Top Data Security Certifications for 2024
Data breaches and cyber attacks are increasingly common, making data security more important than ever for organizations. There are several highly-regarded data security certifications that can help professionals demonstrate their skills and knowledge in this critical field. Here are some of the top data security certifications to consider getting in 2024:
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
The CISM certification is offered by ISACA for professionals who manage, design, oversee and assess an enterprise’s information security. To be eligible, you need a minimum of 5 years experience in information security management.
Some key facts about the CISM:
- Focuses on the connection between information security programs and broader business operations
- Covers areas like risk management, incident management, IT governance and more
- Requires passing a 4-hour exam with 200 multiple choice questions
- Certification is valid for 3 years and requires ongoing education for renewal
With strong job growth expected for information security managers, the CISM credential can help demonstrate your expertise in leading security strategy. It’s ideal for IT professionals moving into security leadership roles.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
The CISSP is offered by (ISC)2 and widely considered one of the top security certifications. It covers subject matter across eight domains:
- Security and risk management
- Asset security
- Security architecture and engineering
- Communication and network security
- Identity and access management
- Security assessment and testing
- Security operations
- Software development security
To qualify for the CISSP, you need:
- 5 years of full-time work experience in 2 or more of the 8 domains
- Passing score on a 3-hour exam with 125-150 questions
- Endorsement of (ISC)2 members
The CISSP certification validates your ability to design, implement and manage a cybersecurity program. It’s best suited for experienced security professionals looking to advance their careers.
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Security+ is an entry-level cybersecurity certification that covers network security, compliance policies, security assessments, authentication, risk management and more. Key details:
- Vendor-neutral certification ideal for early-career security professionals
- Designed to validate the key skills needed to perform core security functions
- Requires passing a 90 minute exam with a maximum of 90 questions
- Certification is valid for 3 years and can be renewed by passing the exam again
With technology generalists increasingly taking on security duties, CompTIA Security+ provides foundational skills for roles like security analyst, network administrator and security engineer. It’s a launching point for an IT security career.
Certified Information Security Auditor (CISA)
A CISA certification demonstrates expertise in information systems audit, control and security. Offered by ISACA, the CISA covers topics like:
- IT governance, risk and compliance
- Information systems acquisition, development and implementation
- Information systems operations and business resilience
- Protection of information assets
To become a CISA, you must:
- Have 5 years of experience auditing, managing, controlling or securing information systems
- Pass a 4-hour exam with 150 multiple choice questions
- Abide by ISACA’s code of ethics and standards
A CISA credential qualifies you to assess vulnerabilities, report on compliance, and institute controls for an organization’s information systems. If you want to get into IT auditing, it’s an important certification.
Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
The CCSP certification from (ISC)2 focuses exclusively on cloud security. It’s designed for IT and security pros responsible for cloud security architecture, design, operations and service orchestration. Exam topics include:
- Cloud concepts, architecture and design
- Governance and compliance
- Cloud data security
- Cloud platform and infrastructure security
- Cloud application security
- Cloud security operations
To qualify for the CCSP:
- You need at least 5 years of IT experience, with 3 in information security AND 1 year in one or more of the CCSP domains
- Pass the CCSP exam of 125-150 questions over 4 hours
With many organizations adopting cloud platforms, the CCSP validates critical skills in cloud security monitoring, access controls, encryption and more.
Key Takeaways
- CISM, CISSP, CISA: Leading advanced certifications for experienced security professionals
- CompTIA Security+: Foundational certification ideal for early-career professionals
- CCSP: Specialized certification focused exclusively on cloud security
- Consider your career stage and specialty area when selecting a certification
- Combining multiple certifications can help demonstrate well-rounded expertise
The demand for cybersecurity skills continues growing rapidly. Earning one or more of these sought-after data security certifications can boost your expertise and help advance your career.
