If you want a long and fulfilling career, becoming a cybersecurity analyst is most definitely the way to go. Every single day we wake up to new technological advancements, which means more opportunities for hackers to attack businesses and individuals. A cybersecurity analyst's job is to identify risks and vulnerabilities in networks and secure them. 

The cybersecurity field is highly competitive, so here are our recommendations on a few certifications you can take that could be advantageous to you. 

Certified Information Systems Security Professional

In addition to providing cybersecurity professionals with training in the following areas, the International Information System Security Certification Consortium, also known as the ISC, offers the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification. With the CISSP certification:

• Vulnerabilities in web-based systems can be mitigated

• The ethics of professional conduct

• Cryptography threats and concepts are investigated

CISSP certification enhances a student's resume and allows them to advance in their careers.

Prerequisites: Five years of relevant experience and familiarity with at least two domains in the Common Body of Knowledge. 

EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker

Those who earn the Certified Ethical Hacker certification, also known as the CEH or Certified Network Defense Architect for government employees, learn how to identify and patch vulnerabilities in networks. You can use this certification to enhance your current professional skill set since it teaches you how to think like a hacker, allowing you to predict and prevent potential attacks.

Prerequisites: You must have two years of IT industry experience. 

CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst

The Cybersecurity Analyst certification, originally known as CSA+, is ideal for IT professionals looking to become security analysts. By identifying and analyzing potential vulnerabilities and risks, this certification equips IT staff with the tools they need to detect cyber threats. Additionally, it gives students the behavioral analytical skills they need to spot and eliminate malware and other sophisticated persistent threats, increasing the visibility of threats as a whole.

Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites; however, it is recommended that you take Network+ or Security+ from CompTIA first. 

CompTIA Network+

For most cybersecurity jobs, this Network+ certification provides the necessary base knowledge. The test measures a candidate's knowledge, understanding, and awareness of cybersecurity protocols and networks. 

Although Network+ is rarely required for employment, it can be an asset when applying for jobs. A cybersecurity analyst, also known as a CSA, shares many responsibilities with network analysts, making this a valuable credential.

Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites; however, it is recommended that you have nine months of networking experience. 

CompTIA Security+

Security+ certification is considered a vital credential by many employers. Some might argue that because it provides such a solid foundation of knowledge, it should be considered a prerequisite for this field. After passing the Security+ exam, candidates receive an overview of cryptography, risk management, and vulnerabilities. Students gain knowledge of how to secure networks, applications, and devices as well as the proper methods for installing and configuring systems. Additionally, they receive instruction on the protocols required to conduct a threat analysis on the aforementioned systems as well as methods for reducing the severity of any threats.

Prerequisites: None; however, it is advisable to take Network+. 

If you want to work in cybersecurity, check out Computek College's Computer Network and Cyber Security Engineer program! We emphasize hands-on learning to ensure that our students can always hit the ground running. Call us at 416-321-9911 or visit our website today to learn more.