Cyber security is becoming an increasingly important field as more and more of our data and infrastructure becomes digitized. With high profile data breaches making headlines, companies are looking to shore up their defenses by hiring cyber security professionals. This increased demand has driven up salaries in the field and made cyber security one of the hottest areas in IT. But is getting a certificate in cyber security worth it? Here are some quick answers to key questions to help you decide.
What are the career prospects like in cyber security?
The career prospects in cyber security are very strong right now. According to the 2020 CyberSeek Cybersecurity Supply and Demand report, there were over 715,000 cyber security job openings in the US as of September 2020. However, there were only around 450,000 workers in cyber security to fill these roles. This talent shortage means that companies are struggling to fill open cyber security positions. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in information security will grow at a rate of 31% from 2019 to 2029, which is over 4 times the average for all occupations. With demand far outpacing supply, cyber security professionals can command high salaries and have their pick of job opportunities.
What kind of salary can you expect with a cyber security certificate?
Here are some average salaries for common cyber security roles according to PayScale:
| Cyber Security Role | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Information Security Analyst | $86,000 |
| Network Security Engineer | $107,000 |
| Security Architect | $131,000 |
| Security Manager | $131,000 |
As you can see, cyber security roles pay very well on average. With just a certificate, you can expect to earn an entry level salary between $50,000 to $75,000. With a few years of experience under your belt, you can easily earn over $100,000.
What are some of the top paying cyber security certifications?
Here are 5 of the top paying cyber security certifications:
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- GIAC Security Expert (GSE)
Earning one of these certifications signals to employers that you have deep technical skills and knowledge in cyber security. The CISSP and CISM in particular are considered the gold standards in the field.
How long does it take to get a cyber security certificate?
It usually takes 1 to 2 years of dedicated study and preparation to obtain a cyber security certification like the CISSP or CISM. However, there are some entry level cyber security certificates that can be earned in just a few months. For example, CompTIA Security+ can be obtained with about 3-6 months of study. These foundational certs allow you to kickstart your cyber security career quickly.
What are some good entry level cyber security certifications?
Here are 5 excellent entry level cyber security certifications:
- CompTIA Security+
- EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- ISC2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Associate
- ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) Associate
- (ISC)2 Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
The Security+, CEH, and SSCP can all be obtained within 6 months of study or less. They provide a strong baseline of cyber security knowledge and are a great starting point for those looking to transition into the field.
What cyber security skills are most in demand?
These are some of the most sought after cyber security skills today:
- Cloud security – Securing cloud infrastructure like AWS, Azure and GCP
- Network security – Protecting computer networks and information
- Application security – Securing apps, APIs and microservices
- Incident response – Detecting, analyzing and responding to security incidents
- Encryption – Protecting data at rest and in transit through encryption
- Penetration testing – Simulated attacks to uncover vulnerabilities
- Security analytics – Log analysis, threat intel and detecting anomalies
Having broad cyber security skills opens you up to more job opportunities and higher pay. Specializing in a high demand area like cloud or application security can be especially lucrative.
What are some fast growing cyber security careers?
Some of the fastest growing and most in demand cyber security careers include:
- Cloud Security Engineer – $128,000 average salary
- Application Security Engineer – $123,000 average salary
- Incident Response Analyst – $90,000 average salary
- Cyber Security Analyst – $98,000 average salary
- Information Security Manager – $131,000 average salary
Focusing on these high growth areas can accelerate your career advancement and earnings potential in the cyber security field.
How much does cyber security certification training cost?
The cost for cyber security certification training depends on factors like:
- Vendor (CompTIA, ISC2, ISACA etc)
- Level of certification (entry, associate, professional)
- Mode of learning (self-study, online, classroom)
- Add-ons like exam vouchers and practice tests
Entry level certifications like Security+ can be self-studied for $300 – $500. Higher level certs like CISSP require classroom training costing upwards of $3,000. Budget at least $1,000-$2,000 for most recognized mid-level cyber certs. The investment pays off with higher salaries.
Are cyber security bootcamps worth it?
