So, you want to become a cybersecurity analyst but you don't know which cybersecurity certifications to take? Or maybe you're pressed for time and want it to be done as quickly as possible? If this is you, then you are in the right place. In this article, we discuss the best Cyber Security Certifications and where you can find them.
We understand that finding a cyber security analyst certification that meets industry standards can be quite challenging. That is why we took the time to select the best courses that are offered by reliable institutions and organizations. These ones will get you that certification you need from a reputable source that can't be refuted.
Find links to the course pages, detailed descriptions, duration and even pricing for the specific cyber security certification you want to study. We've made the selection process as easy as possible so that all you need to do is simply choose a course and then begin
As you read, you'll find additional information about Cyber Security - what it entails, why you should get cyber security certifications, and finally see the list of courses we picked for you.
Read: 35 Online Masters In Cyber Security 2024.
Article Content:
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What is cyber security?
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5 reasons why you should get cyber security certifications
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Table showing the top cyber security certifications 2024
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Best cyber security certifications
What Is Cyber Security?
Cyber Security is the act of protecting computers, servers, mobile devices, electronic systems, networks, and data from malicious attacks.
It is also referred to as information technology security or electronic information security.
Categories Of Cyber Security
If you are going to get any cyber certifications, then you should know that the term ''Cyber Security'' applies to different contexts from business to mobile computing, and it can be divided into a few categories.
1. Network Security
Network security is the process of defending a computer network from intruders; targeted attacks or opportunistic malware.
2. Application Security
This category keeps software and devices free from threats. If an application is hacked it can let third party access the data it is tasked with protecting.
Good security is implemented at the design stage before the program or device is deployed.
3. Information Security
Information security defends the integrity and privacy of data, in storage and in transit.
4. Operational Security
Operational security contains processes and decisions for managing and guarding data assets. The permissions users get when using a network and the procedures that decide how and where data can be stored or shared are under this category.
5. Disaster Recovery And Business Continuity
Disaster recovery and business continuity explain the way an establishment responds to cyber security incidents or other events that cause data or operations loss.
The policies of Disaster recovery dictate how organizations restore their operations and information to bring it back to the same operating capacity before the event.
Business continuity is a backup plan company fall back on when operating without specific resources.
6. End-user Education
End-user education addresses the most unpredictable factor in cyber-security: people. Anybody can mistakenly introduce a virus into a secure system by not following good security measures.
Teaching users to delete suspicious email attachments, not to plug in unidentified USB drives and other important lessons is essential for protecting the security of any establishment.
5 Reasons Why You Should Get Cyber Security Certifications
The need for Cyber Security spans across different fields from the government to corporate, military to medical, finally to personal, each one of them collects, saves, and transmits data, which is often sensitive information.
With the growing number of digital data and transactions, there is a need for more cybersecurity professionals in different roles.
Getting cybersecurity certifications is one step to joining a well-paying career for both skilled IT personnel and individuals moving into a new field.
If you want to take the cybersecurity certification path to grow or switch your career, there are a lot of good reasons why you should do so.
Some of those reasons include high demand in the job market, the salary, opportunities and how easy it is to become certified.
1. High Demand For Cyber Security Professionals
The spike in data and attacks spurred the high demand for cyber security professionals. It was predicted that by 2019 the world will need 6 million cybersecurity professionals, and by 2021 there will be 3.5 million cybersecurity jobs.
As a matter of fact, the number of cyber security jobs is increasing three times more than other tech positions.
If you want a career with many high demands and job opportunities, then get a cyber security certification.
2. It's A Constantly Evolving Field
As long as hackers come up with new methods to breach system defenses, the cybersecurity industry will continually evolve to fight off these attacks.
So, if you want a job that is thrilling and keeps you sharp with new learning opportunities, then get certified in this field.
3. The Pay Is Good
As a cyber security specialist, you'll safeguard data, organizations, and consumers. Take the training if you want a well-paying job that pays you well from the beginning.
