Nowadays, almost all companies in the world have come to the realization that technology is the most cost-effective and convenient way of doing business. As a result, technology, the internet, data, and mobile computing are present everywhere, regardless of the industry, and as such, there is a high demand for IT professionals of all kinds. Technology and data have become prime factors in driving business decisions and profits for large companies. As a result of this increasing crowd in the cyber world, cyber crimes and other online threats have also increased quite significantly. This has led to the emergence of cybersecurity as a full-time career option.
Cyber security experts or white hat hackers are in huge demand in almost every industry nowadays. That’s why it’s necessary to be ready for an interview and acquire a good cyber security certification at the earliest. According to ZipRecruiter, the annual average pay of cybersecurity professionals in the US is $100,473, and the salary goes as high as $218,000 for some positions. Certification could bridge the difference between getting that coveted job position and missing out on other candidates with proper certification. This article aims to present you with a roadmap to cyber security certification and building your professional career in this field.
How to create a roadmap to cyber security career
A career roadmap, also known as a career plan, is a personal management tool that helps you map out a course to achieve your professional goals. In order to create a career roadmap, you must:
- Conduct a self-assessment. Assess your own strengths and weaknesses as well as your interests. Understand your work values and the sort of work environment that you want to work in.
- Identify the most likely careers – Research and find out the various occupations that will lead you to your career goals. Interact with people working in those positions. Which of these careers interest you, and how prepared are you to apply for them?
- List out the best strategies for you to reach that career. This includes the requisite skills and steps needed to acquire those skills.
- Now you are all set to start job hunting. Write down a personal branding statement on your CV/resume, and complete it with a cover letter. Identify the job search resources that you want to use and practice interviewing yourself to familiarize yourself with the most likely questions.ย
As you embark on your journey toward a career in cybersecurity, it’s essential to consider the various specializations available within the field. Many professionals find themselves drawn to roles in IT security and support, where they can apply their technical skills to safeguard sensitive information and assist users with security-related issues. Gaining hands-on experience in IT security and support will not only enhance your resume but also significantly improve your practical understanding of cybersecurity challenges.
A Sample Roadmap to Cyber Security Certification
Now that you know how to create a roadmap for your career in cybersecurity, let us look at a possible real-life scenario where you take the right steps, put in the right effort, and become a cyber security expert in the most efficient way possible.
1. Choose the Right Certification for Your Goals
Your first step is to identify the certification(s) that align with your professional goals. Below we have listed out the popular ANSI-accredited security certifications:
- Cybersecurity Strategy and Implementation
- Cloud Security
- Secure Software Development
- IT/ICT Security Administration
- Security Assessment and Authorization
- Healthcare Security & Privacy
2. Register for Your Exam
Commit immediately by registering for your desired exam. To schedule your exam, first, create an account with Pearson VUE.
3. Get the Training That’s Right for You
Enroll in a self-paced or instructor-led online and classroom course. You can avail of training, courseware, seminars, and self-study aids directly provided by (ISC)ยฒ, or one of their official training providers will help you get ready for your exam by proper review of relevant domains and topics. Find out the course that best meets your needs at the (ISC)ยฒ Training Finder.
4. Pass the exam
Whether you prepare on your own or through a valid cybersecurity certification training course, the only thing that matters is that you pass the exam. As accredited cybersecurity certification exams are costly, it is advisable to join a training program that will cover multiple attempts of your exam or will refund part of your training fees if you do not pass the exam.
5. Join A Global Community of Cybersecurity Leaders
Once you pass the exam and successfully register for your certification, you will join a global community of cybersecurity professionals who focus on inspiring a safe and secure cyber world. Apart from an extensive network, you will also gain access to (ISC)ยฒ member benefits as well as continuing education opportunities that will help you keep your skills sharp during the course of your cybersecurity career.
List of the Best CompTIA Certification Paths in Cybersecurity
Here are some of the best and most sought-after CompTIA certification paths available today:
1. CompTIA Cybersecurity Career
This path familiarizes you with IT behavioral security analysis, vulnerability testing and penetration, and how to design and implement security systems. The relevant course load includes:
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- CompTIA PenTest+
- CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner
- CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst+
2. CompTIA Infrastructure Career
This certification set will give you the skills and knowledge to support and maintain all IT operations, including network configuration, physical servers, virtual systems, storage, cloud architecture, security, etc. The courses required for this career are:
- CompTIA Server+
- CompTIA Linux+
- CompTIA Cloud+
3. CompTIA Core Certification
This certification is ideal for beginners in IT. You will learn entry-level cybersecurity concepts, including managing endpoint devices and systems, user device/support connectivity, etc. The relevant courses include:
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Fundamentals+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Network+
4. Miscellaneous/Additional Professional Certifications
These credentials are useful to either augment an existing path or provide the basis for a completely different career path, such as project manager or cloud engineer. The relevant courses are
- CompTIA CTT+
- CompTIA Cloud Essentials
- CompTIA Project+
The Best Roadmap to Cyber Security Training
Simplilearn’s CompTIA Security+ training course helps you acquire the much need skills for installing and configuring systems for securing applications, networks, and devices; engage in risk mitigation activities; conduct threat analysis and implement appropriate mitigation techniques; and gain awareness of relevant policies, laws, etc.
Whether through corporate training or through an individual blended learning approach, you will gain valuable skills and knowledge from 32 hours of instructor-led learning covering the six key areas required to become an IT security expert.
