6 Highest Paying Cybersecurity Certifications - Is Cybersecurity the Right Career Choice in 2024?

Introduction

Cybersecurity is one of the highest in-demand fields. With the quick growth of global connectivity through the Internet, cloud adoption, and smart devices, cyberattacks have also risen and multiplied the demand for professionals highly equipped with cybersecurity competencies for the utmost data safety and security manifolds. Companies, from startups to established enterprises, call for professionals with hands-on expertise to aggressively address cybersecurity concerns.

Cybersecurity for Beginners ?

The cybersecurity industry is all about protecting our digital world. It encompasses many professions that safeguard information, systems, and devices from cyberattacks. These attacks can come in many forms, from malware and phishing scams to hacking attempts. Cybersecurity professionals work to prevent these attacks, detect them if they occur, and respond to minimize damage. ? It might seem complex, but cybersecurity for beginners offers a dynamic opportunity. Whether you're interested in securing networks, investigating cybercrimes, or even ethically hacking systems to identify vulnerabilities, there's a cybersecurity path for you. ?

How to get Started in Cybersecurity??

If you are a beginner, you must understand the basic process of how to get started in cyber security. Here are the three basic steps that can help you:?

• Build a Foundation: Gather basic information about the cybersecurity industry and know what you prefer. It will help you choose the right certification and develop a specialization.?
• Choose a Certification Path: Once you know what role you want in the cybersecurity industry, you should choose a related certification. There are many cybersecurity certifications, like CompTIA Security+, ISC2 CISSP, CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), CCNA, etc.
• Pick Your Learning Resources: You can connect with training providers like NetCom Learning. Such platforms offer official training courses, test prep, and materials. They can be helpful, especially for beginners.?

By following these steps and acquiring a strong foundation, you can effectively launch your cybersecurity career with the right certifications. Now let's dive deep and go through the top 6 cybersecurity certifications according to the cybersecurity certification's salary.

The Highest Paying & Most In-Demand Cybersecurity Certifications In 2024

A career in cybersecurity is quite lucrative. After gaining a globally accepted and recognized credential, you can get into the roles of Systems Administrator, Network Engineer, Information Security Analyst, Network Administrator, Information Technology (IT) Manager, Information Technology Specialist, Computer/Network System Administrator, Ethical Hacker, or Security Consultant. According to Glassdoor, a general security professional in the United States earns an average salary of $35,813. The Indeed job portal reflects the estimated average cybersecurity certifications salary in the US as $11.97 per hour.

The top 6 recommended Cybersecurity certifications are:

• CompTIA Security+ (plus)

Security+ certification from CompTIA is a stepping stone to a cybersecurity career. This vendor-neutral certification is considered the gold standard to validate security skills. This comprehensive certification exam focuses on explaining the fundamentals of network security, threats and vulnerabilities, data security, access control, identity management, cryptography, and security compliances. There are no prerequisites for the CompTIA Security+ certification, but adding the CompTIA Network+ credentials and a history of work experience in IT adds more value to this career-boosting certification.

• Cisco CCNA

Cisco Certified Network Associate, popularly known as CCNA, is an across-the-board certification devised by Cisco to fully equip anyone intending to pursue a career in network security with in-depth knowledge of vital network security aspects. The Cisco CCNA certification explains and showcases the professional skills used in developing security infrastructure, identifying risks and vulnerabilities, and mitigating security threats. To earn CCNA certification, you must pass the CCNA exam (200-301 exam).

• Cisco CCNP

CCNP, or Cisco Certified Network Professional, is an esteemed certification that helps professionals working in the security infrastructure domain to showcase their strengths. This professional-level certification expands proficiency in securing and managing networks efficiently. To achieve the CCNP Security certification, you must pass a core exam and a concentration exam. The core exam focuses on core security technologies, such as security for networks, cloud and content, endpoint protection, secure network access, visibility, and enforcement. The concentration exam focuses on industry-specific topics. Passing these exams allows you to fill the shoes of a Cisco Network Security Engineer.

