version SY0-701) includes these areas:
- General Security
- Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations
- Security Architecture
- Security Operations
- Security Program Management and Oversight
Suitable for Beginners in cybersecurity who want to prove their skills.
Exam Requirements
- Good to have CompTIA Network+ certification but not compulsory.
- Better to have two years of experience in security-focused IT or security systems but not compulsory.
Salary expectations
- Average salary- $57,000 per year
9. GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
By: GIAC
*Best for Validating Skillsets for Non-Security Professionals
The GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC) certification is a basic-level cybersecurity credential from Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC). It helps professionals gain the skills needed to set up strong security measures and protect sensitive data. It is one of the popular IT security certifications 2024 to look for.
The GSEC certification proves that you understand information security well beyond the basics. To earn it, you must pass an exam covering topics like access control, cryptography, network security, risk management, and security rules and methods.
- Exam/Program Duration: Four hours
- Location: Online with proctoring or in-person at Pearson VUE testing centers
- Cost: $2,499
Suitable for Professional roles like- Security administrators, Security managers, Security professionals, IT engineers and supervisors, Operations personnel, Penetration testers, Forensic analysts, and Auditors.
Exam Requirements
Basic experience in information systems and networking but not compulsory.
Salary expectations
Average salary- $84,000 per year
10. Google Cloud – Professional Cloud Architect
By: Google
This certification from Google confirms your skills in designing, building, and managing secure, robust, scalable cloud architectures for businesses. The exam tests your ability to create cloud solutions, manage their implementation, and evaluate technical business processes. It includes 50-60 multiple-choice select questions.
Suitable for Professionals aiming to enhance their expertise in cloud environments.
Exam Requirements
Good to have at least three years of hands-on experience, with at least one year with Google Cloud, but not compulsory.
Salary expectations
- Average salary- $141,000 to $176,000 per year
Available Certifications for Cybersecurity Professionals
| Industry-recognized cybersecurity certifications By | Overview | Focus Areas | Certification Examples |
| ISACA | Formerly the Information Systems Audit and Control Association, ISACA certifies IT professionals worldwide. | Information systems governance, auditing, risk management, cybersecurity. | CISM, CRISC, CISA |
| ISC2 | The International Information System Security Certification Consortium certifies professionals at various levels. | Broad cybersecurity specialties, ranging from entry-level to advanced. | CISSP, SSCP, CCSP |
| EC-Council | Provides advanced cybersecurity education and certification, often with more prerequisites. | Ethical hacking, incident response, and security management. | CEH, CHFI, ECSA |
| CompTIA | Offers certifications from foundational to advanced IT skills. | Vendor-neutral education in IT fundamentals, network security, and more. | Security+, CASP+, Network+ |
| GIAC | Creates exams for various IT capabilities, in partnership with the SANS Institute. | Offensive operations, cyber defense, cloud security, digital forensics, and more. | GSEC, GCIH, GPEN |
| Offensive Security | Known for open-source projects and provides courses in penetration testing and security operations. | Penetration testing, web application security, exploit development. | OSCP, OSEP, OSWE |
Why Should You Invest in Cybersecurity Certifications?
Cybersecurity certifications can seriously boost your professional reputation, expand your knowledge, and open up exciting career opportunities. If you’re new to the field, starting with entry-level certifications is a great way to test your skills and chart your learning path. Plus, gaining hands-on experience and connecting with the cybersecurity community can really maximize the benefits of your certifications. Dive in and let these credentials take your career to the next level!
Why?
- Boosts professional credibility
- Deepens understanding of cybersecurity concepts
- Opens up new career opportunities
- Assesses and improves current skills
- Provides a clear learning path
- Enhances practical, hands-on experience
- Expands your professional network
- Keeps you updated with industry trends
Choose the Cybersecurity Certification to Kickstart Your Career
Start by clarifying your career goals—what job role you want, the skills you need, and any special areas of interest. Choose certifications that align with these goals.
For instance, if you want to be a penetration tester, the OSCP certification is a good choice. For incident response, consider the GCIH.
Next, evaluate your current experience. Beginners should go for foundational certifications, while those with more experience might look into advanced options. Do some research on the exam details, requirements, and potential salaries to find the certification that best suits you.
Wrapping Up: Top Cybersecurity Certifications for 2024
The right cybersecurity certification can be a game-changer for your career, unlocking new growth and advancement opportunities. Start by defining your goals, assessing your current skills, and diving deep into your options. Check out our curated list to discover the most sought-after certifications for 2024, each offering a solid blend of detailed knowledge and industry experience.
Your next big career in Cybersecurity 2024 starts here!
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