Getting certifications is one way of proving your skills. In the ethical hacking world, most clients will prefer that those they hire should have some sort of certification. Also, certifications boost self-confidence in one’s skills. A list has been compiled for the most credible online certifications for the aspiring professional ethical hacker.
Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
The Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) is our favourite, it is the companion certification to the Penetration Testing with Kali Linux training course and is the world’s first completely hands-on offensive information security certification. OSCP challenges students to prove they have a clear and practical understanding of penetration testing process and life-cycle through an arduous twenty-four (24) hour certification exam.
Certified Ethical Hacker Certification (CEH)
This one is popular among the ethical hacking community. According to the website:
“A Certified Ethical Hacker is a skilled professional who understands and knows how to look for weaknesses and vulnerabilities in target systems and uses the same knowledge and tools as a malicious hacker, but in a lawful and legitimate manner to assess the security posture of a target system(s). The CEH credential certifies individuals in the specific network security discipline of Ethical Hacking from a vendor-neutral perspective.”
They also feature a training program for those willing to take the exams. Otherwise, a participant is free to also self-study. Check out the eligibility criteria.
GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
Ethical hacking deals a lot with security. Penetration testers check security measures. So understanding the whole realm of ethical hacking involves in-depth knowledge on security in all its forms. The GSE Certification tests on security tasks.
Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
This well-known, global IT security certification offers instant credibility. And it’s an excellent way to expand your cybersecurity knowledge — particularly if you’re in a hands-on, operational IT role or you’re building a foundation in information security. SSCP shows you have the technical skills to implement, monitor and administer IT infrastructure using information security policies and procedures. You’re skilled in protecting the confidentiality, integrity and availability of data. You matter!
CompTIA Security+
Test skills related to threats and attacks, vulnerabilities, risk management and much more. It establishes the core knowledge required for many cybersecurity roles and provides a springboard to intermediate-level cybersecurity jobs. Security+ incorporates best practices in hands-on trouble-shooting to ensure security professionals have practical security problem-solving skills. Cybersecurity professionals with Security+ know how to address security incidents – not just identify them.
Final Thoughts
Being a professional ethical hacker involves a lot more than stock piling certifications. Experience and projects makes a huge difference between being good and being great. Most of the above qualifications will set you back somewhere between $2000 and $10,000, fortunately we have a networking course for only a fraction of the price!. Whilst it won’t provide any weighting in getting in getting a job, it will help the student ensure that they are capable of learning at that specific level without wasting thousands of dollars. You can get our Network penetration course for only $19.99 at the link HERE.