In today’s fast growing digital world, cybersecurity has become a part of our day-to-day life. Cyber attacks and cyber threats have a tremendous growth. So there is high demand for ethical hackers. Even in governments, they increase ethical hackers for the defence and safety of the nation. These cybersecurity professionals are not just hackers, they are safeguards against cyber threats. The main aim of cybersecurity is to protect computers, mobiles, and other devices from cyber attacks. So if you want to build your career and become a skilled professional in cybersecurity, it is very important to obtain the Best Ethical Hacking Certifications in 2024. It is the right way to shine in this field. In this blog, we will see top cybersecurity certifications available in 2024 which align with your goals.
What is Ethical Hacking?
Ethical hacking is the practice and set of techniques, where the professional tests the system for security vulnerabilities by following the code of ethics. It is the authorised attempt. The main goal of ethical hacking is to improve cybersecurity. The important part of ethical hacking is to monitor, follow and replicate the behaviours of malicious attackers. By monitoring the behaviour regularly, the holes can be fixed easily. By using some techniques, ethical hackers can easily identify the flaws and improve the device security. Businesses and governments understand the need of cybersecurity and the importance to safeguard the data and networks. They are hiring ethical hackers to improve cybersecurity.
What are Ethical Hacking Certifications?
Ethical hacking certifications are professional recognition and credential which is given by the educational institute or organisation. The certification shows one’s skills, commitments and expertise in that ethical hacking field. So it is very important to do ethical hacking certifications. These certifications vary in difficulty levels and specialisation. It ranges from beginner to advanced levels. These certifications provide commitment and proficiency in ethical hacking.
Benefits of Ethical Hacking Certifications
Ethical hacking certifications plays an important role in your career. It helps for career growth and to get high-paying jobs. There are many ethical hacking courses. It is crucial to choose the best ethical hacking course. It makes you an extraordinary skilled professional in ethical hacking. Most of the certifications are globally recognised. So it helps you to start your career in different countries.
Important skills for Ethical Hacker Certification
Combination of technical and soft skills you must need to shine in the field of ethical hacking. Let’s see these skills in detail:
Technical skill:
To know the various technical advances in current trends is very important. Deep understanding of networks, programming and operating systems gives you added advantage. Knowledge about security protocols is crucial for identifying vulnerabilities. The ethical hacker must be proficient in programming languages and to know how to write scripts. They must know Python or C++ programming language to automate tasks. Additionally, the hacker should know the networking concepts and configurations and knowledge in operating systems such as Windows, Linux and more. These technical skills allow the ethical hackers to avoid challenges and perform the tasks.
Analytical Skills:
Another important component of ethical hacking is analytical thinking. Ethical hackers must have the ability to think critically. They know how to dissect, analyse and solve the problems. It is very crucial for ethical hackers to think from all angles and solve the problems.The level of critical thinking allows the ethical hacker to protect data and valuable assets from the cyber attackers.
Communication Skills:
Though technical and analytical is important in ethical hacking, the ability to communicate effectively with team members is also very important. Because, ethical hackers mostly work with a large cyber security team. The good communication skill only allows them to report their findings to their team members and clients effectively. However, when you submit detailed written reports, communication skills only help you to share your thoughts with others.
How to Choose the Right Ethical Hacking Certification?
Choosing the best hacking course is very crucial. Those decisions may cause some impacts in your ethical hacking career. Before making decisions you must carefully analyse several factors that aligns with your career goals, areas of interests and experience levels. Let’s see those factors in detail.
Know your current skill level
The first and foremost factor to consider when selecting an ethical hacking certification is to know your current skill level. There are different types of certifications that match your level. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced professional. There are separate certifications based on your level. For beginners, you must start with entry-level certifications. Alternatively, experienced professionals choose advanced certifications to understand more about cybersecurity deep concepts.
Aligning with career goals
To set clear career goals and aims is very crucial. Long-term goals should play an important role in your decision-making process.
For example, If you want to specialise and become a penetration tester, then focusing on identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities in systems. By aligning your certification choices with your career goals, you must succeed in ethical hacking.
Certification Recognition and Industry Value
The crucial factor to consider while choosing the certification, is to know the certification has recognised value in the ethical hacking industry. Some certifications are recognized and have more value in different nations. But some certifications may not carry the same weight. Certifications offered by organisations like EC-Council, Offensive Security, or (ISC) have recognition all over the world. The recognised certification also improves your resume value in the job market.
Evaluating Cost and Time
Another most important to consider while choosing the certifications, is the cost and time. Ethical hacking certifications may vary slightly depending on their price. So choose the right certification that you can afford. In addition to cost, you must consider the time.Some certifications may require months of preparation, especially for advanced certifications. Moreover, consider if it is worth your efforts to give returns like career growth and a good salary package.
Best Ethical Hacking Certifications in 2024
Here are the best ethical hacking certifications in 2024, categorised by levels.