Entry-level cyber security professionals with certification earn up to $65,000 in their first job. Chief Information Security Officers (CISO) can make from $1 million upwards.
4. Explore New Opportunities
Cyber security allows you the opportunity to get a certification in this field because the jobs are endless.
If you want to move to another city or country, there is a high chance that you'll find work in this industry.
5. Easy To Migrate Into
You need a 4-year degree or related work background to become a cyber security specialist.
Your journey can begin with you getting some IT knowledge and relevant cyber security certifications.
If you are an IT specialist already, a certification in this area can lead you to new career opportunities. Some jobs you can do include - Security Auditor, Computer Forensics Expert, Security Engineer, and Chief Information Security Officer.
Table Showing The Top Cyber Security Certifications 2024
|
Course |
Platform |
Price |
|
Cyber Essentials |
IASME Consortium |
£300.00 – £500.00 |
|
Cyber Essentials Plus |
IASME Consortium |
Varies |
|
Global Industrial Cyber Security Professional Certification |
GIAC |
On request |
|
IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate |
IBM |
Free |
|
CyberOps Associate |
Cisco Networking Academy |
On request |
|
Cyber Security: From Beginner to Expert (2022) |
Udemy |
?29,900 |
|
Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP) |
(ISC)² |
$50 annually |
|
Certified Ethical Hacker |
EC-Council |
On request |
|
Cybersecurity Fundamentals |
EDX x RITX |
Free |
|
CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) |
CompTIA |
$381 (USD) |
|
Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate |
Harvard Extension School |
$3,100 |
|
GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC) |
GIAC |
On request |
|
Certified SOC Analyst (CSA) Certification |
EC-Council |
Available on request |
|
CCNA Cybersecurity Operations |
Cisco Networking Academy |
US$39.95 |
|
Professional Certificate In Cybersecurity |
MIT |
US$6,631 |
|
Information Security And Assurance (Certificate) |
Illinois Tech |
Available on request |
|
Cyber Smart Certificate |
CyberSmart |
£ 89.90 - £ 249.70 |
|
Information Technology (IT) and Cloud Fundamentals Specialization |
Coursera |
Free |
|
Microsoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect Expert |
Microsoft |
US$165 |
|
Certificate IV in Cyber Security |
Tafe |
$13,000 |
|
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification |
Cisco Networking Academy |
Available on request |
|
Certified in Information System Audit (CISA) |
Udemy |
?12,900 |
|
Dynamics of Information Security Management System |
Alison |
Free |
|
Information Systems Auditing, Controls and Assurance |
The Hong Kong University Of Science and Technology |
Free |
|
Managing Cybersecurity Specialization |
The University System of Georgia Board of Regents |
Free |
|
Google IT Support Professional Certificate |
|
Free |
|
Exploiting And Securing Vulnerabilities In Java Applications |
UC Davis (University of California) |
Free |
|
Cyber Incident Response Specialization |
Infosec |
Free |
|
Introduction To Cybersecurity Foundations |
Infosec |
Free |
|
Introduction To Cyber Security Specialization |
NYU Tandon School of Engineering |
Free |
Best Cyber Security Certifications
Although many cyber security personnel have a bachelor's degree in computer science, most companies go for applicants that have a certification to back up their knowledge of best cyber security practices.
There are hundreds of certifications to choose from, ranging from general to vendor-specific, entry-level to advanced.
But, before you pay for a certification, you must find one that will give you a headstart in your career. On that note, these are 30 of the best cyber security certifications you can start today.
1. Cyber Essentials
The iasme cyber essentials help organizations assess themselves using five basic security controls and the information provided is verified by a qualified assessor.
In this cyber essentials certification, all self-assessment questions can be downloaded for free in advance.
The Cyber Essentials certification contains automatic cyber liability insurance for UK organisations who want to certify the whole organisation and have a lower than £20m yearly turnover.
You can visit IASME Consortium to learn more about the cyber essentials accreditation.
Platform: IASME Consortium.
