The demand for cybersecurity professionals is growing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities in the information security sector are projected to grow by 33% by 2030. With rising cyber threats and attacks, new laws and regulations around online activities, organizations, both public and private, are now dedicating vast resources to strengthening their organizational cyber defenses against cyber threats.
This is great news for aspiring cybersecurity professionals! Given the current talent gap and the increasing demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals, qualified job seekers have excellent prospects for landing entry-level cybersecurity jobs where they can serve critical missions and contribute to our national security. Companies want to hire YOU, so now is the time to grow your credentials and enter an exciting, growing industry!
How to get there?
If you have a cybersecurity, computer science or IT degree, great! A degree in these fields will certainly qualify you for most cybersecurity jobs. However, recruiters and hiring managers are closely paying attention to industry certifications, too. These certifications can strengthen your candidacy by making you more competitive in the job market and getting your resume noticed. It is the most cost-effective way to boost your credentials no matter where you are in your career.
And for those seeking to switch to a career in cybersecurity and do not hold a degree in the field, certifications are an excellent starting point to acquire knowledge of best practices and fundamentals to get you qualified for entry-level cybersecurity jobs.
What are some of the organizations that offer cybersecurity certifications?
Some of the organizations that offer certifications that are well-established and widely recognized by the industry are:
What are the best entry-level certifications?
Since there are several dozen cybersecurity certifications out there, an internet search can be quite overwhelming. To speed up the process for you, here are our recommended best foundational, entry-level cybersecurity certifications you should consider:
- Network+
With the Network+ certification you will:
- Design and implement functional networks.
- Configure and maintain essential network devices.
- Implement network security, standards, and protocols.
- Troubleshoot network problems.
- Security+
With the Security+ certification you will:
- Evaluate the security of an organization
- Apply risk mitigation techniques.
- Be familiar with cybersecurity laws and regulations.
- Identify and respond to security incidents.
- GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC)
GSEC is a security credential for those with some background in information systems and networking and looking to move into cybersecurity. With this certification you will:
- Validate your skills in security tasks like incident response, cloud security, cryptography, active defense, and network security.
- Defensible network architecture, networking & protocols.
- Security policy, IT risk management and contingency plans.
- Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
SSCP is an intermediate security certificate. With this certification you will:
- Design, implement, and monitor a secure organization’s assets and infrastructure.
- Competency in risk identification and recovery.
- Network and communication security.
These certifications are a great start to your cybersecurity career! Due to the constantly evolving nature of cybersecurity, there are always new topics and areas to explore. You will continually learn new things and have room to grow. If you consider a career in cybersecurity, be sure to visit our Careers page for our current openings. We are always on the lookout for new talent eager to make an impact and join our mission!