The world’s attention has shifted to cybersecurity, a term that has been popularly used over the past few years. This has broadened its playfield with the invention of online services and products. The year of the coronavirus pandemic saw a drastic shift to digital norms and services in place. This enabled a large audience to go online for every need possible. Be it entertainment, education, retail, e-commerce, healthcare, or banking- You name it and the service is available online. This calls for a specialized cybersecurity professional to safeguard it from the threat actors.
Cybersecurity is the perfect term coined for the purpose of taking keen steps and strategic tech moves to guard sensitive business and consumer data from intruders and web attackers. Over the years, the attacks have taken many forms; including malware, ransomware, data breaches, phishing, and many others. Astra Security states USD 8 trillion has already been lost to cybercrimes by the close of this year. Isn’t that a whopper of an eye-opener to take stringent action against them right now?
Let us take a dive into what it takes to become a cybersecurity specialist; sideways understanding the difference between degrees, certifications; and other credentials.
What is an Online Cybersecurity Certificate Program?
A cybersecurity credential can take many forms. An online cybersecurity certificate program could be offered by an internationally deemed university or even a certification provider that specializes in it and has stood the test of time with great success stories. These certificate programs are a great bunch of skills on offer that are a holistic blend of cybersecurity and beyond; that could leverage the highest possible return in the form of a thriving career in cybersecurity.
Why do you need one?
A cybersecurity certification is a worthy addition to your portfolio that garners massive attention from the top recruiters in the cyber world. This is not all. These enable you to boost your career manifold while displaying and validating your cybersecurity skills. These allow enough push to your salary package as well; all while enhancing your credibility as an efficiently equipped certified cybersecurity professional.
How is it different from a Cybersecurity Degree?
A cybersecurity degree; as the name suggests is offered by a recognized university that usually takes up a long term to earn the credential. It comes in the bachelor’s and master’s degree format; sometimes corporate programs as well where they are linked to big corporations. They offer a variety of curriculum ingredients that are best suited for the cybersecurity specialist’s job role.
As against cybersecurity certifications, these are offered primarily by prestigious globally renowned certification providers; that have a massive hold in the cybersecurity job market. This grasp is powered by the skills that these certification bodies offer which are an instant pick among top industry recruiters worldwide. The best part about cybersecurity certifications is that they allow you the same or even higher credentialing or capabilities than university degrees; all in a short span of time with equal validation. This is why cybersecurity certifications are the go-to option for all cybersecurity enthusiasts of today’s times.
Cybersecurity Jobs on offer with a Cybersecurity Certification:
- Computer and Information system managers
- Computer network architects
- Information security analysts
- Software QA Analysts and Testers
- Database administrators
- Network and computer systems administrator
- Web developers
The median salary for the above-mentioned roles begins at as high as USD 75,000 per annum, and there is no limit to earning a bomb with the best skills and experience at hand (US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Qualifications Required for the Cybersecurity Certificate Program Online:
- Duly filled application form with processing fee
- High school grades in STEM and transcripts
- SAT or ACT scores (not necessarily required by all schools or colleges)
Universities offering Online Certificates in Cybersecurity programs:
- Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh
- Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge
- Stanford University
Cybersecurity Curriculum:
Broadly, the curriculum of a cybersecurity certification shall include subjects:
- Computer programming
- Counter defense
- Cybersecurity careers
- Databases
- Ethical hacking
- Introduction to information security
- Management principles for information security
- Network fundamentals
- Testing lab
- Wireless security
Are there any alternatives to a Cybersecurity degree?
- Cybersecurity Certifications
- Bootcamps
- On-the-Job experience
- Self-teaching
Things to look for in a Cybersecurity Certification Program:
- Industry Accreditation
- Industry Credentials
- Length of the certification
- Trainer on the program
- Cost of the certification
Top 4 brands to consider for cybersecurity credentials:
- Microsoft Certified Cybersecurity Architect Expert
The global giant came up with a comprehensive skill set on offer that offers a whopping USD 129,047 annually (Indeed.com). Isn’t that a great starting paycheck?
- CompTIA Security+
A name that cybersecurity enthusiasts look for when thinking of mastering a credential in cybersecurity.
- United States Cybersecurity Institute (USCSI®)
The globally renowned and trusted worldwide certification provider offers not only one; but an array of top cybersecurity certifications that are perfectly graded as per your present skillset and career goals. Whether a beginner (CCGP™), an intermediate cyber professional (CCC™), or a seasoned cyber specialist (CSCS™)- USCSI® has a lot to offer to foster a brilliant career acceleration.
- Certified Ethical Hacker
Get into Ethical cyber hacking with the EC Council offering this clever certification on the go.
Final word:
Whether you plan to go for a university cybersecurity degree program or a quick intellectually strong cybersecurity certification from the industry players such as USCSI®, among others. It is highly recommended to dig deep and decide the best for a thriving career trajectory.