Duration: 6 months
Price: £300.00 – £500.00 (Excluding VAT)
Learn more about Cyber Essentials.
2. Cyber Essentials Plus
Cyber Essentials Plus is still facilitated by the IASME Consortium. In it, a qualified assessor will examine the same five controls, testing to see if they work using a technical audit.
The cyber essentials plus has a cyber essentials plus certification that also includes automatic cyber liability insurance for UK establishments that get their whole company certified and have lower than £20m annual turnover (terms apply).
Platform: IASME Consortium.
Duration: 3 months
Price: Depending on the size and complexity of the network.
Apply for Cyber Essentials Plus.
Learn more about Cyber Essential Plus.
3. Global Industrial Cyber Security Professional Certification (GICSP)
The gicsp puts IT, engineering, and cyber security together to get security for industrial control systems from design via retirement.
GIAC and some representatives from a global industry consortium collaborated to build this unique vendor-neutral, practitioner-focused industrial control system certification. They specialise in designing, deploying, operating, and/or maintaining industrial automation and control system infrastructure.
Platform: GIAC.
Duration: 3 hours exam.
Price: On request.
4. IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate
This ibm cybersecurity analyst professional certificate equips you with the technical skills you need for a a Cybersecurity Analyst role.
The instructional content and labs made available in the ibm cybersecurity analyst program, ushers you into a world of concepts that house network security, endpoint protection, incident response, threat intelligence, penetration testing, and vulnerability assessment.
Platform: IBM
Duration: 3 months.
Price: Enrol for free.
Apply for IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate.
Learn more about IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate.
5. CyberOps Associate
The CyberOps Associate certification program is a cisco cybersecurity certification. It validates the daily, tactical knowledge and skills needed by Security Operations Center (SOC) teams to detect and react to cybersecurity threats.
Its exam and training discusses knowledge and skills that relate to security concepts, security monitoring, hostbased analysis, network intrusion analysis, and security policies and procedures.
Platform: Cisco Networking Academy
Duration: N/A
Price: Available on request.
Apply for CyberOps Associate certification.
Learn more about CyberOps Associate certification.
Read also: 40 Online Computer Science Degrees 2024.
6. Cyber Security: From Beginner to Expert (2022)
Cyber Security: From Beginner to Expert (2022) is created to make it easy for you to master complex Cyber Security concepts.
This cyber security certifications for beginners was created for beginner Cyber Security professionals, and will assist you in understaning the major domains and kick start a career in the Cyber Security industry.
Platform: Udemy
Duration: Self-paced
Price: ?29,900
Apply to Cyber Security: From Beginner to Expert (2022).
Learn more about Cyber Security: From Beginner to Expert (2022).
7. Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP)
The Certified Information System Security Professional program is one of the information security certifications offered by the (ISC)², it ranks among the most demanded credentials in the industry.
Obtaining a CISSP shows that you're skilled in IT security and can design, implement and monitor a cybersecurity program.
This infosec certification is for security practitioners, managers, and executives who want to prove their knowledge across a variety of security practices and principles. Including people in the following roles:
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Chief Information Security Officer
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Chief Information Officer
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Director of Security
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IT Director/ Manager
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Security Systems Engineer
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Security Analyst
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Security Manager
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Security Auditor
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Security Architect
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Security Consultant
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Network Architect
Platform: (ISC)²
Duration: Self-paced
Price: First year free, then $50 annually
Apply to Certified Information System Security Professional.
Learn more about Certified Information System Security Professional.
8. Certified Ethical Hacker
The Certified Ethical Hacker course by EC-Council is an exclusive learn, practice, certify, and complete framework that prepares students for the CEH Certification exam.
This network security certifications is the industry's most well-rounded, extensive, and practical experience of any cybersecurity program available.
For you journey to becoming a certified network security specialist, CEH v12 teaches you current commercial-grading hacking tools, techniques, and methodologies, hackers and information security professionals to lawfully hack organizations.
Platform: EC-Council
Duration: Self-paced
Price: Available on request
Apply for Certified Ethical Hacker.
