Spending on cybersecurity services and products globally is expected to increase by between 12-15% per year until 2021, with “Internet of Things” (IoT) products at the front. As products connected to the Internet are all targets for hacking, it’s logical that the information security market is predicted to grow by 7% in the coming year.

Our networks and devices are protected by cybersecurity experts who all have specialized training that make them a good defense against hackers. This article looks at some of the most popular certifications that will help you land the types of jobs you’ve always dreamed of.

1.     Security+

Security+ is offered by CompTIA and might well be one of the most important cybersecurity certifications. It provides the foundation for understanding vulnerabilities, risk management, and cryptography.

This certificate will prove that you know how to install and configure systems properly and how to secure networks, application, and devices. You will also be able to do a threat analysis on systems and utilize mitigation techniques.

A thorough understanding of the following is required to pass the Security+ exam:

• Access and identity management
• Vulnerabilities, attacks, and threats
• Network design and architecture
• Risk management
• Cryptography

2.     Network+

The Network+ certification is offered by CompTIA, and although it is not a requirement for most cybersecurity jobs, it provides a good foundation on how networks and computers communicate, as well as some best practices for cybersecurity.

The Network+ certification measures participants’ knowledge of how networks and systems interact and communicate.

A thorough understanding of the following is required to pass the Network + exam:

• Infrastructure
• Networking concepts
• Network security
• Networking operations
• Network tools and troubleshooting

3.     Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

CISSP certification is presented by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC)². The following criteria must be met before the exam can be taken:

• Relevant industry experience (at least 5 years)
• Knowledge of at least 2 of the 8 domains of the Common Body of Knowledge

Professionals may also earn the CISSP while focusing on current roles, i.e. management, engineering, or architecture.

CISSP is a top professional-level cybersecurity certificate that covers cryptography concepts, vulnerability mitigation in web-based systems, professional ethics, and investigations.

4.     Licensed Penetration Tester (LPT)

This expert-level designation is overseen by the EC-Council and only available to those who have fully mastered cybersecurity techniques.

To be eligible for the exam, applicants must fulfill one of these requirements:

• Have an equivalent certification, such as Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) or GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN) 
• Have the Security Analyst (ECSA) certification
• Have at least two years’ experience as a penetration tester

As companies use LPTs to hack into their networks legally, the certificate covers master-level cybersecurity concepts, including operating system exploits, multi-level pivoting, privilege escalation, and SSH tunneling.

Professionals with this certification should be able to make decisions that could potentially impact the entire network security of a company.

5.     Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

CEH is also known as Certified Network Defense Architect (CNDA) for government employees and is obtained through the EC-Council. Participants must have two years of information technology industry experience before being allowed to take the exam. A Security+ certificate is a huge advantage, as this certificate’s goal is to get you to think like a hacker so you can prevent attacks. CEH certification focuses on training to identify network weaknesses so they can be fixed. Participants will learn about the five hacking phases: reconnaissance, gaining access, enumeration, maintaining access, and covering your tracks.