• Certified Ethical Hacker

The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is a top-ranking in-demand certification helping you to gain white hat hacking skills. Offered by the EC-Council, the CEH certification demonstrates how to identify vulnerabilities before they’re explored by black hat hackers to steal sensitive data. Candidates with experience of at least two years in IT security or attendance at an official training event conducted by the EC-Council are eligible to take this exam. The exam covers the vital areas of ethical hacking, including hacking laws, Google hacking, system hacking, social engineering, phishing attacks, denial of service, web application vulnerabilities, cryptography, password cracking, and penetration testing techniques.

• ISC2 CISSP

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is an advanced-level certification assessing your ability in designing, engineering, implementing, and managing enterprise-level security systems. CISSP-certified employees are globally identified to have advanced knowledge of cybersecurity, allowing them to become cybersecurity leaders. To take the CISSP exam, one needs at least five years of full-time experience in two or more security domains. After qualifying for this exam, your experience must follow the ISC2 Code of Ethics and be endorsed by an active ISC2?member.

Most organizations and individuals lack the knowledge and abilities to keep up with the ever-increasing complexity of cyber threats.

• ISC2 CGRC

The ISC2 CGRC (Certified in Governance, Risk, and Compliance) is a specialized certification for professionals in IT security governance, risk management, and compliance. This global credential signifies expertise in aligning security practices with organizational goals and regulatory requirements. To qualify for the CGRC exam, candidates need five years of relevant experience. Successful candidates must adhere to the ISC2 Code of Ethics and be endorsed by an active ISC2 member, ensuring high professional standards in the field of IT security governance.

A Roadmap to Cybersecurity Training

Set a goal

If you aim to extend your pay, as an example, you will select an in-demand certification program. If you want to figure out how to build your skills, consider a program that enables consecutive progressive certificates. Likewise, if you get to determine yourself as knowledgeable in cybersecurity, certification like CompTIA Security+, could give you the most up-to-date training in the core principles of Cybersecurity.

Follow your passion

It is necessary to settle on a certification that you just have an interest in. Stay away from pursuing a certification simply because your friends have decided to take it up as it will not be of much value to you and your career. Perpetually judge your interest, potential, and skills before embarking on a certification journey that suits you.

Practical and Theoretical Combination

Each field, even in information technology, lies a theoretical understanding and sensible coaching of learning along with totally different tools and software systems on the market. Therefore, you want to seek a training institution that will impart knowledge and skills in each aspect. If you merely perceive theoretical aspects, you would be incapacitated once it involves the sensible implementation of the information and vice-versa

Pick licensed coaching centers

Choosing authorized training establishments can help you develop the specified IT skills. With IT coaching centers mushrooming across the country, selecting the one that will be able to assist you in mastering all the nuances of your domain could be a major task.

Know the reviews regarding certificates

Not all certifications are developed identically. In the same way that you are likely to check the reviews of a restaurant before you go out to dine, be sure to investigate how certificates in the same subject offered by various companies might yield different outcomes. This might include varying time commitments, opportunities to retake the certification exams, or specific industry recognition.

Plan for recertification

Keep in mind to be additionally savvy as long as your certification lasts. Some never ought to be revived, however, others need recertification. If you decide to pursue a track that features recertification, set up how you will maintain your skills throughout the year and build a system to trace your progress. Additionally, it is not uncommon to set up ahead for an associate degree or initial certification. Perceive any pre-existing conditions and set up consequently. No matter your reasons for pursuing in-demand certification, settling on a program that matches your career goals is crucial. By following the above-mentioned steps, you will be able to precisely verify the variety of certificates you are searching for. By successfully finishing a certification, you will quickly see yourself in a highly satisfying and rewarding career.

Five Cybersecurity Compliance Benefits

Avoid non-compliance fines and penalties

As new rules and laws are made daily, keeping track becomes tough for companies. Failure to comply with the most recent laws and regulations regulating their company to avoid severe fines and penalties. Staying up to date on the current rules allows you to detect, evaluate, and plan for data breaches.

Build customer trust and brand reputation

When there are data breaches in any firm, the customer’s trust is affected, having a negative impact on the brand’s goodwill. Thus, the company suffers from exceptional financial loss and business interruption. Therefore, during a data breach, a cybersecurity incident response plan is essential for preserving consumer loyalty and brand reputation.

Enhanced data management

To comply with data security rules, companies must keep track of the sensitive information they collect from consumers. They should know how and where they store the data, and access, manage, and alter that information efficiently.