Learn more about Certified Ethical Hacker.
9. Cybersecurity Fundamentals
The cyber security fundamentals program is part of the RITx Cybersecurity MicroMasters. It introduces you to the computing security field, while giving you an extensive overview of the different branches of computing security.
You'll master cybersecurity concepts, issues, and tools necessary for solving problems in the computing security domain.
Platform: EDX x RITX
Duration: 8 weeks
Price: Free
Apply for Cybersecurity Fundamentals.
Learn more about Cybersecurity Fundamentals.
10. CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) is a comptia cybersecurity certification for cyber professionals responsible for incident detection, prevention and response using security monitoring. You can take this course to become comptia cybersecurity analyst.
Platform: CompTIA
Duration: Self-paced
Price: $381 (USD)
Apply for CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+).
Learn about CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+).
11. Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate
Harvard Extension School offers this graduate certificate in cyber security to help students develop knowledge of the tools and protocols you need to navigate, use, and manage security technologies. You'll gain concise insights into the cyber universe's legal, social, and political dynamics too.
Platform: Harvard Extension School
Duration: 4 courses
Price: $3,100
Apply for Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate.
Learn more about Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate.
12. GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
GIAC Security Essentials is one of the entry level cyber security certifications. It validates the practitioner's knowledge of information security beyond basic terminologies and concepts.
Holders of the GSEC certification demonstrate that they are qualified to take on IT systems roles relating to security tasks.
Platform: GIAC
Duration: 4-5 hours exams
Price: Available on request
Apply for GIAC Security Essentials.
Learn more about GIAC Security Essentials.
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13. Certified SOC Analyst (CSA) Certification
This EC-Council soc analyst certification is your first step to joining a security operations center. It is for present and aspiring Tier I and Tier II SOC analysts who want to be proficient in entry-level and intermediate-level operations.
You'll be getting current and indemand technical skills taught by some of the most experienced instructors in the industry.
Platform: EC-Council
Duration: Self-paced
Price: Available on request
Learn more / apply for Certified SOC Analyst (CSA) Certification.
14. CCNA Cybersecurity Operations
Cisco Networking's ccna cybersecurity operations has a curriculum that empowers you take job opportunities in security operation centers as an analyst or incident responder.
The ccna cyber ops course uses a practical approach that highlights the skills for monitoring, detecting and responding to cybersecurity threats.
Platform: Cisco Networking Academy
Duration: 70 hours
Price: US$39.95
Apply for CCNA Cybersecurity Operations.
Learn more about CCNA Cybersecurity Operations.
15. Professional Certificate In Cybersecurity
Professional Certificate in Cybersecurity is a collaboration between MIT and PRO that discusses defensive and offensive aspects of cybersecurity.
This mit cybersecurity certificate contains customised feedback from program leaders, guest speakers' insights, career coaching, mentorship, and a chance to develop a capstone project on network development that can serve as a job portfolio.
Platform: MIT
Duration: 24 weeks, online
Price: US$6,631
Apply for Professional Certificate in Cybersecurity.
Learn more about Professional Certificate in Cybersecurity.
16. Information Security And Assurance (Certificate)
To earn a Certificate in Information Security And Assurance and improve your computer skills while reaching new career heights, study the graduate-level courses on offer.
Topics covered in this information assurance certification program are information security, advanced database organization, cryptography, and system and network security.
Platform: Illinois Tech
Duration: Based on enquiry.
Price: Available on request.
Apply for and learn more about Information Security And Assurance Certificate.
17. Cyber Smart Certificate
The cyber smart certificate is another Cyber Essentials certification which is provided by CyberSmart. It covers everything your business must do to defend itself from cyberattacks.
Just by getting this certification you can drop your risk of a cyber attack by up to 98.5%.
Plus it's a good way to show prospective customers and partners that you are serious about your cybersecurity; it helps you grow and stay safe too.
Platform: CyberSmart.
Duration: Self-paced.