Cyber security bootcamps are intensive 3-6 month training programs that prepare you for certifications and jobs in cyber security. Top cyber bootcamps like Metis and Fullstack Cyber Security offer solid training with reported graduation hiring rates of over 85%. Bootcamps can help break into cyber security if you have limited experience. However, they don’t go as in depth as college cyber programs. The average cost is around $12,000-$20,000 for cyber bootcamps.
What is the best way to get cyber security experience?
Some of the best ways to gain hands-on cyber security experience include:
- Cyber security internships – Work under experienced pros
- Part time cyber jobs – Nights/weekends in cyber roles
- Freelance cyber gigs – Bug bounties, pentests, projects
- Home labs – Practice hacking skills in a safe environment
- Cyber competitions – Test your skills against others
- Cyber ranges – Simulated, gamified cyber environments
Any opportunity to apply your classroom knowledge in quasi-real world scenarios will significantly boost your cyber skills. This practical experience can set you apart in the job market.
Should I get an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in cyber security?
Pursuing either an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in cyber security can help you kickstart your career. An associate’s degree takes just 2 years and gets you hands-on training in areas like networking, operating systems and security concepts. Many community colleges and universities now offer associate’s degrees in cyber security. A bachelor’s degree goes more in depth on cyber security and IT topics over a 4 year period. Your job prospects and salary potential will be higher with a bachelor’s degree. If time and cost are a concern, starting with an associate’s degree is a great option.
What is the average starting salary for an entry level cyber security job?
According to ZipRecruiter, the average starting salary for entry level cyber security jobs is:
- Cyber Security Analyst – $62,500/year
- Information Security Analyst – $59,500/year
- Network Security Analyst – $60,500/year
- IT Security Specialist – $56,500/year
With just 1-2 years of experience under your belt, you can expect to earn above $70,000 in these roles. The cyber security skills gap means strong hiring demand and pay for those entering the field.
What programming languages are most useful for cyber security?
Having some programming knowledge is very helpful for a career in cyber security. Here are 5 of the most useful programming languages:
- Python – Powers many cyber tools for pentesting, forensics and automation
- JavaScript – Important for understanding web application vulnerabilities
- C++ – Needed for malware analysis and reverse engineering
- Ruby – Useful for writing exploits and cyber tools
- PowerShell – Prominent in the Windows ecosystem for security tasks
You don’t need to be an expert coder, but having scripting and programming fundamentals will give you an edge.
Is professional cyber security certification worth it?
Yes, professional level cyber security certifications like the CISSP and CISM are worth pursuing in order to take your career to the next level. They open up opportunities for senior cyber roles like CISO, security director, and cyber security manager. Salaries at this level exceed $130,000/year on average. The advanced knowledge required for these certs sets you apart. Most cyber professionals get their start with foundational certs like Security+ and eventually work up to higher certifications once they have enough experience.
Can you get cyber security certification without experience?
It is possible to get entry level cyber security certification without prior full-time experience. Certifications like Security+, CEH, and SSCP are designed for those looking to break into the field. They demonstrate foundational infosec knowledge but don’t require experience beyond an understanding of IT/networking basics. Higher level certs like the CISSP usually mandate having a number of years of professional cyber experience under your belt.
How long does it take to complete a cyber security program?
The time it takes to complete a cyber security program depends on the type of program:
- Certificate program – 3-12 months
- Associate’s degree – 2 years
- Bachelor’s degree – 4 years
- Master’s degree – 1-2 years
Accelerated options are available, like cyber security bootcamps lasting 3-6 months. Going full time allows you to complete degrees faster. Programs offering night and online classes provide flexibility but take longer to complete.
Conclusion
Pursuing cyber security certification is one of the best ways to launch or advance your IT security career. The cyber skills gap and growing demand for professionals makes information security one of the most promising fields in technology. While certifications require dedication and hard work, they open substantial opportunities for employment and increased salary potential. Foundational certs allow you to transition into the field within months, while professional certs like the CISSP take your career to new heights. If interested in an exciting and dynamic profession, cyber security is a worthwhile investment of time, effort and money.