05.3.2024
Top 5 IT Certifications Shaping 2024: Stay Ahead in Tech
Posted by Marbenz Antonio on May 23, 2023
A certification can greatly enhance your IT career, especially in fields like CEH hacking, and increase your chances of achieving success in the technology industry. As the demand for information security professionals continues to rise, obtaining a certification becomes even more valuable. Ethical hacking is a crucial career path that plays a vital role in safeguarding companies’ systems and information against cyberattacks.
The contribution of ethical hackers is vital for the prosperity of organizations as they uncover vulnerabilities in systems and assist in fortifying cybersecurity measures. This pivotal role enables organizations to establish a stronger security framework.
There are many certification choices available for aspiring ethical hackers, offering valuable training, skills, and hands-on experience for this career path. However, selecting the most suitable certification can be a daunting task. Keep reading to discover the top six certifications recommended for ethical hackers that can significantly enhance your IT career.
Ethical hacking, also known as penetration testing or authorized hacking, involves intentionally attempting to breach the security of a system or network with proper authorization. Its purpose is to assess and evaluate the system’s security posture. By engaging in this proactive approach, potential vulnerabilities can be identified and mitigated before they are exploited in real-world attacks.
Ethical hackers possess expertise in hacking methodologies and possess the knowledge to effectively safeguard data and information. They are familiar with the mindset, techniques, and tools used by malicious hackers. In their pursuit of securing systems, ethical hackers may employ tactics such as social engineering and phishing scams to gain access to operating systems.
The demand for CEH Hacking in the technology career sector is significant and continues to grow. They are highly sought-after IT professionals in today’s job market. Experienced ethical hackers possess extensive expertise in areas such as cryptography, footprinting, and monitoring security controls within organizations.
Given the escalating frequency of data breaches, organizations will continue to rely on ethical hackers and security analysts to safeguard their systems and data. In 2021, the average cost of a data breach exceeded 4.24 million dollars. This ongoing rise in data breaches further amplifies the demand for cybersecurity professionals, making their skills and knowledge more indispensable than ever before.
The significant demand for professionals in this field has resulted in numerous job opportunities remaining unfilled. According to Cybercrime magazine, the number of cybersecurity positions, including ethical hacking, is projected to reach around 3.5 million vacancies by 2025.
To secure one of these sought-after roles, it is crucial to acquire a certification in CEH Hacking. Organizations typically seek individuals with extensive knowledge, skills, and practical experience in this domain. Obtaining a certification allows you to gain hands-on experience and enhance your expertise, thereby elevating your IT career prospects. Respectfully, certifications serve as a valuable tool for skill development and can greatly contribute to your professional growth in the field.
Currently, there are numerous ethical hacker certification courses and boot camps offered in the market. These programs provide IT professionals with a solid foundation in the role of ethical hacking and train them to adopt a hacker’s mindset. With a wide array of cybersecurity certification options available, determining the most suitable one can be a daunting task. It is worth noting that several cybersecurity certifications, like CISSP, encompass aspects of ethical hacking and penetration testing. However, for individuals seeking certifications specifically tailored to ethical hacking, the following list highlights the top six ethical hacking certification exams that can significantly advance your IT career.
For ethical hackers, it is crucial to possess the ability to assess network security and identify vulnerabilities within operating systems. Penetration testing, which is a key component of ethical hacking, involves performing tests to evaluate system defenses. Pen testers often require the ability to think and act like malicious hackers, with expertise in areas such as malware and SQL injections. Obtaining the CompTIA PenTest+ certification equips ethical hackers with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their role, enabling them to effectively perform their job functions.
The CompTIA PenTest+ certification exam offers a unique advantage by combining performance-based tasks with multiple-choice questions. This comprehensive approach, coupled with the availability of practice exams, facilitates the expansion of your IT security knowledge and hands-on experience. By undertaking this certification exam, you enhance your preparedness not only for the exam itself but also for your ethical hacking responsibilities.
The exam covers a wide range of topics, including penetration testing skills in cloud, hybrid, and traditional on-site environments. Additionally, it delves into essential areas such as web applications and the Internet of Things (IoT). This holistic approach ensures that candidates develop the necessary expertise and proficiency to address various challenges encountered in the field of ethical hacking.
By obtaining the CompTIA PenTest+ certification, you will be equipped with the necessary skills to effectively conduct penetration testing across a range of targets, including operating systems, networks, firewalls, web servers, and applications, as well as wireless communications. Furthermore, this certification will enable you to perform systems auditing to identify potential security risks.
While there are no specific prerequisites for taking the CompTIA PenTest+ exam, it is often recommended for candidates who have prior experience with CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+. Additionally, it is beneficial to possess three to four years of practical, hands-on experience in the field. This foundational knowledge and hands-on expertise provide a solid basis for success in the CompTIA PenTest+ exam and for effectively fulfilling the responsibilities of an ethical hacker.
Administered by the EC-Council, the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification is widely recognized in the industry and aims to cultivate the mindset of an ethical hacker. This certification exam not only enhances your ability to think like a hacker but also helps you develop skills in penetration testing, understanding attack methodologies, and implementing detection and prevention measures.
The CEH exam evaluates your knowledge of security threats, risks, and countermeasures. The exam preparation includes comprehensive training led by instructors, video lectures, self-study courses, and hands-on labs, all tailored for information security professionals. Seasoned professionals with ample experience in the field, equivalent to at least two years of cybersecurity or related work, have the option to take the exam without undergoing the training courses.