Price: £ 89.90 +VAT/month - £ 249.70 +VAT/month
Apply for the Cyber Smart Certificate.
Learn more about Cyber Smart Certificate.
18. Information Technology (IT) and Cloud Fundamentals Specialization
The Information Technology (IT) and Cloud Fundamentals Specialization is a five-course program that offers the necessary skills for most IT careers, including:
Technical support specialist, Data analyst, Data scientist, AI specialist, Web developer, Software engineer, Systems administrator, DevOps and site reliability engineer, Data center technician, Networking specialist, IT Manager, and Cyber-security analyst.
With this computer security certifications you'll get hardware, operating systems, programming, database, networking, storage, cybersecurity and cloud computing knowledge and skills for doing an IT entry-level role or for understanding and managing existing IT responsibilites.
Platform: Coursera
Duration: 7 months
Price: Free
Apply for Information Technology (IT) and Cloud Fundamentals Specialization.
Learn more about Information Technology (IT) and Cloud Fundamentals Specialization.
19. Microsoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect Expert
As a Microsoft Cybersecurity architect you'll have subject matter expertise in the design and evolution of cybersecurity strategies for protecting an establishment's mission and business processes across all areas of the enterprise architecture.
To be eligible for this microsoft cybersecurity certification you need advanced experience and background in a variety of security engineering areas - identity and access, platform protection, security operations, securing data, and security applications. Mastery of hybrid and cloud implementations is required too.
Platform: Microsoft
Duration: Self-paced
Price: US$165
Apply / learn more about Microsoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect Expert.
20. Certificate IV in Cyber Security
Use the Certificate IV in Cyber Security to standout in the IT industry. Grow the neccessary technical skills for protecting organisations from cyberattacks and find work as a cyber security personnel.
The cert 4 cyber security program teaches an array of technical skills such as implementing network security infrastructure and identifying breaches in network security. You'll also learn soft skills like stakeholder management.
Platform: Tafe
Duration: 9 months
Price: $13,000
Apply for Information Security And Assurance Certificate.
Learn more about Information Security And Assurance Certificate.
Related: 30 Project Management Courses Online 2024.
21. Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification
The cmmc cybersecurity is a program by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) for Defense Industrial Base (DIB) contractors. It is a standard and new certification method used to ensure that DoD contracts guard sensitive information properly.
Platform: Cisco Networking Academy.
Duration: Self-Paced
Price: Available on request.
Apply for / learn more about Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification.
22. Certified in Information System Audit (CISA)
The Certified in Information System Audit is one of the cybersecurity certifications for beginners, and will demystify the technicities featured in the official ISACA's resources.
Please, note, that this course merely supports and supplements the content of the official resources. This program does not exist to replace CISA Review Manual and Question, Answer and Explanation Manual. Applicants are advised to use the ISACA's official resource as prime resoruce to study for CISA exam.
Platform: Udemy.
Duration: 17 hours
Price: ?12,900
Apply for Certified in Information System Audit.
Learn more about Certified in Information System Audit.
23. ISO/IEC 27001 - Dynamics of Information Security Management System (ISMS)
In the ISO/IEC 27001 - Dynamics of Information Security Management System (ISMS) program, you'll master the requirements of information security management systems.
This free information security analyst certification course on ISO 27001 discusses the recent standard on information security management systems (ISMS). You'll be introduced to the ISMS context, and its business case.
You'll understand too, the requirments in ISO 27001: 2013 and a concise guide on how these requirments are implemented.
Platform: Alison.
Duration: 3-4 hours.
Price: Free.
Apply for ISO/IEC 27001 - Dynamics of Information Security Management System (ISMS)
Learn more about ISO/IEC 27001 - Dynamics of Information Security Management System (ISMS).
24. Information Systems Auditing, Controls and Assurance
In Information Systems Auditing, Controls and Assurance, you'll experience the risks of information systems, and how to use proper IS Controls to mitigate these risks. You'll be introduced to IS Audit procedures and how to apply them for IS development throughout the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
Lastly in this top cyber security certifications online, you'll see how to make manageable system changes using formal IS Management practices, like Change Management Controls and Emergency Changes.
