Those network security solution providers who want to improve their competitiveness should further obtain certifications related to security strategy and risk management, vulnerability assessment and management, hacker attacks and investigative Methods. The following information is based on the 2020 IT Skills and Salaries Report by Global Knowledge, a business training and certification company.
Except for three of the TOP10Certifications cost more than USD 100,000, and the most expensive one is more than USD 124,000. The three most expensive network security certifications are managed by (1) ISACA, two by EC Council, two by Cisco, and three by a neutral organization.
Let’s take a look at the 10 most valuable network security certifications in 2021.
Table of Contents
CompTIA Security +
According to Global Knowledge, the average salary of CompTIA Security + Certificate holders is USD 84,011, down from USD 87,666 last year.
The certification ensures that users can not only apply security concepts, tools and program knowledge to deal with security incidents, but also predict and prevent security risks. According to CompTIA, this basic and vendor neutral certification is ideal for aspiring network security experts as entry-level certification.
What’s more, the certification requires users to demonstrate the following capabilities: network security; compliance and operational security; threats and vulnerabilities; application, data and host security; access control and identity management; cryptography. Candidates for the certification must have at least two years of IT administrator experience, focus on security and have day-to-day security experience.
In the Global Knowledge report, more than 900 North American respondents hold this certification.
Cisco Certified Network Associate Security
According to Global Knowledge, Cisco Certified Network Association (CCNA) Security Certification holders have an average salary of USD 84,317, down from USD 84,652 last year.
Thecertification mainly verifies whether the user has the skills of developing security infrastructure, identifying network threats and vulnerabilities, and reducing security threats. The course emphasizes the installation, troubleshooting and monitoring of network devices to maintain the integrity, confidentiality and availability of data and equipment, as well as Cisco Security technology capabilities.
In addition, the certification is valid for three years with a CCENT Certification or ICND1 v3.0 (Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices). According to Global Knowledge, 17 percent of the holders of the certification are IT professionals and 250 North American respondents in the Global Knowledge 2018 report hold the certification.
Certified Information Systems Auditor
According to the report, the average salary of Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) holders was USD 97,117, down from USD 110,689 last year.
CISA certification is designed to test candidates’ ability to manage vulnerabilities, ensure compliance standards in IT and business, and propose control, processes, and updates to company policies. The certification is managed by ISACA and is designed to serve those with audit, control, monitoring or evaluation responsibilities in the IT or business ecosystem.
CISA, which dates back to 1978, has been awarded to more than 130,000 people. The certification requires at least five years of information system audit, control or security experience. Besides,it requires candidates to pass the exam during the days of Windows in only two 16 week a year.
In the global knowledge report, nearly 1500 North American respondents hold this certification.
Cisco Certified Network Professional Security
According to Global Knowledge, the average salary of holders of Cisco Certified Network Professionals (CCNP) Security certification is USD 102,280, up from USD 100,891 last year.
The holder of the certification must pass four security implementation exams, including security access, edge network security, secure mobility and threat control.
Among them, security access examination focuses on identity service and network access security; edge network security examination covers firewall, router and switch with firewall function; security mobility examination covers remote access and site to site VPN; threat control examination covers a wide range of devices, and how to design secure network, e-mail and network solutions.
The prerequisites for this certification include the acquisition of Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Security certification or any Cisco Certified Internet Expert (CCIE) certification.
About 40 North American professionals tell Global Knowledge that they hold CCNP security certificates.
In the Global Knowledge report, about 40 North American professionals interviewed hold the certification.
Certified Ethical Hacker
According to the report, the average salary of Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) holders isUSD 103,018, up from USD 102,482 in 2016.
The certification is initiated and managed by the International Council of E-Commerce Consultants (EC-Council). It mainly tests the ability of IT professionals to find vulnerabilities and weaknesses in end-user network defense using hacker methods. Hackers want to damage or steal information, but CEH will fix vulnerabilities that can be found.
Considering the amount of attacks, the amount of personal data at risk, and the potential legal liability, Global Knowledge believes that the market demand for CEH certification is quite high.
In the Global Knowledge report, more than 200 North American respondents hold this certification.
Certified Information Security Manager
The report shows that the average salary of Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certified holders is USD 105,926, down from USD 122,448 last year.
CISM certification is aimed at management, focusing on security strategies and assessing existing systems and policies. Global Knowledge said more than 38,000 people have been certified (2) CISM by ISACA since its launch in 2002, making it a popular but relatively small number of certified people.
This certification requires at least five years of information security experience and at least three years of experience as security manager. In 2017, only two 16 weeks of testing for this certification were provided.
Moreover, credit is needed to be accumulated every year to maintain CISM certification. In the Global Knowledge report, about 385 North American respondents hold the certification.
Computer Hacking Forensics Investigator
According to Global Knowledge, the average salary of Computer Hacking Forensics Investigator (CHFI)certified holders was USD 106,452, up from USD 91,684 last year.
EC-Council certification can verify whether users have the knowledge and skills to detect hacker attacks, correctly obtain the evidence needed to report crimes and prosecute network crimes, and prevent future attacks through analysis. The certification focuses on forensic tools in hardware and software fields, as well as professional technology.
Global Knowledge found that CHFI certification provides the ideal network security expertise for law enforcement personnel, system administrators, security officials, defense and military individuals, legal professionals, bankers and security professionals.
In the Global Knowledge report, about 25 North American professionals hold this certification.
Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control
According to the report, the average salary of Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) holders was USD 107,968, down from USD 127,507 last year.
CRISC certification is specifically designed for IT professionals, project managers and others who identify and manage risks through appropriate information system control. It is managed by ISACA and covers the whole life cycle from design to implementation to continuous maintenance.
To qualify for CRISC certification, you must pass the exam, which is only available during two 16-week Windows per year, and have at least three years of experience in at least two of the four areas covered by the certification.
Since its launch in 2010, more than 20,000 people around the world have obtained CRISCcertification. In the Global Knowledge report, more than 275 North American professionals hold this certification.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional
According to the report, the average salary of Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) holders was USD 109,965, down from USD 118,179 last year.
CISSP, operated by (ISC)2, aims to provide vendor neutral security expertise, including examinations based on security and risk management, communication and network security, software development security, asset security, security architecture and engineering, identity and access management, security assessment and testing, and security operations.
The holder of CISSP certification must obtain Continuous Professional Education (CPE) credits every year to maintain the certification, and must have at least five years of full-time and paid work experience in at least two of the eight computer security areas tested.
There are more than 122,000 CISSP certification holders worldwide, about two-thirds of them in the United States. In the Global Knowledge report, more than 920 North American respondents hold this certification.
Certified Information Privacy Professional/US
Certified Information Privacy Professional/US (CIPP/US) holders earn an average salary of USD 124,909, up from USD 116,622 last year.
The certification demonstrates that the user has a solid foundation in U.S. privacy laws and regulations and understands the legal requirements for transferring sensitive personal data to/from the U.S., EU and other jurisdictions. Initiated by the International Association of Privacy Professionals, the certification has become an outstanding certification in the field of privacy.
The CIPP/US exam consists of 75 scoring options. Candidates must score 300 out of 500 possible scores. The certification is valid for two years, and professionals must complete 20 hours of continuous privacy education to maintain the certification.
In the Global Knowledge report, about 20 North American respondents hold this certification.
