With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated and pervasive, organizations of all sizes are now prioritizing cyber security. As a result, the demand for qualified cyber security professionals has skyrocketed, making it a lucrative career option for many. If you are new to the field and are looking to start a career in cyber security, obtaining a certification can hugely boost your career prospects.
Certifications not only equip you with critical technical skills required for the job but also validate your skills to prospective employers. When talking about beginner-level certifications, some frequently recommended options are CompTIA Security+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). Let’s delve into each of these options to help you choose the right one for you.
CompTIA Security+
The CompTIA Security+ certification is an excellent starting point for beginners. It is a globally recognized certification that focuses on baseline skills necessary in risk management and crisis mitigation. With this certification, you will learn about various types of threats, attacks, practical application, risk management, cryptography, and loads more.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
The CISSP certification is amongst the most prestigious credentials in IT security. It is targeted towards professionals and requires at least 5 years of experience in the field. However, it is excellent to aim for at the beginning of your career in order to target a range of in-depth topics such as security and risk management, communication and network security, software development security, and more.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
The CEH certification teaches you to think like a hacker so you can defend against them. This certification provides a comprehensive ethical hacking and network security-training program to meet the standards of highly skilled security professionals. With this certification, you’ll learn about the latest hacking techniques, intricate exploits, and advanced attack vectors.
All of these certifications may differ in terms of experience, difficulty, and domains covered, but they all aim to equip you with the fundamental cyber security knowledge that will be greatly beneficial for your career.
In addition to the certifications, working as an intern or at an entry-level job can give you practical experience, helping you better understand the material you are studying. You could also consider working with a security consulting firm to gain real-world insights into the field.
One of the great options to consider is cyber security consulting Australia.
Australia has a robust market for cyber security services, and working with a consulting firm there can provide you with invaluable networking opportunities, practical learning experiences, and a chance to apply your knowledge to real-world situations. These firms usually work with a wide range of clients, giving employees a broad perspective on the cyber security landscape and exposure to a multitude of security challenges and solutions.
Conclusion
A career in cyber security is both challenging and fulfilling. Starting with beginner-level certifications gives you a strong foundation on which to build your career. Whether you’re going for a CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or a CEH certification, the knowledge and skills you acquire will be instrumental in advancing your career in this field. And leveraging opportunities like working with a well-established cyber security consulting firm in Australia, can provide invaluable real-world experience where you can put what you’ve learned into practice.