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Certified Ethical Hacker
In ethical hacking, one of the most popular credentials is the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) credential, which is provided by the International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants, or EC-Council. CEH is the best cyber security certifications.This is the practitioner certification. Skills and knowledge needed for this certification is the basic understanding of network and security concepts.
Exam Details: 125 multiple-choice questions; 4 hours.
Pass percentage : 70% and above.
Salary: USD 84, 763 per year (Entry level). -
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) Certification is the practitioner certification. It is issued by ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association). It is the top certification for cyber security worldwide.A deep understanding of information security, risk management is important for this ethical hacking certification.
Exam Details: 125 multiple-choice questions; 4 hours.
Pass score: 450 out of 800.
Salary: USD 135K per year (Entry level). -
Certified Information System Auditor (CISA)
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification is the practitioner certification. It is issued by ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association). It is the best cybersecurity certifications. Candidates must have a deep understanding of IT governance and management, information security concepts, networking concepts and risk management.
Exam Details: 150 multiple-choice questions; 4 hours.
Pass percentage : 70% and above.
Salary: USD 102,000 per year (Entry level). -
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is the advanced certification. It is issued by International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC) . This is one of the top certifications for cyber security. Moreover, it is a free organisation which is dedicated to promoting cyber security skills. A deep understanding of information security, risk management is important for this ethical hacking certification. This certification is for IT professionals who have more interests in cyber security.
Exam Details: 150 multiple-choice questions; 3 hours.
Pass Percentage : 70% and above. -
Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
The Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) is the advanced certification. It is issued by (ISC). This is the best ethical hacking courses and certification for individuals who work in cloud computing and cloud security roles. This certification needs knowledge in cloud security, networking and operating systems.
Exam Details: 100 multiple-choice questions; 2 hours.
Salary: USD 124K per year (Entry level). -
Global Information Assurance Certification Penetration Tester
The GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN) is a specialized certification. It is issued by Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC). Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) is the leading provider of cyber security certifications globally. This is one of the best certifications for cyber security. The basic skill for this cyber security certification is basic networking concepts and knowledge in programming languages. GPEN verifies penetration testing abilities and knowledge.
Exam Details: 82 questions (A computer-based proctored exam); 3 hours.
Pass Percentage : Minimum 75%.
Salary: USD 109K per year (Entry level). -
Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI)
Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator is a specialized certification. It is issued by The EC-Council. The EC-Council CHFI provides individuals with the ability to investigate cybercrimes, data breaches, and digital incidents.
Exam Details: 65 (Objective and subjective); 2 hours.
Salary: USD 103K per year (Entry level). -
Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) is is a specialized certification. It is issued by offensive security. This cyber security certification is for individuals who pursue their career in penetration testing.
Exam Details: 100 multiple-choice questions; 45 minutes.
Salary: USD 98k per year (Entry level). -
CompTIA Pen Test+
CompTIA Pen Test+ is the beginner certification. It is issued by Pearson VUE (Pearson Virtual University Enterprises). It is one of the most popular cyber security certifications worldwide. Its main motive is to make cyber security experts who wish to obtain real-world experience detecting, exploiting, and reporting vulnerabilities.
Exam Details: 85 (Objective and subjective); 4 hours.
Salary: USD 114K per year (Entry level). -
SSCP- Systems Security Certified Practitioner
The Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) is the beginner certification. It is a top cyber security certification issued by (ISC)2 for cybersecurity professionals. The professionals should have knowledge in cryptography, network and communication security, risk management, and security operations.
Exam Details: 125 multiple-choice questions; 3 hours.
Pass Percentage : 70% and above.
Salary: USD 81K per year (Entry level). -
Certified in Risk and Information System Control (CRISC)
CRISC (Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control) is one of the best cybersecurity certifications. It is a specialized certification offered by ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association). This certification is for risk management and information systems control professionals.
Exam Details: 150 multiple-choice questions; 4 hours.
Pass Percentage : 70% and above.
Salary: USD 151K per year (Entry level).
FAQ
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Is it possible to pursue cybersecurity certifications while managing a full-time job?
Yes, most of them are online hacking courses and also it offers a flexible schedule.
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Which certification is considered the most advanced in Ethical hacking?
The OSCP and CISSP are the most advanced certifications.
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How much time is generally required to complete an ethical hacking course or certification?
It depends on the certification. Some take a few weeks to complete and some take months.
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What career opportunities are available for individuals with ethical hacking certifications?
Ethical hacking certifications offer roles include Penetration Tester, Security Analyst, and others.
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Can ethical hacking certifications be transferred between different organisations or certification bodies?
Generally, certifications are recognized across different organisations, but it’s important to verify with your employer.
Choosing the best ethical hacking certifications in 2024 is important for improving your cyber security. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced professional, you will carefully choose the certification which helps to give investment returns such as money and time to career growth, high package salary and more.By investing in the best ethical hacking course, it not only enhances your skill but also offers you more career opportunities.
