Cybersecurity is a relatively new field that requires education, practical experience, and expertise. Choosing the right cyber security course, however, can be challenging. Drawing up any cybersecurity certifications roadmap could prove advantageous for the newcomer in helping him/her build a foundation, refine his/her knowledge, and move ahead in the career path of cyber security and technology risks.

Beginner-Level Cybersecurity Certifications

It's easier to have a successful cyber security experience when you have the right foundation. Certifications are available for the beginner level to help you grasp the basics of IT, networking, and security before you reach higher qualifications.

1. CompTIA IT Fundamentals

Those lacking a technological background might find CompTIA IT Fundamentals to be an excellent starting point. This certification will give the learner an overview of IT fundamentals and their infrastructure, software, and security components. With such background information, the learners will be able to take on more specific cyber security courses.

2. CompTIA Network+

Knowledge about networks is essential in understanding how cyber-attacks happen and how security measures protect the systems. The purpose of CompTIA Network+ is to provide an introduction to networking infrastructure, troubleshooting, connectivity, and security. After gaining basic knowledge about networking, understanding other concepts like firewalls, intrusions, network monitoring, and others will be easier.

3. CompTIA Security+

Once a learner has acquired basic IT and networking knowledge, the CompTIA Security+ credential can help them develop core cybersecurity skills. It includes threat, vulnerability, security architecture, identity management and risk management. For those interested in pursuing a career in cyber security, this cyber security training may be a good beginning-level certificate.

Intermediate-Level Cybersecurity Certifications

After learning the basics, one should learn to build up practical and specific skills. Intermediate certifications can give professionals a chance to delve into ethical hacking, security operations, and vulnerability management.

1. Cisco CyberOps Associate

Security operations are another viable cybersecurity career path. Cisco CyberOps Associate is primarily about security monitoring, incident response, and threat detection in an organization. This certification would be a great addition to cyber defense knowledge for professionals seeking a career in a security operations center (SOC) position.

2. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Among all the cyber security courses after 12th, CEH is the ideal option as it helps ethical hackers find security weaknesses. It presents topics of reconnaissance, scanning, system hacking, social engineering and web application security. All this knowledge can aid professionals in their understanding of the attacker's actions and in their own futures in penetration testing and vulnerability assessment.

Advanced-Level Cybersecurity Certifications

It is estimated that the retail sector makes up 6% of global data breaches each year. This demonstrates the importance of individuals capable of recognizing vulnerabilities, and responding to cyber threats. So, even you are in advanced position, you can get certificates.

1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

CISSP is a highly recognized qualification for those looking to advance careers in information security. It includes areas of security and risk management, asset security, security architecture, communication security, and security operations. It is especially applicable for professionals who are seeking a senior-level security management and leadership role.

2. Certified Offensive Security Professional (OSCP)

OSCP provides a practical learning experience for professionals wanting to delve into offensive security. This cyber security course emphasizes penetration tests and the candidates are expected to have practical experience in vulnerability identification and exploitation. It may be applicable for penetration testing, ethical hacking, and offensive security careers.

3. Cloud Security Certifications

Organizations are increasingly leveraging cloud platforms and a growing field of cloud security is emerging. AWS Certified Security can assist professionals in building skills for cloud security, identity management, data security, and infrastructure security.

Conclusion

The best cybersecurity certifications roadmap isn't just a list of exams. Learn networking and IT fundamentals, build a solid foundation of security knowledge, have a specialty, and then step up to more advanced certifications. With a structured approach, skills can be developed for a successful cybersecurity career.