Top 10 Cybersecurity Certifications You Need to Get in 2024/2025

Cybersecurity is now a cornerstone of any organization’s IT strategy, given the rise in sophisticated cyber threats. To stay competitive and secure in a rapidly evolving field, professionals are turning to certifications that demonstrate expertise and enhance career prospects. This article delves into the top 10 cybersecurity certifications you should consider pursuing in 2024/2025. Each certification is aligned with specific career paths and provides the skills and knowledge needed to tackle today’s most pressing cybersecurity challenges.

1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Offered by: (ISC)² Level: Advanced Focus: Security Management, Policy, and Practices

CISSP is one of the most sought-after certifications for cybersecurity professionals, particularly those aiming for leadership roles. Recognized globally, CISSP validates expertise across eight domains, including security and risk management, asset security, security architecture, and software development security.

Requirements: At least five years of experience in at least two of the eight CISSP domains, though waivers may apply.

Who it’s for: Security managers, consultants, and IT directors.

Why it’s valuable: CISSP holders earn a significant salary premium and often move into senior security and management roles. It’s also a prerequisite for many high-level cybersecurity positions.

2. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Offered by: EC-Council Level: Intermediate Focus: Ethical Hacking, Penetration Testing

CEH is ideal for professionals focusing on penetration testing and ethical hacking. The certification covers hacking methodologies, attack vectors, and penetration testing techniques. CEH-certified professionals can understand and anticipate hacking threats, allowing organizations to better defend against cyber threats.

Requirements: Two years of experience in information security or completion of the EC-Council's training program.

Who it’s for: Penetration testers, security consultants, and network defenders.

Why it’s valuable: With CEH, professionals are qualified for roles that actively combat cyber threats, and they gain hands-on experience in real-world hacking tools and techniques.

3. CompTIA Security+

Offered by: CompTIA Level: Entry-level Focus: General Security Principles, Best Practices

CompTIA Security+ is often recommended as the first cybersecurity certification for those new to the field. It covers foundational skills and knowledge required for various security roles, including threat analysis, risk management, and cryptography.

Requirements: No prerequisites, but CompTIA recommends two years of experience in IT with a security focus.

Who it’s for: Aspiring cybersecurity analysts, security administrators, and IT support specialists.

Why it’s valuable: As a vendor-neutral certification, CompTIA Security+ provides a solid foundation for beginners and is recognized across industries.

4. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

Offered by: ISACA Level: Advanced Focus: Information Security Management, Governance

CISM is designed for security professionals focused on managing, designing, and assessing enterprise information security programs. This certification is ideal for those in or aspiring to management roles who are responsible for overseeing an organization’s information security policies.

Requirements: Five years of information security experience, with at least three years in management roles.

Who it’s for: Information security managers, consultants, and risk managers.

Why it’s valuable: CISM holders are highly regarded for their management expertise, making it a great certification for those seeking leadership roles in cybersecurity.

5. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

Offered by: ISACA Level: Intermediate to Advanced Focus: Auditing, Control, and Assurance

CISA is widely recognized among professionals focused on auditing, monitoring, and assessing an organization’s information systems. It validates expertise in areas such as governance, IT audit processes, and risk management.

Requirements: Five years of work experience in IS auditing, control, or security, though substitutions are possible.

Who it’s for: IT auditors, security analysts, and compliance officers.

Why it’s valuable: CISA certification is essential for roles in IT governance and audit, which are critical for maintaining compliance and managing risks.

6. GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)

Offered by: Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) Level: Entry to Intermediate Focus: General Information Security Skills

GSEC is an entry-level certification that goes beyond foundational security knowledge to cover more technical aspects like cryptography, incident handling, and network protocols. It's ideal for IT professionals seeking hands-on skills.

Requirements: No prerequisites.

Who it’s for: Security professionals, network administrators, and system administrators.

Why it’s valuable: GSEC provides hands-on, practical skills applicable to various cybersecurity roles, making it suitable for IT professionals transitioning into security.

7. Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate

Offered by: Cisco Level: Entry to Intermediate Focus: Cyber Operations, Monitoring, and Threat Detection

Cisco’s CyberOps Associate certification focuses on cybersecurity operations within a Security Operations Center (SOC). It prepares individuals to detect, analyze, and respond to security incidents and is valuable for those entering the SOC environment.

Requirements: No prerequisites, but networking knowledge is recommended.

Who it’s for: SOC analysts, threat analysts, and cybersecurity operations personnel.

Why it’s valuable: This certification is particularly beneficial for those looking to start a career in cybersecurity operations and defense.

8. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

Offered by: (ISC)² Level: Advanced Focus: Cloud Security, Data Protection

With the increasing adoption of cloud services, cloud security skills are in high demand. CCSP covers the core principles of securing cloud environments, including cloud architecture, data security, compliance, and identity management.

Requirements: Five years of IT experience, with at least one year in cloud security.

Who it’s for: Cloud security engineers, cloud architects, and IT security consultants.

Why it’s valuable: As one of the premier cloud security certifications, CCSP demonstrates expertise in securing cloud infrastructures and data, making it highly valuable as more organizations move to cloud environments.

9. Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

Offered by: Offensive Security Level: Advanced Focus: Penetration Testing, Ethical Hacking

The OSCP certification is known for its rigor and is one of the most respected credentials for penetration testing. It focuses on hands-on, practical skills in identifying, exploiting, and mitigating vulnerabilities in real-world scenarios.

Requirements: Recommended prior knowledge of networking, Linux, and basic scripting.

Who it’s for: Penetration testers, security researchers, and ethical hackers.

Why it’s valuable: OSCP is well-regarded for its practical assessment, which tests a candidate’s ability to solve complex security challenges under time constraints.

10. Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)

Offered by: Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Accreditation Body (CMMC-AB) Level: Varies (Five Maturity Levels) Focus: Compliance, Defense Industry Security

The CMMC was developed by the U.S. Department of Defense to standardize cybersecurity practices among defense contractors. The certification has five maturity levels, with higher levels required for handling more sensitive information. CMMC is essential for those working with DoD contracts or seeking to do so.

Requirements: Depends on the maturity level sought; Levels 1–5 have varying requirements.

Who it’s for: Contractors, compliance officers, and security managers working with or aiming to work with the DoD.

Why it’s valuable: CMMC has become essential for companies in the defense sector, as certification is required to qualify for contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity certifications serve as a pathway to advancing your career and gaining the skills required to combat today’s complex cyber threats. Whether you’re entering the field, advancing to a management role, or specializing in areas like ethical hacking or cloud security, there’s a

certification that aligns with your career goals. By obtaining one or more of these top 10 certifications, you’ll be well-prepared to meet the challenges of 2024/2025 and beyond.

Cybersecurity is a constantly evolving field, so staying updated with certifications and continuing education is essential. The demand for cybersecurity professionals remains high, and certifications can help you demonstrate your expertise, expand your job prospects, and increase your earning potential in this competitive industry.