5 Security Certificates that will get you hired in 2018

Well here we are in the future, 2018. No, we don’t have flying cars or interstellar travel like our favorite 80’s films, but what we do have is a society so interconnected that we have the ability to do, read or buy anything with a tap of a finger.

In the time it takes you to read this article you could have checked your bank account, processed your Amazon order and checked the weather for next weekend’s ski trip while confirming your Airbnb. All the while, your personal identifiable information(PII) is under a constant threat from hackers around the world.

Every year millions of people's information is hacked into or stolen, $16 billion to be exact in 2016, according to The 2017 Identity Fraud Study, released by Javelin Strategy & Research. Today, companies of all sizes are willing to do anything and everything to protect their customers personal information.

What does this mean for you? It means money and a future in a job field that’s only going to grow and become more relevant as time moves forward. As the demand for Information Security jobs grows, so does the expectations of those employers hiring candidates.

Security-related jobs can include positions as an information security specialist, security analyst, network security administrator and security engineer. There are hundreds of security information opportunities in and around the Boston area, but what could you be missing to land one of these roles?

An associate's or bachelor’s degree in information technology are important assets to have but possessing security certificates can put you ahead of other applicants and are often required to be considered for the role. They can be challenging to achieve and can cost a lot of time and money, so choosing the right ones are essential. It’s also important to keep them current.

These five Information Security certifications are in high demand with our clients and other top tech companies.

1. CompTIA Security+

This certificate is good for breaking into the cybersecurity field and is the cheapest and most achievable. This certificate is also good for government jobs. It meets the ISO 17024 standard and is approved by U.S. Department of Defense to fulfill Directive 8570.01-M requirements, according to their website.

The $330 exam covers topics such as network security, compliance and operational security, threats and vulnerabilities, data and host security, access control and identity management, and cryptography. Even though there are no prerequisites for this certification, it’s still a good idea to have the CompTIA Network+ and a few years of information technology work experience with a focus on security.

2. CCNA Security-Cisco Certified Network Associate Security

This certificate is great for anyone looking for a role in network security. It validates skills required to develop a security infrastructure, recognize risks and vulnerabilities, and mitigate security threats.

The $300 exam covers a wide range of security objectives including, cloud and virtual network topologies, VPN encryption, firewalls, intrusion prevention, web and email content security, and endpoint security. The certification is valid for three years and to qualify for the exam you must hold a valid CCENT, CCNA Routing & Switching OR CCIE certification.

3. CISSP-Certified Information Systems Security Professional

This advanced certification means you can design, engineer, implement, and manage an enterprise-level security program. It requires at least five years of full-time work in two or more of the eight qualifying security domains, which are Security and Risk Management, Asset Security, Security Engineering, Communications and Network Security, Identity and Access Management, Security Assessment and Testing, Security Operations, and Software Development Security.

The $699 exam is just the first task. You must then be documented and endorsed by an active International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium member.

CISSPs are required to pay a $85 maintenance fee during the three-year cycle and submit 40 continuing professional education credits each year, for a total of 120 CPEs. For more information on the steps to becoming a CISSP and maintaining your certification status, visit www.isc2.org .

4. CISM-Certified Information Security Manager

This certificate is for experienced security professionals who want to get into security management or are already leading security teams. You might have experience managing, developing and overseeing information security systems in enterprise-level applications or developed organizational security practices.

CISM’s must agree to ISACA's Code of Professional Ethics, pass a comprehensive examination, possess at least five years of security experience, comply with the Continuing Education Policy and submit a written application to qualify for this certificate.

If you are an ISACA member and register early the exam is $500; nonmembers pay $710. The regular member fee is $550 and $760 for nonmembers. The certificate is valid for three years and you must pay an annual maintenance fee of $45 (ISACA members) or $85 (nonmembers). Credential holders are also required to obtain a minimum of 120 continuing professional education (CPE) credits over the three-year term to maintain the credential.

5. GSE- GIAC Security Expert Certificate

The GSE is a prestigious credential in the IT Security industry developed by the top security subject matter experts. You must hold a GSEC, GCIH, GCIA with two Gold certifications as a prerequisite. There are two parts to the certificate. First is a multiple-choice exam and the second is a 2-day hands-on lab exam.

To qualify for the GIAC Security Expert Certificate you must pass the $449 exam and pass the lab exam which is an additional $2,309. The certificate must be renewed every four years.

If you want to advance in the IT security field, you will need to get certified at some point. It's a great way to show your current or prospective employer that you possess the skills needed and are qualified for the job. Micro Tech Staffing Group works with several clients that offer tuition reimbursement, so you can stay up to date with your education and certifications. We understand this industry and can help you achieve your career goals. Let Micro Tech Staffing Group, guide you to your new future.