With the increasing threat of cyber crimes and attacks around the world, it is understood why the need for various IT security certifications is developing right along with it year after year. Among the extensive list of certifications available, very few IT professionals have determined to take the path toward obtaining their CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) certification or the CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) certification.
The CEH and CISSP security certifications are basically two sides of the same coin. The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) establishes security standards for an organization, and the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) tries to avoid them and break in; letting the organization know what they could do properly and help them reinforce their entire security blueprint. Both security professionals work together help to create a unified security strategy to maintain the organization’s network secure.
Why Should You Earn CEH Certification?
What precisely does a Certified Ethical Hacker do in the first place? As a CEH, you will absolutely be a certified hacker. This certification path allows you to learn everything you require to know about the vulnerabilities and weaknesses of targeted IT infrastructures and systems. You will use the same resources, tool and acquired knowledge that malicious hackers use to cause data breaches and other cyber crimes. It is basically as if you apply an IT criminal mind to prevent IT criminals in their paths before they can successfully steal an organization's data. The prevalent approach is to get you to start thinking like a hacker to prevent real hackers efficiently.
A solid foundation in IT knowledge is necessary to successfully achieve this particular certification. It is not expected to have existing technical knowledge, but that type of foundation would be very beneficial. For example, it would be much simpler for a current systems administrator or server manager to achieve his or her CEH certification based on the fundamentals of their existing knowledge and skillset.
Upon earning your CEH certification, you will be qualified to work as a consultant for government agencies and private sector organizations looking to strengthen their security policy. This type of job profile is generally more suited to someone who likes more freedom in deciding their work and someone who enjoys taking on persistent challenges.
Career opportunities after doing CEH certification:
IT Security Specialist
Network Security Specialist
Security Administrator
IT Security Consultant
Ethical Hacker
Penetration Tester
Site Administrator
IT Auditor
Computer Forensics Analyst
Homeland Security Specialist
Businesses & Hiring Managers
Why Should You Earn CISSP Certification?
If you are not fascinated in becoming a certified hacker, you could explore the path that points toward obtaining a CISSP certification instead. To become a Certified Information Systems Security Professional, you actually agree to become professionally administered by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium – which is a globally recognized organization.
The examination that applicants are expected to pass to achieve this particular certification is much more difficult than you might think. However, the nature of the actual certification is pervasive and can be applied to a large number of job opportunities and career tracks within the expanding workforce of IT security positions. The chances are that if you want to apply for any high-level IT security job that involves some aspect of management responsibilities and duties, it will be a necessity (or a high preference) for you to achieve or already have a certification as a CISSP.
A Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) has a more distinct list of potential jobs that they qualify for and typically qualify for a higher salary range. Moreover, their work environment is much more organized, and they tend to work directly for an organization – whereas the CEH is more of a consulting position.
Career opportunities after doing CISSP certification
Security Consultant
Security Manager
IT Director/Manager
Security Auditor
Security Architect
Security Analyst
Security Systems Engineer
Chief Information Security Officer
Director of Security
Network Architect
CEH VS CISSP
There is a common consent among cybersecurity professionals that both the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certifications are important for a career in IT security.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term IT Career Objectives
The value of your preferred IT professional or chosen career path should be fundamentally based on the permanence of your vision. Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years? What are your short-term and long-term goals in this industry? Some people are only involved in the short-term scale – maybe using additional IT security certifications to expand their marketability and value within their actual line of work.
On the other hand, there are more aspiring IT professionals that want to open new career opportunities (or even business opportunities) with this type of certification. Which certification you determine to choose between CEH and CISSP tracks should be based upon your short-term and long-term objectives as well as your overall reason for obtaining this type of certification in the first place.
Knowledge and Experience are Vital
In an extension of the knowledge, you must also have the experience – especially if you want to secure the high-level, high-paying job opportunities that endure within the field of IT security. Having certifications and documentation from passed examinations is a huge first step. However, it is essential for you to understand that it is not the only step. Future employers want to know more than just your educational background and list of acquired certifications. A future employer will want to analyze your level of experience and absorbed knowledge as well.
This is why it is best to acknowledge entry-level IT opportunities that will empower you to get your foot in the door – especially if you have defined experience within this demanding industry. Taking that first step will rightly introduce you to the IT workforce, but also provide your name to start circulating among like-minded professionals for networking purposes.
CEH or CISSP: Which is the right IT security certification for you?
The excellent world of IT security jobs is based on high demand and low supply. The demand for IT professionals is at an all-time high, but the possible “supply” of certified professionals is much lower than you might imagine – especially when it comes to the number of IT professionals with the high-level IT security certifications required to produce quality outcomes.
What precisely are the most in-demand fields of IT securities that are seeing for entry, mid and high-level IT professionals? Studies have shown that the following fields are your most viable opportunities to acknowledge at the top of your list:
Mobile security and access management
IT audits and preventative strategy development
Big Data and data analytics reporting/management
Penetration/breach testing and certified hacking
Cloud security
Either the CEH or CISSP certification could make a big influence in the IT fields listed above. However, as mentioned above, you require to make sure that you have the knowledge, expertise, skill set, and experience to keep pace with the selected certification.
The Choice is Up to You
The bottom line is that either path – a CEH certification or CISSP certification – is a worthwhile option that can lead to advantageous career and business opportunities. You can choose either certification on the basis of your interests and educational background. However, there’s nothing that states you can’t obtain both; empowering you to understand both sides of the security issues. This unique understanding will help to make you much more skilled at any security position you prefer while effectively increasing your employment opportunities.
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