Increase in Compensation for Cybersecurity Certification Holders
In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, obtaining relevant certifications has become a key factor in staying ahead of the game. Here's a detailed overview of some popular cybersecurity certifications, their average salaries, and the roles they lead to.
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), CompTIA Security+, Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), Certified Ethical Hackers (CEH), and Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) are among the most sought-after cybersecurity certifications.
Obtaining these certifications requires dedication, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and an in-depth understanding of technology and cybersecurity. The investment in certifications varies, with the Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate (AZ-204) requiring a $165 fee and a suggested 160 hours of study, Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect (GCP) costing $200 and recommending 200 hours of study, and the Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) costing $249 for the exam with an estimated 120 hours for preparation.
CISSP, developed by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2, covers topics such as risk management, asset security, security operations, and network security. CISSP-certified professionals often find themselves in higher managerial or architect roles commanding salaries over $120,000 up to $225,000 depending on seniority.
CompTIA Security+ provides a solid foundation in network security and risk management, often seen as a stepping stone towards more advanced certifications. It leads to roles like Security Analyst and Technician, with typical salaries ranging from $56,000 to $85,000 (entry to mid-level).
CISM, geared towards individuals who design and manage an enterprise's security program, was developed by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA). Experienced professionals in this field can earn $100,000+.
OSCP is a challenging certification that gives an intricate understanding of exploitative and confrontational techniques to tackle cyber threats. A cybersecurity professional with an OSCP certification can expect an average salary of around $91,000 per annum.
CEH assures proficiency in hacking technologies, making cybersecurity professionals capable of confronting malicious hackers. CEH holders typically earn around $86,000 to $92,000 with potential to grow, but generally below CISSP salary averages.
CCSP, perfect for those dealing with cloud security in a widespread manner, assures proficiency in cloud architecture, design, operations, and service orchestration. It often aligns with CISSP-level salaries, roughly $110,000+ for experienced cloud security experts.
Beyond certification, continuous learning is crucial in the cybersecurity field due to the evolving nature of threats and technologies. The demand for certified cybersecurity professionals is high due to the growing threats in the digital landscape, and technology professionals with cybersecurity certifications can command higher salaries.
This salary data gives a broad view, and actual payscales depend on location, company, and individual experience level. Cybersecurity certifications are seen as a testament to one's skills, knowledge, and dedication to the profession, making professionals more desirable to employers. The rigorous training and examination processes involved ensure only the most talented and dedicated professionals receive these accreditations. The key to staying relevant in the cybersecurity landscape is never to stop learning, making it more of an ongoing journey than a destination.
- Network security, risk management, and asset security are among the topics covered by the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), a popular cybersecurity certification aimed at high-level management or architect roles.
- CompTIA Security+, which focuses on network security and risk management, can lead to roles as a Security Analyst or Technician with typical salaries ranging from $56,000 to $85,000.
- The demanding Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) certification provides an intricate understanding of confrontational techniques to tackle cyber threats, with an average annual salary expectancy of around $91,000.
- Certified Ethical Hackers (CEH) assure proficiency in hacking technologies and can expect salaries of around $86,000 to $92,000, with room for growth but generally below CISSP salary averages.
- The Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) certification, ideal for professionals dealing with cloud security, aligns with CISSP-level salaries, averaging $110,000+ for experienced cloud security experts.
- The information security field requires continuous learning due to the ever-evolving nature of threats and technologies, with cybersecurity certifications such as those mentioned adding credibility, leading to higher salaries, and making professionals more desirable to employers.
