Cybersecurity, which is also known as information security or computer security, is concerned with the protection of computer systems from outside threats like theft of data, unauthorised access or damage, and security certifications demonstrate that you have the necessary abilities. A cybersecurity certification is proof of your ability to deal with certain threats to computer systems and employers often highly value it. These typically cost money and are going to require study and examination, so it’s important to know how relevant they are to your chosen career path.

Cyber Security Beginner Certificate

The UK PD Academy provides this certification and introduces you to up-to-date knowledge regarding the evaluation, prevention and identification of cybercrime activities. It requires no prior understanding of cybersecurity, as it’s a beginner’s course, making it potentially ideal if you come from a different background, like business. There are ten modules in the course, covering things like different types of cyberattacks, the fundamentals of information security and defence against hacking. Award is based on the completion of a final test.

CompTIA Security+

The CompTIA Security+ certification is internationally recognised and demonstrates your competence in general cybersecurity skills. In many jobs involving cybersecurity, a certification like this one is going to be a standard prerequisite. It involves learning about practical skills that are going to be used in real-life cybersecurity scenarios and is generally aimed at professionals who are still relatively early on in their careers. The exam itself lasts 90 minutes and has both performance and multiple-choice questions. Usually, you’re expected to have at least two years of IT administration experience prior to entry.

Certified Network Defender (CND)

This certification teaches you about the fundamentals and best practices for network security. This includes learning about computer networks, how they work and the basics of how to protect them. If you pursue this certification, you’re going to learn about the various network security threats, protocols, the devices involved and how to handle attacks. This includes the use of things like firewalls, virtual private networks (VPNs) and wireless network defence. Additionally, you’re going to learn about data recovery and backup, which is crucial to maintaining the integrity of an organisation’s important information.

The Cyber Threat to UK Business

This certification is aimed at both IT security professionals and business owners and equips them with knowledge of cyber threats as they relate to business in the UK. It covers the best practices for cybersecurity and risk management, the legal background and information management. Because it’s specific to the UK, it covers the threat landscape that’s going to be most relevant to UK-based organisations, in addition to the Darknet and how intellectual property crime works.