By 2022, there’ll be a shortage of nearly 1.8 million information security workers, says a survey report conducted by the (ISC)2.
The world is desperately in need of more cyber security experts. As the incidence of cyber crimes and attacks are increasing by the day, companies around the world are not just losing money but also their reputation. Consequently, the demand for cyber security professionals is skyrocketing. Almost every company in the IT and business sectors have to deal with some level of cyber security – this creates the “need” for talented cyber security professionals, a career prospect that is growing four times faster than any other IT-related career.
Why Choose a Career in Cyber Security?
Here are three reasons why you should choose a career in cyber security!
1. Boundless possibilities of growth.
The best thing about cyber security is that it presents an excellent opportunity for growth, both career-wise and for upskilling. Although cyber security is a stand-alone discipline in itself, while learning about its various domains, you will also learn about the related IT skills.
2. Exciting job opportunities.
Cyber security professionals get the chance to work with a host of different technologies and systems. From standard websites to working with advanced robotics systems, there will be plenty of things to always keep you excited to work and learn. So, rest assured, you will never be bored while working in this field.
3. Attractive salary packages.
Right now, cyber security is among the highest paying industries, owing to the rapidly growing demand for talent in this domain. In 2018, the average salary of cyber security professionals increased by 16% to £72,500 and that of senior-level positions being nearly £200,000. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary of Information Security Analysts is $102,470.
Thus, if you can obtain the right training in cyber security, your future is going to be very bright!
Salary Prospects in Cyber Security
Like we mentioned earlier, cyber security jobs promise high salary packages. An entry-level position in this field fetches about $10,000 more than the national median salary in the US, and for those working in the C suite in metro cities may earn up to $380,000. According to Indeed’s Global cyber security Outlook 2019 report, in the US, Application Security Engineer is the highest paid job role in cyber security with a median salary of $128,128 p.a., followed closely by the Director of Information Security with an average annual salary of $127,855.
Top CompTIA Certifications to Take Your Cyber Security Career to the Next Level!
To build a successful career in cyber security, you must go through a proper training process to learn about the fundamentals of this field. And what better than a CompTIA Certification to kickstart your career in cyber security!
Here are the top CompTIA Certifications that can take your cyber security career to the next level:
1. CompTIA Network+ Certification
The Network+ Certification is also an entry-level certification for IT professionals who have at least nine months of experience in Networking/Network Support. A candidate must be familiar with the fundamental networking technologies, topologies, security, installation & configuration, and troubleshooting of commonly used wired and wireless network devices.
It is a complementary course to the CompTIA A+ certification that covers only the basic networking skills. The Network+ Certification will make you a pro in managing, maintenance, installation, configuration, troubleshooting for network infrastructures.
A candidate has to clear only one exam to obtain this certification, and the price for this certification is $319.
2. CompTIA Security+ Certification
Since Network Security is one of the most valued domains in IT and cyber security, the CompTIA Security+ Certification is perfect for those looking to build a promising career in Network Security.
This certification covers an array of Network Security concepts such as potential threats and vulnerabilities, cryptography, access control, identity management, and so on.
A candidate must first obtain the Network+ Certification and also have a minimum of two years of IT experience with special focus on Network Security. To obtain the Security+ Certification, all candidates must clear the SY0-501 exam.
The price for the Security+ Certification is $339.
3. CompTIA Server+ Certification
The CompTIA Server+ Certification is a mid-level course that covers advanced computing concepts. Hence, CompTIA recommends that candidates first take a basic-level course like the Network+ Certification before choosing this advanced Certification.
Usually, this certification is perfect for professionals (particularly System Administrators) having at least 18-24 months of experience in Software Technologies and Server Hardware.
A candidate has to pass a standard format test covering server-related topics like installation, configuration, troubleshooting, maintenance, upgrading, etc. After clearing this, one can appear for the Server+ exam – SK0-004.
The price for the CompTIA Server+ Certification is $319.
4. CompTIA cyber security Analyst (CySA+) Certification
CompTIA refers to the CySA+ Certification as the linking bridge between Network+/Security+ Certification and the master-level Advanced Security Practitioner Certification. It is exclusively designed to churn out highly-trained Information Security Analysts.
Candidates must possess 3-4 years of working experience in Information Security or any other related field. They must be proficient in using system threat-detection tools and also with data and behavioral analytics to protect and secure applications/systems from potential threats, risks, and intrusions.
To obtain the CySA+ Certification, candidates must clear a performance-based examination.
The price for the CySA+ Certification is $349.
5. CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) Certification
The CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner Certification is one of the most popular certifications offered by CompTIA. It primarily covers risk management and forecasting, risk analysis, and enterprise security. Companies like Booz Allen Hamilton, Network Solutions, and Verizon Connect require the CASP+ Certification for various IT and Information Security positions.
It is primarily designed for experienced IT Security professionals who plan, build, and implement security solutions for enterprises. Since this is a master-level credential, it requires 10 years of experience in IT administration with at least 5 years of experience in Technical Security. Also, it is recommended that you get the Network+ and Security+ certifications before taking this.
To obtain the CASP+ certification, candidates must pass the CAS-003 exam consisting of both multiple-choice and performance-based questions.
The price for this certification is $439.
Taking up a CompTIA certification course can be extremely beneficial for your cyber security career. First, CompTIA offers an extensive range of study materials along with many different kinds of training and learning options like classroom training and e-learning. Second, since CompTIA credentials never focus only on particular skills, obtaining a CompTIA credential could help you land jobs with a diverse portfolio, according to your skillset, experience, and area/s of interest. Last but not least, CompTIA certifications are not only vendor-neutral, but they are also internationally accepted.
So, without further ado, take up a CompTIA security+ certification course today!
