Which are the Best Network Security Certifications?

Having the right certificates can boost your employability in information security (InfoSec). If you are an InfoSec or cybersecurity professional, you need to know about the best network security certifications. Gaining these credentials can help you to achieve success in your career. In this article, we discuss five network security certifications that could help you to get hired.

What is a network security certification?

A network security certification is a recognition by a professional board that you meet the standards of knowledge and skills required to be an effective worker in the network and cybersecurity field. There are certifications for both entry-level and experienced workers, and each qualification has its own price point and features. There are several reasons why being certified in network security is a growing demand among employers, such as:

• It indicates that you are qualified to be a network administrator who sets policies and processes to protect a computer network.
• Major information security breaches in global brands in the recent past have increased the demand for network security professionals with the skills to protect sensitive business data.
• More employers are investing in protecting their networks and data. By 2023, the global cybersecurity market is projected to grow to $248.26 billion, according to Statista.

Top network security certifications:

The right InfoSec certification can give you an advantage in the growing cybersecurity industry. Here are five certifications that help InfoSec professionals gain the necessary skills:

1. 1.Network+
2. 2.Security+
3. 3.GIAC security essentials (GSEC)
4. 4.Certified information security manager (CISM)
5. 5.Certified information systems security professional (CISSP)

1.Network+:

This is an entry-level certification that is offered by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA). A Network+ certification gives you the knowledge that you need to keep an organization connected. The key features of this certification include:

• You will learn about key areas of network security, such as configuration, designing and deploying functional networks, network maintenance and network management.
• It is a great choice for information security professionals who are looking for their first certification.
• Its test has a combination of multiple-choice questions, single-choice questions, performance-based questions and drag-and-drop questions.
• The test duration is 90 minutes.

2.Security+:

This is a network security certification for professionals in entry-level information security roles. This CompTIA certification provides a baseline for performing essential security functions. The Security+ credential has the following features:

• It educates you on the essentials of maintaining secure networks, such as managing risk, cryptography, identifying threats and working with network components.
• The recommended qualifications for taking the Security+ exam are 2 years in IT with a focus on security and the Network+ certification.
• CompTIA provides an exam guide, objectives, sample questions and training materials, such as the online CertMaster training tool.
• The test for the Security+ certification has a combination of performance-based and multiple-choice questions.
• The test duration is 90 minutes.

3.GIAC Security Essentials certification (GSEC):

The Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) offers GSEC, a relatively expensive entry-level certification for information security professionals. Here are the key facts about this designation:

• It provides practical knowledge to manage security tasks, covering areas such as Linux services, network security devices, cryptography and risk management.
• The Escal Institute of Advanced Technologies, which is also known as the SANS Institute, and other sources provide the training.
• You will need to renew your GSEC certification every four years.
• The test duration for this credential is five hours.

4.Certified Information Security Manager (CISM):

The Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) offers CISM, which is an advanced network security certification. In this certification, you learn how to control information systems, audit them and make them secure. The main features of the CISM credential include:

• You will need five years of work experience in information security to apply for the CISM certification. A minimum of three years of this work experience must be in information security management. Depending on your credentials, you could be eligible for an exemption to this requirement.
• ISACA members can benefit from a significant reduction in certification costs compared to the costs non-members incur.
• The ISACA website provides a variety of training materials, such as articles, primary references and an exam prep community. These materials are available in different languages. Udemy offers training for this certification and Kaplan IT Training offers an e-learning course with a 180-day subscription and a pass guarantee.
• The test duration for the CISM certification is four hours.

5.Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP):

This is arguably the most popular network security certification. The International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2 offers this designation, which is recommended for information security professionals with years of experience and expertise. The main features of CISSP are:

• It is a globally recognized certification for information security professionals.
• You will need a minimum of a college degree or an accepted alternative credential and four years of work experience in a minimum of two domains that are included in (ISC)2’s Common Body of Knowledge domains. Alternatively, you will need a minimum of five years of experience in a minimum of two (ISC)2 domains.
• In addition to the exam cost, you will need to make an annual payment to maintain this credential.
• This certification needs to be renewed every three years.
• The duration of the English examination for the CISSP credential is three hours.

When trying to decide on the network security certifications that are right for you, you should consider the unique features and price points of these top security certifications as well as your career path. While certain qualifications, such as Network+ and Security+, are typically essential for entry-level roles in network security, certifications such as CISSP will boost your employability for managerial roles in the cybersecurity industry.

Jobs that need network security certifications :

Certifications in network security could be required by employers for certain positions, such as:

1.Network technician:

Primary Duties: A network technician maintains the computer network and computers of a company. These professionals are responsible for selecting the best computer software and hardware for a company, troubleshooting network issues, communicating with clients and coworkers to solve problems and securing the network against cybersecurity threats. You can become a network technician with a recognized industry-specific certification.

2.IT manager:

Primary Duties: An IT manager supervises the computer system of an organization. IT managers are responsible for planning improvements in related products, training and directing professionals, developing policies to secure company data and managing projects. You can become an IT manager with a bachelor’s degree in computer programming or a related field.

3.Systems administrator:

Primary Duties: A systems administrator manages the operation of a company’s computer system. They are responsible for overseeing the configuration of computers, testing electronic products, providing support to computer users, monitoring the computer system and securing the system via upgrades and InfoSec initiatives. You can become a systems administrator with a bachelor’s degree in IT or a related field.