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Essential Guide to Cyber Security Certificates

Mar 17, 2025

Cyber Security Certificates: A Comprehensive Overview

Introduction

  • Cyber security certificates are crucial for securing jobs in the industry.
  • The right certificate can lead to high-paying, long-term careers without needing a university degree.
  • The lecture ranks security certificates based on their ability to help you get hired.
  • Certificates are ranked from S (super) to F (fail).

Overview of Certificate Rankings

  1. Old School Certificates

    • CompTIA Security+
      • Pros: Good introduction to cybersecurity, can build confidence, required for US DoD jobs.
      • Cons: Multiple choice, high cost ($450), boring content.
      • Rating: C
    • Cisco Certifications
      • Pros: Free courses.
      • Cons: Low-quality training, not necessary for cybersecurity roles, emotional attachment to Cisco.
      • Rating: D
    • ISC2 CISSP
      • Pros: Broad topic introduction, historically well-regarded.
      • Cons: Management focus, questionable real-world applicability, perceived arrogance in holders.
      • Rating: B
    • EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
      • Pros: Required for DoD (politically).
      • Cons: Misleading name, overpriced, low-quality.
      • Rating: F
    • ISACA Certifications (CISA, CISM, CRISC)
      • Pros: Earliest targeted audit certifications.
      • Cons: Expensive renewal fees, low practical applicability.
      • Rating: D
    • SANS Institute (GIAC)
      • Pros: High quality, practical training.
      • Cons: High cost, decline in instructor quality.
      • Rating: A

  2. Second Generation Certificates

    • Offensive Security (OSCP)
      • Pros: Practical, hands-on, reasonably priced.
      • Cons: Poor training structure, acquisition by equity firm.
      • Rating: A
    • INE (eJPT, eCPPT)
      • Pros: Practical, well-structured, reasonably priced.
      • Cons: None noted.
      • Rating: S

  3. Cloud Provider Certifications

    • AWS and Azure Security
      • Pros: Market relevance, abundant training resources.
      • Cons: Multiple choice exams.
      • Rating: A

  4. New Generation Certificates

    • Platforms like TryHackMe, Hack The Box, TCM Security, etc.
      • Pros: Practical, hands-on, reasonably priced, broad applicability.
      • Cons: Confusion over which platform to choose.
      • Rating: S

Worst Certificates

  • Cyber Security Boot Camps
    • Cons: High cost, false job guarantees, scammy marketing.
    • Crowned worst of the worst.

Best Certificates

  • No single best certificate.
  • New generation certificates collectively deemed best.
  • Emphasis on choosing the right path and progressing to senior roles.

Conclusion

  • Focus on skill-building and practical experience over mere certifications.
  • Understanding the landscape and making informed decisions are key for career growth in cybersecurity.
  • Recommendations for further learning paths and resources are suggested for continued progress.

Full transcript