Platform: The Hong Kong University Of Science and Technology
Duration: 8 hours
Price: Free.
Apply for Information Systems Auditing, Controls and Assurance
Learn more about Information Systems Auditing, Controls and Assurance
25. Managing Cybersecurity Specialization
The Managing Cybersecurity Specialization is one of the top cyber security certifications you'll come across.
It was created for three categories of people:
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People who already have a bachelor's degree or enrolled currently as a student.
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Those who are interested in IT and cybersecurity and how it affects business decisions.
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Individuals who are employed or seeking employment and need to understand issues and Cybersecurity practices.
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IT or Cybersecurity professional or technician.
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Or you want to get into Cybersecurity and don't know how to start a career in it.
Platform: The University System of Georgia Board of Regents
Duration: 9 months.
Price: Free.
Apply for Managing Cybersecurity Specialization.
Learn more about Managing Cybersecurity Specialization.
26. Google IT Support Professional Certificate
The Google IT Support Professional Certificate is a clear path you'll follow to an IT Career.
It is one of the top cybersecurity certifications, mostly because you'll master in-demand skills that'll get you job-ready in fewer than 6 months. You don't need a degree or experience.
Platform: Google
Duration: 6 months.
Price: Free.
Apply for Google IT Support Professional Certificate
Learn more about Google IT Support Professional Certificate
27. Exploiting And Securing Vulnerabilities In Java Applications
In the course on Exploiting And Securing Vulnerabilities In Java Applications you'll do a deep dive into the issues that lets you steal data, exploit Cross Site Scripting issues for compromising a users browser, destroy authentication to access data and functionalities reserved only for admins.
You'll also take advantage of vulnerable components to run your code on a remote served and find some secrets.
On the other end of what is possibly the best online cyber security certificate programs, you'll also be learning the code for fixing the root cause of these issues mentioned and discuss different mitigation strategies.
Platform: UC Davis (University of California)
Duration: 23 hours
Price: Free.
Apply for Exploiting And Securing Vulnerabilities In Java Applications.
Learn more about Exploiting And Securing Vulnerabilities In Java Applications.
28. Cyber Incident Response Specialization
The Cyber Incident Response Specialization is one of the best cybersecurity certificate programs for understanding incident response procedures.
You will master Incident Response delivered from a practitioner's view point and will acquire valuable skills that you can demonstrate, on demand.
Platform: Infosec
Duration: 4 months
Price: Free
Apply for Cyber Incident Response Specialization
Learn more about Cyber Incident Response Specialization
29. Introduction To Cybersecurity Foundations
Introduction To Cybersecurity Foundations bridges the gap between students and the introductory or beginner level courses that wrongly expect learners to have some form of technical competence or assume that cybersecurity isn't your first technical job role.
This one is the best online cyber security certificate programs for people in other sectors like nursing, aviation or real estate, that have no prior knowledge of or experience in this industry.
Platform: Infosec
Duration: 2 hours
Price: Free
Apply for Introduction To Cybersecurity Foundations.
Learn more about Introduction To Cybersecurity Foundations.
30. Introduction To Cyber Security Specialization
Introduction to Cyber Security Specialization is one of the cybersecurity certificate programs tailored to help students develop an in-depth understanding of modern information and system protection technology and methods.
Platform: NYU Tandon School of Engineering
Duration: 4 months.
Price: Free.
Apply for Introduction to Cyber Security Specialization.
Learn more about Introduction to Cyber Security Specialization.
All the Cyber Security Certifications mentioned in this article, are good for people who are either looking to break into this field or already have knowledge they want to improve. Whichever box you’re ticking, you’ll find something for you.
But, as you apply, ensure that the platform matches your course preference and career goals, and meets other categories as well like fitting into your budget and schedule.
Further reading:
30 Online Data Analytics Courses 2024.