These constraints drive enterprises to adapt and strengthen their data management skills to support privacy and operational efficiency.

Enhanced Security

Businesses must build a cybersecurity program, implement an organization-level cybersecurity policy, and appoint a chief information security officer to comply with the laws. As a result, risks get reduced, and data breaches get addressed.

Improved access controls and accountability

Businesses must develop senior-level accountability for the strategic management of security and cyber risk to comply with cybersecurity regulations. Furthermore, firms must put effective and suitable risk management frameworks to monitor and regulate access to security systems and sensitive consumer data databases.

Cyber Security Salary: An Overview

Cyber Security Analyst Salary

Cyber Security Analysts are the frontline defenders against cyber threats. They are responsible for monitoring systems, analyzing security incidents, and implementing countermeasures. On average, a Cybersecurity analyst's salary can be expected to be between $60,000 to $90,000 per year, contributing significantly to the realm of cybersecurity jobs. Information Security Engineer Salary

Information Security Engineers focus on designing and implementing security solutions. Their work involves creating firewalls, and encryption protocols, and conducting security audits. Salaries for Information Security Engineers range from $80,000 to $120,000 annually. Ethical Hackers (Penetration Testers) Salary

Ethical Hackers, also known as Penetration Testers, are hired to identify vulnerabilities in a company's systems and networks. Their earnings typically fall within the range of $90,000 to $130,000 per year. Cyber Security Consultants' Salary

Cyber Security Consultants provide expert advice to organizations on security best practices and help them develop robust security policies. Their salaries can range from $100,000 to $150,000 annually. Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) ?Salary

The CISO is a senior executive responsible for establishing an organization's cybersecurity vision and strategy. Due to their high-level position, CISOs often earn six-figure salaries, typically ranging from $150,000 to $250,000 annually.

Network Security Courses

• EC-Council Certified Network Defender (CND) v2 This EC-Council course focuses on network security technologies and operations. It covers topics like network defense, security policies, network perimeter protection, and more.
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) ?Offered by Cisco, this course introduces foundational cybersecurity skills through hands-on labs and real-world scenarios. It covers security monitoring, intrusion analysis, and incident response.

CCNA Certification Guide

Our CCNA certification guide will give you a comprehensive overview of the business benefits of upskilling your teams on CCNA, the latest exam curriculum, CCNA certification career path, recertification policy, and more.

Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing Courses

• CompTIA PenTest+ Certification Prep Geared towards intermediate-level cybersecurity experts, CompTIA PenTest+ training equips professionals with the skills needed to perform penetration testing. This involves identifying, exploiting, reporting, and managing network vulnerabilities.
• EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) v12?EC-Council's CEH course covers various hacking techniques and their countermeasures. It's an ideal starting point for those interested in ethical hacking.

Cybersecurity Fundamentals Courses

• CompTIA Network+ Certification Prep The Network+ course covers topics such as Networking fundamentals, network configuration, Network management, Network architecture, network operations, network security, and network troubleshooting.
• CompTIA Security+ Certification Prep This entry-level cyber security certification course covers foundational cybersecurity topics like network security, risk management, and cryptography. It's suitable for beginners and those looking to solidify their fundamentals.

Incident Response and Forensics Courses

• EC-Council Certified Incident Handler (ECIH)?EC-Council's ECIH course focuses on effectively responding to and managing security incidents. It covers incident handling processes, investigation techniques, and recovery strategies.
• EC-Council Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI) v10 CHFI v10 training imparts a thorough understanding of digital forensics, encompassing a methodical approach to evidence analysis. The training also covers emerging areas like Dark Web, IoT, and Cloud Forensics.

Download our Security Skilling roadmap to explore the cyber security course list.

Conclusion

To acquire one of the highest cybersecurity certifications salaries in this high-demand domain, necessary skills should be acquired through professional enhancement and certification training from an authorized training provider. If you intend to become acquainted with end-to-end security skills and aspire to become a security leader.

NetCom Learning can help your dream come true. We are a premier training company partnered with leading training giants to deliver niche security certification training courses on various levels from Cisco, CompTIA, EC-Council, ISC2, and more.

Get started now and up your cyber game!