Cybersecurity is a hot topic. With more and more companies relying on technology, the need for people who can protect them from cyberattacks is skyrocketing. A cybersecurity certification is like a badge that says, "I know how to keep your stuff safe." It's proof to employers that you have the skills to protect their valuable data and systems.
Did you know? There's a massive shortage of cybersecurity professionals worldwide. There's a global shortage of nearly 4 Million. Based on a case study by ICS2, the gap between the number of skilled cybersecurity staffers required and the number available has risen 12.6% year over year worldwide.
This means that if you get certified, you'll have a better chance of landing a great job. the chances of you getting a full remote job are also high as a certified cybersecurity professional.
How Much Can You Earn as a Certified Cybersecurity Professional?
The amount you can earn depends on your specific certification, experience, and location. But let's be real, cybersecurity experts are in high demand, and that means good paychecks. According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for a certified cybersecurity professional is $132,962 yearly. And that number is only going up as the demand for accredited professionals is high.
Your Cybersecurity Certification Roadmap: A Step-by-Step Guide
Level 1: Cybersecurity Fundamentals
"Which Cybersecurity is the best for beginners?" This question is on most cybersecurity professional's minds when they are starting out. This is where you start building your foundation.
CompTIA Security+:
What is the CompTIA Security+ Course About?
The CompTIA Security+ course is designed to provide foundational knowledge and skills in cybersecurity. It covers essential concepts such as network security, risk management, cryptography, identity management, etc. The course prepares individuals to identify and address security threats, vulnerabilities, and attacks
Why is the CompTIA Security+ Course Good?
CompTIA Security+ is globally recognized and respected by IT industry employers. The vendor-neutral certification offers broadly applicable skills. It covers a wide range of fundamental security topics, providing a solid foundation for a cybersecurity career. The course includes hands-on exercises and labs, helping learners apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
How Can the CompTIA Security+ Course Help You in Work Tasks?
The CompTIA Security+ course offers foundational cybersecurity knowledge in network security, risk management, cryptography, and identity management. It is globally recognized, vendor-neutral, and ideal for building a cybersecurity career. The course helps you identify risks, implement protective measures, respond to incidents, ensure compliance, and enhance your organization's security posture.
CertNexus CyberSec First Responder:
What is the CertNexus CyberSec First Responder Course About?
The CertNexus CyberSec First Responder course equips individuals with the skills to effectively detect, respond to, and mitigate cybersecurity threats and incidents. It covers threat analysis, incident response, and security monitoring.
Why is the CertNexus CyberSec First Responder Course Good?
The course is highly regarded for its specialized focus on incident response and threat analysis, providing hands-on experience and practical skills immediately applicable in the workplace. It is recognized for its comprehensive approach to preparing professionals for real-world cybersecurity challenges.
How Can This Course Help You in Work Tasks?
The CertNexus CyberSec First Responder course helps you identify and address security incidents, implement effective response strategies, and analyze threats. It ensures you are prepared to manage and mitigate cyber attacks, thereby enhancing your organization’s security resilience and improving its overall security posture.
Level 2: Cybersecurity Specialist
Now it's time to focus on a specific area. It’s like choosing a degree in college. There are 3 specifications you can choose from which are Cybersecurity Analyst, Network Security and Cybersecurity Management
Cybersecurity Analyst
You'll be the detective, finding and stopping cybercriminals before they cause damage.
CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
What is the CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) Course About?
The CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) course focuses on applying behavioural analytics to improve IT security. It covers threat detection, data analysis, vulnerability management, and security monitoring.
Why is the CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) Course Good?
The CySA+ course is well-regarded for its emphasis on hands-on, practical threat detection and analysis skills. It is vendor-neutral and recognized globally, making it valuable for professionals seeking to advance their careers in cybersecurity.
How Can This Course Help You in Work Tasks?
The CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) course teaches you to detect and analyze security threats, manage vulnerabilities, and monitor security systems. It enhances your ability to protect your organization from cyber-attacks, improve incident response, and ensure continuous security monitoring, strengthening your overall security framework.
Network Security
You'll be the network guardian, protecting the digital highways.