By obtaining the CEH Hacking certification, you demonstrate your competence in ethical hacking, validate your expertise in cybersecurity, and position yourself as a skilled professional in the industry.
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The Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) is widely regarded as the most challenging ethical hacking certification, primarily due to its hands-on nature. To attain the OSCP certification, you must successfully complete an online course and pass a series of OSCE exams within a specific timeframe.
The course curriculum encompasses a range of topics, including web application and network security, with a primary emphasis on penetration testing techniques. Through the completion of this program, you will demonstrate your capability to conduct thorough penetration tests on large networks or complex systems.
What sets the OSCP certification apart from others is its focus on evaluating candidates’ true proficiency. While immediate prerequisites are not mandatory, Offensive Security recommends that learners possess experience in networking, bash scripting, Perl or Python programming, and Linux.
The OSCP certification entails an immersive learning and mastery environment that assesses candidates’ skills against those of other ethical hackers. It features a rigorous testing environment where learners are presented with real-world ethical hacking scenarios to demonstrate their abilities.
The Certified Security Testing Associate (CSTA) certification serves as an entry-level option for individuals who are new to the ethical hacking field. Developed by 7Safe, a United Kingdom-based organization, the CSTA certification offers a foundational understanding of security testing practices.
The CSTA certification is designed as an intensive training program and exam, serving as a boot camp-style experience for professionals seeking to enter the industry. It specifically caters to information security professionals based in the UK who aim to transition successfully into the realm of ethical hacking.
To become an ethical hacker, it is essential to comprehend the mindset and techniques employed by hackers, allowing for effective mitigation of potential attack risks. However, gaining direct hands-on experience in this field can be challenging. The CSTA certification addresses this challenge by providing training in security testing, a crucial step before embarking on the path of becoming an ethical hacker.
The CSTA exam assesses your ability to perform diverse security assessments and audits on multiple systems, employing various tools and techniques. Additionally, you are expected to understand how these tools function within a network environment and how they interoperate during penetration testing exercises.
The Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI) certification is a highly recommended choice for individuals seeking a career in digital forensics or forensic analysis. Specifically tailored for IT professionals interested in investigating cybercrime, the CHFI certification offers a comprehensive skill set in this domain.
Managed by the EC-Council, the CHFI certification serves as a mid-level credential for IT professionals. The certification exam covers various domains, including memory analysis of Windows or other operating systems, mobile device forensics, incident response, and more.
The CHFI certification encompasses hacking methodologies, digital forensics, and evidence analysis pertaining to Dark Web, IoT, and Cloud Forensics. By acquiring CHFI, learners gain proficiency in utilizing cutting-edge digital forensics technologies and techniques, empowering them to conduct effective digital investigations.
Obtaining the CHFI certification equips individuals with the necessary expertise to delve into the world of digital forensics, enabling them to pursue careers in investigating cybercrime and contributing to the field of forensic analysis.
The GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN) certification is an esteemed professional-level credential provided by the Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) program. It signifies that candidates possess the knowledge and skills required to conduct penetration testing on network systems.
The GPEN exam encompasses fundamental security concepts as well as advanced ethical hacking techniques. It also covers topics related to legal considerations and reporting procedures for findings. For those interested in specializing in specific ethical hacking certifications for cloud environments and cloud security, GIAC has established a partnership with the SANS Institute.
As IT professionals prepare for the GPEN exam, they will acquire proficiency in executing various attack methods, including Man-in-the-Middle, Denial of Service, and Social Engineering. Furthermore, they will gain expertise in utilizing multiple tools to perform penetration testing tasks and learn how to develop custom scripts that automate these activities. The emphasis of the course is on practical, hands-on testing, enabling learners to apply their skills in real-world scenarios.
The GPEN certification is highly recommended for security testers with a minimum of two years of experience in the field. This certification validates their expertise and further establishes their professional standing in the realm of security testing and ethical hacking.
Experience in conducting penetration testing, system and network auditing, system administration, and risk management assessments is often a prerequisite for many positions that necessitate an ethical hacking certification. The demand for ethical hacking certifications and experience is particularly high among prominent technology companies like IBM and Google. Below are examples of roles that commonly require an ethical hacking certification:
Ethical hacking, a growing field in cybersecurity, is experiencing high demand, and acquiring certifications can facilitate skill development and career progression.
When exploring certification options, it is advisable to select a program that aligns with your career objectives. To determine the most suitable ethical hacking certification, follow these four steps:
Selecting the right ethical hacking certification requires careful consideration as it involves a significant investment of time and resources. Researching and identifying the certification that best suits your goals and needs is equally important as the actual certification preparation.
It is important to recognize that many job opportunities in this field may also require a degree in addition to holding a certification. Given that ethical hacking and cybersecurity are rapidly growing and in-demand fields, it is advisable to start preparing early. Exploring job roles on professional networking platforms such as LinkedIn or ZipRecruiter can provide valuable insights into the specific qualifications and skills sought by companies hiring ethical hackers.
Most certification programs assume a certain level of prior knowledge and experience in information security. However, to maximize the benefits for your IT career, a combination of a degree, relevant certification, and practical experience can greatly enhance your prospects of securing a role in the information security industry.
Here at CourseMonster, we know how hard it may be to find the right time and funds for training. We provide effective training programs that enable you to select the training option that best meets the demands of your company.
For more information, please get in touch with one of our course advisers today or contact us at training@coursemonster.com
