Top IT Security Certifications

 Top IT Security Certifications

If you are looking for a certification in information security then you might be feeling a little confused since there are nearly a dozen internationally recognized certs to choose from. The best information technology security certifications available to IT professionals in 2014, are also top paying roles in the field of enterprise systems management.
When it comes to information security (aka InfoSec), you need only read the headlines to observe that those with malintent constantly find new and scary ways to access -- and misuse -- privileged information for unscrupulous or questionable purposes. As a result, IT professionals skilled in information security remain in very high demand.
"A certification today is like a college degree," says Grady Summers, Americas leader for information security program management services at Ernst & Young. "You may not hire a candidate just because they have one, but it is something that you come to expect in this field."
If you're serious about advancing your career in the IT field and are interested in specializing in security, then certification is your best bet. It's an effective way to validate your skills and show your current or prospective employer that you're qualified and properly trained.

• CompTIA Security+ : With more than 250,000 credential holders, CompTIA's Security+ credential is a well-respected, vendor-neutral security credential. Credential holders are recognized as possessing superior technical skills, broad knowledge, and expertise in multiple security-related disciplines.
• CISSP: Certified Information Systems Security Professional: The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification remains the premier certification for security practitioners. If you’re looking for a position as a mid-level security professional, particularly as a generalist, this certification is a must have.
• CEH: Certified Ethical Hacker: Certified Ethical Hacker is gaining popularity as organizations focus on securing their IT infrastructure and networks from internal and external attacks. CEH is offered by EC-Council, and its goal is to certify security practitioners in the methodology of ethical hacking. This vendor-neutral certification covers the standards and language involved in exploiting system vulnerabilities, weaknesses and countermeasures.
• CISM: Certified Information Security Manager: All of the technologists involved in information security programs need top caliber leadership and management. That’s where the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) credential from the Information Security Audit and Control Association (ISACA) comes into play. The CISM program requires that candidates pass an exam covering governance, risk management, security program management and incident management topics.
• GIAC: Global Information Assurance Certification : Another fine entry-level credential, GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC) certification is designed for those professionals seeking to demonstrate that they not only understand information security terminology and concepts, but also possess the skills and technical expertise necessary for "hands-on" security roles. Credential holders demonstrate knowledge and technical skills in areas such as WiFi protocols, identifying and preventing common and wireless attacks, network mapping, public switched telephony networks, access control, authentication, password management, DNS, cryptography fundamentals, ICMP, IPv6, public key infrastructure, Linux, network mapping, network protocols and much more.

If you're looking to improve your skills (and your pay!), consider adding one or more of the certifications above. Consider your current skill set and see if a related skill or a management skill may help power your career to the next level.