Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing job markets. As businesses and individuals become more connected, the risk of cyberattacks increases as well. That’s why demand for qualified Information Technology Security Engineers, Security Analysts, and Computer Network Architects is on the rise.
These roles require a blend of technical skills and analytical reasoning to achieve optimal security. If you’re interested in making a career out of cyber security, read on to find out how you can upskill with some entry-level certifications and training programs.
Introduction to Cyber Security
Cyber security, also known as computer security, is the prevention of unauthorized access to electronic data. It is the protection of data in electronic form, accessed both via computers and other networked devices such as smartphones. The data could be in the form of information or software and could be accessed from residential computers, servers or mobile devices connected to the internet.
Besides data, cyber security also protects computers and other devices from damage. It involves controlling unauthorized access, preventing denial-of-service attacks and protecting against the risk of incursions or damage caused by viruses. Cyber security risks have increased as technology has advanced and become more integrated into business operations. The most significant cyber threats include unsecure software and networks, identity theft, data breaches and data manipulation.
ISO 27000 Certification
ISO 27005, or ISO 27001 for organisations, is a standardized Information Security management system (ISMS). It establishes guidelines and best practices for managing risk and protecting sensitive data. ISO 27001 certification is essential for any company handling sensitive data.
It indicates that the company has proper security protocols in place and can be trusted to do business with sensitive information. ISO 27001 certification will help your career by demonstrating that you have a strong understanding of cybersecurity best practices. It shows employers that you are able to create a framework to protect sensitive data and respond to security breaches when they occur.
Security Awareness Training
As a cybersecurity professional, you will be responsible for educating employees about best security practices. You will need to regularly review current security threats and identify possible solutions to address them. You may also have to participate in incident response efforts to mitigate threats.
To do all of these things effectively, you will need to be knowledgeable about security awareness training. Security awareness training is a method of teaching employees how to protect their networks, computers and data from malicious actors. It involves a combination of one-off lessons and ongoing training. The goal of security awareness training is to raise employee awareness about cybersecurity threats, as well as how to avoid them by following best practices.
Network Security Certification
Many tech news publications have reported that organizations with a large network of computers will require their employees to obtain a computer network certification. Network certifications show that you have a deep understanding of network infrastructure, best practices and security protocols. Network security certifications are vendor neutral, meaning they can apply to most major network equipment vendors.
Choosing an appropriate certification will depend on your specific job function. If you are interested in pursuing a network engineer position, look for vendor-specific certifications. They will allow you to prove your deep knowledge of one vendor’s products and gain an edge against other candidates.
If you are more interested in switching to management, look for vendor-neutral certifications instead. They will help you demonstrate an understanding of network infrastructure as a whole.
Cloud Security Certification
Cloud computing has become an essential part of business operations. It has also led to a rise in cloud security issues. Cloud certifications prove that you understand the ins and outs of cloud security. That knowledge can help you identify potential vulnerabilities in your organization’s cloud strategy.
It can also help you select a cloud provider that has the security controls in place to protect your data. There are several different cloud certifications available. You can find one that aligns with your specific job function. If you are interested in pursuing a cloud engineer role, look for vendor-specific certifications.
They will allow you to prove your deep knowledge of one vendor’s products and gain an edge against other candidates. If you are more interested in switching to management, look for vendor-neutral certifications instead. They will help you demonstrate an understanding of cloud security as a whole.
Computer Network Defence (CND) Certification
Computer Network Defence (CND) is a vendor-neutral certification. It will help you demonstrate a basic understanding of cybersecurity best practices. It will also prove that you are able to apply those best practices to real-life scenarios. Depending on your specific certification, you may also be able to demonstrate specific knowledge of a vendor’s products.
Depending on the certification you choose, you may have to pass a practical exam or write a paper. You may also be required to complete a capstone project that demonstrates your ability to apply your knowledge to real-life scenarios.
CND certifications are useful for individuals working in business continuity and disaster recovery roles. They also make an excellent starting point if you are interested in pursuing a network engineer role.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing job markets. As businesses and individuals become more connected, the risk of cyberattacks increases as well. That’s why demand for qualified Information Technology Security Engineers, Security Analysts, and Computer Network Architects is on the rise.
These roles require a blend of technical skills and analytical reasoning to achieve optimal security. If you’re interested in making a career out of cyber security, read on to find out how you can upskill with some entry-level certifications and training programs.