7 Cyber Security Certifications To Level-Up Your Career

Whether you’re new to Cyber Security or just looking to add that extra certification to your CV, these certifications are recognised as some of the best in the world. Get them on your CV and you’ll be boosting your career in no time.

ISACA CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor)

ISACA CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) is a professional certification program that is designed to validate the skills and expertise of information systems auditors. The certification is awarded by ISACA, an organisation that provides professional certifications, training, and guidance in the field of information systems governance, security, and assurance.

To obtain the CISA certification, candidates must pass a comprehensive exam that tests their knowledge of information systems auditing, control, and security. The exam covers topics such as information systems auditing, governance, risk management, and incident management, among others.

The CISA certification is widely recognised and respected in the industry and is considered a benchmark for information systems auditing professionals. It demonstrates an individual's ability to assess, control, and monitor information systems and provides assurance to stakeholders that the systems are secure and operating effectively.

ISACA CRISC (Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control)

ISACA CRISC (Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control) is a professional certification program that is designed to validate the skills and expertise of professionals in the field of IT risk management and control. The certification is awarded by ISACA, an organisation that provides professional certifications, training, and guidance in the field of information systems governance, security, and assurance.

To obtain the CRISC certification, candidates must pass a comprehensive exam that tests their knowledge of IT risk management, control, and governance. The exam covers topics such as identification, assessment, and evaluation of IT risk; risk response and mitigation strategies; control design and implementation; and risk monitoring and reporting.

The CRISC certification is highly respected and is considered a benchmark for IT risk management professionals. It demonstrates an individual's ability to manage and mitigate IT risks and provides assurance to stakeholders that the organisation's information systems are secure and effectively controlled.

BSI IT-Grundschutz

Certified BSI IT Grundschutz refers to individuals who have achieved a certification in the IT Grundschutz standard developed by the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI). This certification demonstrates that the individual has a comprehensive understanding of the IT Grundschutz guidelines and procedures and is able to implement and maintain a robust information security management system based on these guidelines.

To become certified in BSI IT Grundschutz, individuals must pass a rigorous exam that tests their knowledge of the standard and their ability to apply it in real-world scenarios. The certification is highly valued by organisations that require expertise in information security management and is recognised globally as a mark of excellence in this field.

Holding a BSI IT Grundschutz certification can lead to increased job opportunities, higher salaries, and greater professional recognition for individuals in the cybersecurity industry. It is also an important credential for organisations that are committed to maintaining a high level of information security and protecting their systems and data from a wide range of threats.

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is a globally recognised certification in the field of information security. Offered by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2, CISSP is designed to validate an individual's knowledge and expertise in developing and implementing effective cybersecurity programs.

To become a CISSP, individuals must have a minimum of five years of professional experience in information security, with at least two of those years in a management or leadership role. Candidates must also pass a rigorous exam that covers a wide range of topics, including security and risk management, asset security, security engineering, communication and network security, identity and access management, security assessment and testing, security operations, and software development security.

Holding a CISSP certification demonstrates that the individual has a deep understanding of the latest technologies, tools, and practices related to information security, as well as a commitment to maintaining a high level of expertise in the field. This certification is highly valued by employers in the cybersecurity industry and can lead to increased job opportunities, higher salaries, and greater professional recognition.

Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) is a certification in the field of ethical hacking and penetration testing offered by Offensive Security. The certification is designed to validate an individual's practical knowledge and skills in identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities in computer systems.

To become an OSCP, individuals must complete a challenging certification exam that tests their knowledge of offensive security techniques and their ability to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in real-world scenarios. The exam is hands-on and requires candidates to penetrate a set of target systems using various tools and techniques.

The OSCP certification is highly regarded in the cybersecurity industry, as it demonstrates that the individual has a deep understanding of offensive security techniques and is able to apply them effectively in real-world situations. The certification is particularly valuable for professionals in roles such as penetration testers, ethical hackers, and security consultants, as it provides a widely recognised standard of expertise in these areas.

Holding an OSCP certification can lead to increased job opportunities, higher salaries, and greater professional recognition for individuals in the cybersecurity industry. It is also an important credential for organisations that require expertise in offensive security techniques to protect their systems and data from malicious attacks.

ISO 27001 Lead Auditor Certification

ISO 27001 Lead Auditor is a professional certification that validates an individual's expertise in conducting audits of information security management systems (ISMS) based on the ISO 27001 standard. The certification is offered by various organisations, including the International Register of Certificated Auditors (IRCA) and the British Standards Institution (BSI).

To become an ISO 27001 Lead Auditor, individuals must have a thorough understanding of the ISO 27001 standard and its requirements, as well as knowledge of audit principles and techniques. They must also have practical experience in conducting audits of ISMS and demonstrating compliance with the ISO 27001 standard.

The certification is typically obtained through a combination of training and experience, followed by a certification exam. Holding an ISO 27001 Lead Auditor certification demonstrates that the individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct independent audits of ISMS, and to evaluate an organization's compliance with the ISO 27001 standard.

ISO 27001 Lead Auditor certification is particularly valuable for professionals in roles such as information security managers, auditors, consultants, and compliance officers. It can lead to increased job opportunities, higher salaries, and greater professional recognition in the field of information security management.

PCI QSA

PCI QSA (Qualified Security Assessor) is a certification offered by Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) to assessors who have demonstrated the required level of knowledge and experience to validate an organization's compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).

To become a PCI QSA, individuals must have significant experience in the field of information security and payment card industry, as well as a deep understanding of the PCI DSS standard and its requirements. They must also undergo a rigorous training program and pass a certification exam that tests their knowledge of the standard and their ability to apply it in real-world scenarios.

PCI QSA certification is highly valued in the payment card industry, as it demonstrates that the individual has the skills and knowledge necessary to perform independent assessments of an organization's compliance with the PCI DSS standard. Holding a PCI QSA certification can lead to increased job opportunities, higher salaries, and greater professional recognition in the field of payment card industry compliance.

The field of cybersecurity is continually evolving, and it is crucial for professionals to maintain their knowledge and expertise to protect organisations' systems and data. Obtaining industry-recognised certifications such as ISACA CISA, ISACA CRISC, BSI IT-Grundschutz, CISSP, OSCP, and ISO 27001 Lead Auditor can demonstrate an individual's competence and provide assurance to stakeholders that the organisation's information systems are secure and effectively controlled.

These certifications can also lead to increased job opportunities, higher salaries, and greater professional recognition. With cyber threats on the rise, investing in cybersecurity certifications can help professionals advance their careers and keep up with the industry's latest trends and practices.