In today’s digital world, cybersecurity is more crucial than ever. With the increase in cyber threats, there is a growing demand for skilled professionals who can protect organizations from malicious attacks. Whether you’re looking to start a career in cybersecurity or seeking to enhance your skills, enrolling in a top-tier cybersecurity course with certification can be a significant step forward. This blog post explores the best cyber security courses available online, complete with certifications to validate your expertise.
1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Provider: (ISC)
Website: https://www.isc2.org/certifications/cissp
Overview:
CISSP is one of the most respected certifications in the cybersecurity industry. It is ideal for experienced security practitioners, managers, and executives. This certification covers a broad spectrum of cybersecurity topics, including security and risk management, asset security, security architecture and engineering, communication and network security, identity and access management, security assessment and testing, security operations, and software development security.
Course Content:
- Security and Risk Management
- Asset Security
- Security Architecture and Engineering
- Communication and Network Security
- Identity and Access Management
- Security Assessment and Testing
- Security Operations
- Software Development Security
Certification:
To obtain the CISSP certification, you need to pass the CISSP exam and have at least five years of cumulative, paid work experience in two or more of the eight domains of the CISSP CBK (Common Body of Knowledge).
2. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Provider: EC-Council
Website: https://www.eccouncil.org
Overview:
The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification is designed for security professionals who want to enhance their ability to identify and address security weaknesses and vulnerabilities. The course teaches you the same techniques hackers use, but you learn to use them ethically to protect and secure systems.
Course Content:
- Introduction to Ethical Hacking
- Footprinting and Reconnaissance
- Scanning Networks
- Enumeration
- System Hacking
- Malware Threats
- Sniffing
- Social Engineering
- Denial of Service
- Session Hijacking
- Hacking Web Servers
- Hacking Web Applications
- SQL Injection
- Hacking Wireless Networks
- Hacking Mobile Platforms
- Evading IDS, Firewalls, and Honeypots
- Cloud Computing
- Cryptography
Certification:
To achieve the CEH certification, you need to pass the CEH exam, which tests your knowledge and skills in the five phases of ethical hacking: reconnaissance, gaining access, enumeration, maintaining access, and covering your tracks.
3. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
Provider: ISACA
Website: https://www.isaca.org/credentialing/cism
Overview:
The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification is geared towards individuals who design, manage, oversee, and assess an enterprise’s information security. It focuses on the management side of information security, including risk management, governance, incident management, and program development.
Course Content:
- Information Security Governance
- Information Risk Management
- Information Security Program Development and Management
- Information Security Incident Management
Certification:
To obtain the CISM certification, you need to pass the CISM exam and have at least five years of work experience in information security management, with a minimum of three years of experience in at least three of the four CISM domains.
4. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
Provider: ISACA
Website: https://www.isaca.org
Overview:
The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification is designed for professionals who audit, control, monitor, and assess an organization’s information technology and business systems. It is globally recognized and highly valued by employers.
Course Content:
- Information System Auditing Process
- Governance and Management of IT
- Information Systems Acquisition, Development, and Implementation
- Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience
- Protection of Information Assets
Certification:
To achieve the CISA certification, you need to pass the CISA exam and have at least five years of professional experience in information systems auditing, control, or security.
5. CompTIA Security+
Provider: CompTIA
Website: https://www.comptia.org/certifications/security
Overview:
CompTIA Security+ is an entry-level certification ideal for those new to cybersecurity. It covers the foundational principles for network security and risk management, making it a great starting point for a career in cybersecurity.
Course Content:
- Threats, Attacks, and Vulnerabilities
- Technologies and Tools
- Architecture and Design
- Identity and Access Management
- Risk Management
- Cryptography and PKI
Certification:
To earn the CompTIA Security+ certification, you need to pass the SY0-601 exam, which covers the core security functions needed by any cybersecurity role.
6. Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
Provider: Offensive Security
Website: https://www.offsec.com/
Overview:
The Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) certification is highly regarded in the penetration testing community. It is a hands-on certification that requires you to identify vulnerabilities and exploit them to gain access to systems during a 24-hour exam.
Course Content:
- Penetration Testing Basics
- Command Line Fun
- Bash Scripting and Tools
- Passive Information Gathering
- Active Information Gathering
- Vulnerability Scanning
- Buffer Overflows
- Win32 Buffer Overflow Exploits
- Linux Buffer Overflow Exploits
- Working with Exploits
- File Transfers
- Privilege Escalation
- Client-Side Attacks
- Web Application Attacks
- Password Attacks
- Port Redirection and Tunneling
- The Metasploit Framework
- Bypassing Antivirus Software
- Assembling the Pieces: Penetration Test Breakdown
- Trying Harder: The Labs
Certification:
To obtain the OSCP certification, you need to pass a rigorous 24-hour practical exam where you are required to demonstrate your ability to compromise a series of target machines using multiple exploitation steps and techniques.
7. SANS GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
Provider: SANS Institute
Website: https://www.giac.org
Overview:
The GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC) certification is designed for professionals who want to demonstrate they understand information security beyond simple terminology and concepts. It validates a practitioner’s ability to perform hands-on roles with respect to security tasks.
Course Content:
- Information Security Foundations
- Cryptography
- Network Attacks and Defenses
- Endpoint Security
- Securing Network Protocols
- Defense-in-Depth
- Incident Handling and Response
- Security Policies
- Wireless Security
- Access Control and Password Management
Certification:
To earn the GSEC certification, you need to pass the GSEC exam, which consists of multiple-choice questions that test your knowledge and skills in security best practices and principles.
8. Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate
Provider: Cisco
Website: CyberOps Associate
Overview:
The Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate certification is designed for professionals who want to start a career in cybersecurity operations. It provides the knowledge and skills required to detect and respond to cybersecurity threats.
Course Content:
- Security Concepts
- Security Monitoring
- Host-Based Analysis
- Network Intrusion Analysis
- Security Policies and Procedures
Certification:
To obtain the CyberOps Associate certification, you need to pass the 200-201 CBROPS exam, which tests your understanding of cybersecurity operations and procedures.
9. Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate
Provider: Microsoft
Website: Azure Security Engineer Associate
Overview:
The Azure Security Engineer Associate certification is designed for professionals who implement security controls, manage identity and access, and protect data, applications, and networks in Microsoft Azure.
Course Content:
- Manage Identity and Access
- Implement Platform Protection
- Manage Security Operations
- Secure Data and Applications
Certification:
To achieve this certification, you need to pass the Exam AZ-500: Microsoft Azure Security Technologies, which tests your ability to manage Azure identities and access, implement platform protection, manage security operations, and secure data and applications.
10. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
Provider: (ISC)
Website: https://www.isc2.org
Overview:
The Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) certification is ideal for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in cloud security architecture, design, operations, and service orchestration.
Course Content:
- Cloud Concepts, Architecture, and Design
- Cloud Data Security
- Cloud Platform and Infrastructure Security
- Cloud Application Security
- Cloud Security Operations
- Legal, Risk, and Compliance
Certification:
To earn the CCSP certification, you need to pass the CCSP exam and have at least five years of cumulative, paid work experience in information technology, with three years in information security and one year in one or more of the six domains of the CCSP CBK.
Conclusion
The field of cybersecurity offers a wealth of opportunities for those looking to build a career in this critical area. Whether you are just starting or looking to advance your skills, there is a cybersecurity course and certification that fits your needs. The certifications listed above are among the best in the industry, recognized globally by employers, and can help you validate your skills and knowledge, setting you on a path to a successful career in cybersecurity.
By investing in one of these courses, you are not only gaining valuable knowledge but also demonstrating your commitment to maintaining the highest standards of security in an increasingly digital world. Choose the certification that aligns best with your career goals and take the first step towards becoming a cybersecurity expert.