Data Security Certifications: Are They Worth It in 2024?

Data breaches and cyber attacks are on the rise. As a result, data security has become a top priority for organizations across all industries. This growing demand for cybersecurity professionals has led many people to ask: are data security certifications really worth it in 2024?

Why Get Certified?

There are several potential benefits to getting certified in data security:

Validate Your Skills

Data security certifications demonstrate that you have the requisite knowledge and skills to protect sensitive information. They provide third-party validation of your expertise.

Certifications like the CISSP and CISM require passing rigorous exams that cover various aspects of information security. Obtaining these certifications shows employers that you understand core concepts like risk management, access controls, cryptography, network security, and more.

Enhance Your Career Prospects

Cybersecurity certifications can boost your chances of landing a job and progressing in your career.

According to the (ISC)^2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study, 63% of organizations require or prefer certified professionals. Job postings commonly list certifications as required or preferred qualifications.

Once in a job, certifications can help you take on new responsibilities and earn promotions. They demonstrate your commitment to continual learning and staying current in the field.

Increase Your Earning Potential

There is a financial payoff as well. Multiple studies have correlated certifications with higher salaries.

The previously mentioned (ISC)^2 study found that certified professionals earn an average of 9% more than their non-certified peers. The largest gaps were for advanced certifications like the CISSP and CISM.

Clearly, organizations are willing to pay more for certified cybersecurity talent.

Gain Competitive Advantage

Finally, certifications help differentiate you from other candidates.

Cybersecurity is a highly competitive field, with talent shortages across the industry. Holding key certifications can help set you apart and prove your expertise in areas like cloud security, risk management, and network defense.

They demonstrate you have up-to-date knowledge that’s highly valued. This can be tremendously beneficial when pursuing new career opportunities.

Which Certifications Are Most Valuable?

With so many options out there, which certifications provide the biggest return on your investment in 2024? Here are five of the most in-demand:

CISSP

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) credential offered by (ISC)^2 covers security strategy, architecture, engineering, management, and other areas.

It has long been considered the “gold standard” certification for cybersecurity leaders. The CISSP will continue to carry clout and be sought after by employers.

CISM

Like the CISSP, the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) from ISACA is well-respected globally.

It focuses more on information risk management, making it ideal for those in IT and security management roles.

CASP+

The CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) cert targets technical cybersecurity skills.

It covers asset security, security architecture, risk management, cryptography, communications security, and more. The DoD approved it for information assurance roles.

CCSP

The Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) from (ISC)^2 focuses entirely on cloud security, a hot topic.

It covers architecture, operations, controls, and compliance related to securing cloud infrastructure and applications.

CRISC

The Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) from ISACA is meant for IT pros and risk management practitioners.

It covers risk identification, assessment, response, and monitoring. With organizations seeking to better manage info risks, the CRISC is valuable.

There are certainly other certification options, but these five should carry weight for years to come. Those looking to specialize may consider vendor-specific certs from AWS, Microsoft, Cisco, and others as well.

Is Certification Worth the Investment?

Let’s summarize the key points on whether data security certifications will be worth pursuing in 2024 and beyond:

• Demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to far exceed supply. Jobs requiring certifications should grow 31% through 2029 per CyberSeek.

• Certifications validate critical job skills and can enhance your hiring and promotion prospects.

• Salary surveys consistently show certified professionals earn higher pay, often $10,000+ more annually.

• Certifications help differentiate you and gain a competitive edge when changing jobs.

• Prestigious certs like the CISSP and CISM will continue to be valued by employers globally. Cloud and risk management certs also provide value.

While requiring effort to attain, the payoff from cybersecurity certifications makes them very worthwhile investments for 2024 and the future. The right certifications can propel your career forward and help you capitalize on the growth in the field.