IT Security Certifications for Beginners

IT Security Certifications for Beginners

The IT industry of today has outgrown its own humble origins of "tech support." IT is a major technological branch which encompasses a wide range of technology and has made room for a vast number of specialty areas. With so much information whizzing around within this industry, how can professionals stay current with the rapid-fire advancements? Any security expert in the cybersecurity industry will tell you that professional certifications are a great way to stay in-the-know. 

What’s A Certification?

In simple terms, a certification is an accreditation earned by a professional, affirming their ability to perform specified tasks excellently. You'll have to study diligently before sitting for a certification exam. Once passed, you're officially certified!

Examples Of Entry-level Certifications For Beginners

When you want to make sure your post-graduation entry into the world of cybersecurity will go smoothly, looking into certifications is a great idea. Here are some examples of the kind of popular and widely-recognized certifications you can get:

  • GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC): Provided by the Global Information Assurance Certification, this certification is recognized by governments, IT industry leaders, and military experts. This certification introduces the basic concepts in software security as well as IT security administration and management. That makes it a great choice for a beginner looking to gain basic valuable knowledge in IT security.
  • CompTIA Security +: This is another one of the most sought-after IT security certifications. For a beginner, it’s an excellent choice. It encompasses a broad overview of the every-day integral concepts of corporate IT security. You could gain knowledge and experience in protecting corporate data and network systems. As an entry-level professional striving to impress an organization, you should definitely consider this certification.

Do Certifications Help On the Job?

You may ask: How does all this chasing after certifications help on the job? Well, here’s a breakdown:

  • Technical & Soft Skills: A certification describes on-the-job technical skills and encourages a broader perspective in solving problems, which helps with customer service tasks and interpersonal communications.
  • Hands-On Experience: When you take part in practical simulations of various IT security tasks, you can gain hands-on experience in dealing with various magnitudes of cyber threats. You could learn how to identify and repulse potential cyber-attacks. You also learn how to prevent such attacks from occurring in the first place.
  • A certification can provide a solid understanding of network infrastructure and topology. This makes it easier for you to identity any security loopholes in a network, and helps you find ways to fix them. A certified IT security professional can design better and more secure network systems. You could learn how and where to install relevant security devices and software, and how to configure, manage, and maintain them properly. You could also become a better security administrator, with a broader knowledge of the most security policies and procedures.

IT Security Certifications for Beginners

Are you ready to add some formal education to your resume? If you are interested in earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer and Information Science with a Major in Cyber and Network Security - Cybersecurity Track, ECPI University offers this program at an accelerated rate--and we can subsidize the cost of many industry certifications. For more information and to talk to a helpful admissions advisor, connect with ECPI University today.

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