Security in general means the safeguarding of assets. The internet is virtually everywhere, with people storing valuable data online. So the need for network security professionals is paramount.
In this article, we look at 6 unranked ICT certifications that can help you become a better network security professional.
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What Is Network Security?
According to Cisco:
- Network security is any activity designed to protect the usability and integrity of your network and data.
Essentially, network security is taking preventative measures, both physically and digitally, to protect a networking infrastructure from cyberattacks, unauthorized access, destruction, and more malicious activities. Through appropriate network security measures, you create a secure platform for systems, users, and programs to perform their critical functions.
Why Do We Need Network Security Professionals?
According to Cybercrime Magazine, it is estimated that cybercrime will cost the world $10.5 trillion by 2025. It is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the United States of America. In another example, on Tuesday, 25 September, the tech giant Facebook acknowledged a massive data breach in which the information of over 500 million users was posted in a low-level hacking forum.
The need for network security professionals can not be overemphasized. As most of our lives and the data we use have transitioned to online platforms, we need network security professionals to provide that first line of defense against cyberattacks that can potentially result in the loss of data and money.
Let’s look at 6 ICT certifications that can help you become a better network professional.
1. SASE Expert Certification
The SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) certification from CATO Networks is a globally recognized certification for IT professionals, Network Administrators and Security Architects. Cato Networks is the first SASE platform provider. According to Gartner, a true SASE platform has four requirements:
- Convergence
- Cloud-native
- Globally distributed
- Support for all edges
And Cato Cloud checks all the boxes. Cato’s SASE Expert Certification is a great way to demonstrate to potential employers that you have the networking and security skills that are in-line with the industry’s vision. The certification comes with a 3-5 hours exams at the end of the course. To pass, you need a minimum of 85%.
2. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
CISSP is a globally recognized certification for information technology security professionals. It covers many areas of IT security and thus will help you become a certified information security professional.
This certification is excellent for experienced security practitioners, managers, and executives who wish to hone their skills and knowledge across a wide array of security practices. A certification like this helps you become employable for managerial roles in the cybersecurity industry.
3. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
CISM is a network security certification offered by the Information Security Audit and Control Association (ISACA). It is an advanced network security certification. Here you’ll learn how to control information systems, make them secure, and audit them.
There are some pre-requisites for applying for the CISM certification:
- You have passed the CISM exam within the last 5 years.
- You have relevant work experience in a full-time job in the information security management field.
4. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
CISA is another certification issued by Information Security Audit and Control Association (ISACA). The certificate is a global standard for professionals who have careers in information systems focusing on audit control, security, and assurance.
In order to be eligible to take this certification exam, you need to satisfy the minimum work experience requirement as per the CISA job practice section. The CISA exam lasts 4 hours and you have to undergo 20 hours of training yearly in-order to keep your designation. The range of marks you can get in the exam is 200-800.
5. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
As many of the organizations of the world are moving their operations to the cloud, there has been an increasing focus on cloud security professionals.
CCSP is a globally recognized certification for cloud security offered by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2). This certification is a great way to demonstrate to potential employers that you have the relevant skills and knowledge to design and manage secure applications and cloud infrastructures.
6. Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
The SSCP certification is a great certification that helps demonstrate that you have the knowledge and advanced skills to monitor, implement, and administer an IT infrastructure that follows security best practices and policies. Candidates for this certification need at least one year of work experience, and it costs $249
Conclusion
Having a certification is a great way to show your expertise, grow your career, and better secure your organization’s critical assets. If you’re considering getting a network security certification, then you should check out the above-listed certifications.
These certifications can improve your chances of finding a new job, getting higher pay at your current job, and advance within your company to roles that provide more opportunities and give you more responsibilities. Thus, you should take a look at your career path today and see how you want it to progress from here on.
If you are interested in even more technology-related articles and information from us here at Bit Rebels, then we have a lot to choose from.
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