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 increased focus on data protection is driving strong demand for certified data security professionals.
I have researched the top data security certifications that are most valuable for IT professionals in 2024. Here are the certifications that provide the skills and knowledge needed to protect sensitive data from constantly evolving cyber threats.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
The CISSP is widely considered the gold standard in information security certifications. This vendor-neutral certification covers topics like security engineering, communication and network security, identity and access management, security assessment, and more.
To earn the CISSP, you need 5 years of professional work experience in IT security. The exam covers 8 domains of information security. Obtaining this certification proves you have deep technical and managerial knowledge to design, engineer, and manage an organization’s overall security posture.
Key benefits:
- Globally recognized certification of information security expertise
- Covers a broad range of security topics and skills
- Validates ability to develop security policies and procedures
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
CISM is designed for information security leaders and focuses on security strategy and management. To qualify, you need 5 years of experience in information security management.
The CISM exam covers topics like information risk management, incident management, compliance, and more. Earning this certification proves you can effectively manage, design, and oversee an enterprise information security program.
Key benefits:
- Targeted for IT security managers and leaders
- Validates expertise in enterprise information security management
- Focuses on security strategy and governance
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
CISA is ideal for IT security auditing and control professionals. To qualify, you need 5 years of professional experience in auditing, managing controls, and cybersecurity.
The CISA exam covers topics like governance, risk management, compliance auditing, and more. Obtaining this certification proves you have the skills to audit, monitor, assess, and evaluate organization-wide information systems and policies.
Key benefits:
- Ideal for IT security audit, control, and assurance pros
- Validates auditing, governance, and compliance expertise
- Globally recognized standard for audit and info systems control
Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
CRISC is designed for IT and business professionals responsible for identifying and managing IT risks. Prerequisites include 3 years of experience in IT risk identification, assessment, and management.
The CRISC exam covers topics like IT risk identification, risk analysis, risk response and mitigation, and more. Professionals with this certification understand how to recognize and mitigate IT related business risks.
Key benefits:
- Ideal for IT risk identification and mitigation roles
- Validates ability to assess and identify IT risks
- Focuses on IT risk management lifecycle
Certified Information Security Systems Professional (CISSP-ISSAP)
The CISSP-ISSAP credential builds on the CISSP to validate expertise in architecture-based information security. Prerequisites include CISSP certification and 2 years of relevant work experience.
The exam covers topics like access control systems, network architecture security, cryptography, and more. Earning this certification proves advanced competency in designing, engineering, and implementing secure architectures in information systems.
Key benefits:
- Proves expertise in info systems architecture and security
- Validates advanced technical skills to implement secure architectures
- Requires currently holding CISSP credential
Certified Authorization Professional (CAP)
CAP is designed for security professionals involved in authorizing and maintaining information systems. Prerequisites include a current CSP certification or CISA certification.
The exam focuses on risk management and compliance activities required within the authorization process. Obtaining CAP certification shows you have the advanced skills to formally authorize, maintain, and continuously monitor information systems per security policies.
Key benefits:
- Ideal for risk management and compliance roles
- Validates expertise in authorization activities
- Requires CSP or CISA certification
Bottom Line
Earning one of these top certifications can help validate your skills and advance your career in IT security. The CISSP and CISM are broad certifications that cover a wide range of security topics, while CISA, CRISC, CISSP-ISSAP, and CAP focus on niche domains like auditing, risk, architecture, and authorization. Evaluate these options and choose the certification that best fits your professional goals and background.