CompTIA Network+
What is the CompTIA Network+ Course About?
The CompTIA Network+ course provides foundational knowledge in networking, covering network design, implementation, management, and troubleshooting. It includes topics like network protocols, hardware, and security.
Why is the CompTIA Network+ Course Good?
The course is well-regarded for its comprehensive coverage of networking fundamentals and its vendor-neutral approach. It is recognized globally and is ideal for building a solid foundation for networking professionals.
How Can This Course Help You in Work Tasks?
The CompTIA Network+ course provides skills to design, implement, manage, and troubleshoot networks, enabling you to handle infrastructure tasks, resolve connectivity issues, and ensure efficient network operations, thereby supporting your organization's networking needs and improving performance.
Microsoft Azure Security Technologies Associate
What is the Microsoft Azure Security Technologies Associate Course About?
The Microsoft Azure Security Technologies Associate course focuses on securing Microsoft Azure environments. It covers topics like managing security operations, implementing threat protection, and ensuring data and application security within Azure.
Why is the Microsoft Azure Security Technologies Associate Course Good?
This course is valuable for its specialized focus on Azure security, offering in-depth knowledge of securing cloud environments. It is ideal for professionals working with Azure and is highly regarded for its relevance to current cloud security challenges.
How Can This Course Help You in Work Tasks?
The Microsoft Azure Security Technologies Associate course teaches you to secure Azure environments, implement threat protection, and manage security operations. This helps protect cloud resources, respond to threats, and ensure the security of your organization’s Azure infrastructure.
Cybersecurity Management
You'll be the boss, leading the cybersecurity team.
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
What is the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) Course About?
The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) course focuses on managing and governing an enterprise's information security program. It covers topics such as risk management, security governance, incident management, and program development.
Why is the CISM Course Good?
The CISM course is well-regarded for its strategic approach to managing information security. It is globally recognized and highly valued by employers, providing the necessary skills to develop and manage an effective security program, making it ideal for those in or aspiring to managerial roles in information security.
How Can This Course Help You in Work Tasks?
The CISM course provides skills to manage an organization's information security program, handle risk management, and respond to incidents. This enables you to develop security policies, ensure compliance, and protect information assets, enhancing overall security.
Level 3: Cybersecurity Expert
You've mastered your craft and are ready to lead the pack. When you want to go towards the advanced certification, it is best to have at least 5 years of hands-on experience so that you will be familiar with the challenges and complexity you will face.
Certified Information Systems Auditor
What is the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) Course About?
The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) course focuses on auditing, controlling, and ensuring the security of information systems. It covers areas like IT governance, risk management, and audit processes.
Why is the CISA Course Good?
The CISA course is well-regarded for its comprehensive approach to IT auditing and control. It is globally recognized and provides in-depth knowledge essential for auditing and securing information systems, making it valuable for professionals seeking to advance in audit and compliance roles.
How Can This Course Help You in Work Tasks?
The CISA course equips you with the skills to perform effective audits, assess IT risks, and ensure proper control and security of information systems. This enables you to evaluate and improve your organization’s IT governance, risk management, and compliance processes, thereby strengthening its overall information security.
The Cybersecurity Crisis in Malaysia
Malaysia, like many countries, is facing a cybersecurity crisis. We need another 27,000 cybersecurity professionals by 2025. With more businesses going digital, the risk of cyberattacks is increasing.
This means opportunities for those who are willing to learn and get certified.
By becoming a certified cybersecurity professional, you're not just building a career; you're helping to protect Malaysia's digital infrastructure.
Conclusion
The cybersecurity industry is booming, and with the right certifications and experience, you can carve out a successful career. Remember, it's a journey, not a race. Take your time, build a strong foundation, and continuously learn. The digital world needs skilled cybersecurity professionals like you to protect it.
FAQs
Is cybersecurity a good career path?
Absolutely! Cybersecurity is a rapidly growing field with high demand and excellent job prospects. Certified cybersecurity professionals are in high demand and can command competitive salaries.
What is the Cybersecurity Certification Roadmap?
How long does it take to become a certified cybersecurity professional?
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