Computer Security Certifications

As organization’s reliance on computer networksl continues to grow, the need for stronger computer security professionals and strategies has also increased. Electronic data can be vulnerable to all kinds of viruses, hackers, and other threats. Losing valuable data can have devastating effects on a business as well as the industry. According to Forbes Magazine, the $60 billion dollar IT industry is expected to expand tenfold in the coming years. Many organizations have increased their spending on IT security and are seeking highly skilled security specialists.

What are Computer Security Network Certifications?

Becoming certified in a certain field, task, or skill can help boost your career opportunities.The popularity in certifications has increased in recent years as these programs allow students to enhance their skill set and credentials.Employers prefer hiring candidates who are skilled and certified for a specific job position. Computer security certifications and Network security certifications are offered in a range of areas relevant to the field. Individuals can acquire certification in a job that uses specific technologies. These certifications are offered by many renowned organizations such as Microsoft and Apple Inc.

Different Types of Computer Security Certifications

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

The CISSP certification is offered by (ISC)², a globally recognized organization that educates and certifies professionals in information security.The CISSP certification will allow students to qualify for job positions in leading organizations. However, students prepare for the certification exam and also fulfill the minimum certification requirements.

Featured Programs

Requirements:

• Four-year college degree
• One year work experience

How to prepare for the exam:
You can study with the help of textbooks, online training seminars, eLearning, and also acquire a simulation of the exam.

Areas covered in the Exam:

• Security management practices
• Security architecture
• Business continuity planning
• Disaster recovery
• Cryptography
• Applications and systems development security

• GIAC Information Security Fundamentals

This certification is aimed at providing individuals with the knowledge and skill needed to perform risk management techniques. Individuals will acquire in-depth knowledge of key concepts such as information security, risks and threats to information resources, and protection strategies. There is no specific training required to take the exam for this certification.
Areas covered in the exam:

• Attacks and countermeasures
• Cryptosystems, cryptography, and algorithms
• Designing and implementing networks
• Building security policies
• Wireless technologies
• Security as a process
• Risk and vulnerability assessment and management

• CompTIA Secuirty+

This program certifies students in systems security and network infrastructure. It is approved by the U.S Department of Defense and is updated every three years.
Areas covered in the exam:

• Access control
• Cryptography
• Identity management
• Mitigation and deterrent techniques
• Network attacks and vulnerabilities
• Cloud computing security concerns

• Certified Information Secuirty Manager (ISACA)

This program certifies computer security professionals and promotes international security practices. Individuals can prepare for the exam with the help of different study materials, publications, ISACA journal, references, and books. The exam is conducted at a few locations worldwide in many different languages.

A few areas covered in the exam:

• Information security incident management
• Information risk management and compliance
• Information security governance
• Secuirty program development

• Security Certified Network Specialist (SCNS)

This is one of the newest certifications offered. The main emphasis lies upon critical defensive technologies and securing network parameters.Individuals will learn how to implement real world technology, design and implement firewalls, and more.

A few areas covered in the exam:

• Interconnecting Cisco devices
• Securing networks and Cisco routers and switches
• DCUCI-data center unified computing implementation
• IPv6 fundamentals, design, and deployment
• Cloud essentials

• Security Certified Network Professional (CSP)

This program is offered to individuals who have already received a SCNS certification. The program certifies an individual in the area of network administration and wireless security. Candidates will learn how to design and implement various network security strategies, firewalls, and more.

A few areas covered in the exam:

• Fiber optics
• Secuirty+ bootcamp
• Interconnecting Cisco network devices
• DCUCI-data Center unified computing implementation

• GIA Security Expert Certification

This is one of the most prestigious certifications in the IT industry. The program certifies individuals as an expert in the IT security. The exam comprises of a multiple-choice exam and a lab exam. Individuals must have general security skills, incident handling skills, and intrusion detection and analysis skills to successfully attempt the exam.

Requirements for the certification:

• Candidates must have completed three certifications (GSEC, GCIA, and GCIH)
• Must have hands-on experience relevant to the field

Certified Wireless Security Professional

This is a certification that allows students to advance their career, and acquire skills to secure Wi-Fi networks.
A few areas covered in the exam:

WLAN discovery techniques

• Wireless intrusion prevention systems implementations
• Fast BBS transition
• Intrusion and attack techniques
• Secure applications
• Wireless LAN management systems

Certified Hacking Forensic Investigator Certification

This program is designed to provide students with skill and expertise in the area of cyber-crime, electronic crime, digital evidence, and electronic crime scene.

A few areas covered in the Exam:

• Investigation techniques
• Tracking emails and log capturing techniques
• Password cracking concepts
• Steganalysis
• Network traffic
• Log management
• Wireless attacks

Benefits of Certifications:

• Advanced career Opportunities
• Increased income potential
• Skill and knowledge base enhancement
• Short and quick route to increasing credentials

Career Opportunities

You can seek plenty of job opportunities with a certification in computer security. The job you may qualify for will depend upon the certification, your degrees, skills, and area of specialization.The income level will depend upon your job positions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, information security analysts made a median annual income of $86,170 in 2012. This is one of the fastest growing areas in information technology. Common employment opportunities that can be pursued in computer and network security are:

• Secuirty consultant
• Secuirty manage
• Network administrator
• Secuirty systems engineer
• Security architect