The cybersecurity field is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, with an estimated 3.5 million unfulfilled cybersecurity jobs in 2021, according to Cybersecurity Ventures. If you are interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity, the first step is to obtain the appropriate certifications to help you stand out from the competition. In this article, we will discuss the best entry-level cybersecurity certifications to boost your career.
Introduction to Entry-Level Cybersecurity Certifications
The first thing you need to know about entry-level cybersecurity certifications is that having a certificate does not necessarily mean that you are competent. However, having a certificate is still an important step in the right direction, as it verifies that you know the fundamentals of cybersecurity. In this article, we will focus on three entry-level cybersecurity certifications: Security Plus, SSCP, and Cysa Plus.
Comptia Security Plus
Comptia Security Plus is one of the most well-known and respected entry-level cybersecurity certifications. It covers all of the cybersecurity fundamentals that you need to know to be successful in the field, including IDSs, IPSs, network security, change management, public key infrastructure, cryptography, symmetric and asymmetric keys, and operating system security. The exam costs around $339, and there are currently around 6,000 jobs on Indeed that require or prefer candidates with this certification.
SSCP
SSCP is not as well-known as Security Plus, but it is still an excellent entry-level cybersecurity certification that is worth considering. It teaches you how to implement security policies, monitor and administer IT infrastructure, networking communication security, vulnerability management, system and application security, and various access controls. The exam costs around $250, and while it does require one year of work experience, you may already have that experience without realizing it. There are currently nearly 2,000 jobs on Indeed that require or prefer candidates with this certification.
Cysa Plus
Cysa Plus is the perfect entry-level certification for cybersecurity analysts. If you want to monitor networks and respond to potential threats, this is the certification for you. The exam costs around $349, and it covers topics such as threat and vulnerability management, software and system security, compliance and assessment, security operations and monitoring, and incident response. There are currently nearly 1,000 jobs on Indeed that require or prefer candidates with this certification.
Conclusion
Obtaining an entry-level cybersecurity certification is a great way to boost your career and set yourself apart from the competition. Security Plus, SSCP, and Cysa Plus are three of the best entry-level cybersecurity certifications to consider. They each have their own strengths and weaknesses, but they will all provide you with a solid foundation in cybersecurity that you can build on throughout your career.