The world is becoming a more dangerous place, especially where company data and system integrity are concerned. Globally, data breaches cost organizations an average of $4.45 million in 2023, and business owners should not expect good news when the 2024 figures are made available.
The increasing threats of ransomware and phishing, two of the most prevalent threats, have motivated many businesses to increase their focus on cybersecurity. The result is increased demand for cybersecurity professionals. For those thinking about a career in the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity, learning more about the best cybersecurity certifications is essential.
Understanding the Cybersecurity Certification Landscape
As the sophistication of cyberattacks grows, so does the demand for IT professionals with certifications or degrees. Prospective employers need to know that the staff they onboard will add value to the organization. One of the ways these employers can enjoy peace of mind is by knowing that their employees are up to date with the latest developments in the cybersecurity field.
Put simply, a certificate validates the skills and knowledge of the holder. That can make all the difference when it comes to professional development. However, that certification must be provided by a recognized and accredited education provider. Finding the best cybersecurity certification can be a daunting task due to the wealth of options. Making the right decision is essential.
Identifying the Best Certifications for Cybersecurity
CyberSeek research has revealed that only 72 cybersecurity professionals are available for every 100 cybersecurity jobs (from September 2022 to August 2023). That means that demand for certified professionals is at an all-time high.
Given the opportunities in the cybersecurity field, it is no surprise that the field of certification is extremely competitive. However, as with most educational offerings, there are good certifications, and there are great certifications.
What factors should the prospective student take into account when making their choice?
- Industry recognition. A great supplier of cybersecurity certifications will usually showcase the companies that recognize their certifications as world-class. It’s a sure sign that they can deliver exceptional career opportunities.
- Real-world experience. The best cybersecurity certifications will include coursework that combines the theoretical with the practical. Look for certifications that have components offering students experience with real-world challenges.
- Accreditation. Ensure that the cybersecurity certification provider is accredited by a leading qualifications body. An example is accreditation as an Online Higher Education institution by regulatory bodies like the MFHEA (under the European Qualification Framework).
- Flexibility. It is more and more common for certification courses to be offered over the internet. These courses allow the student to study when and where they want.
- Scope of offerings. The cybersecurity field is complex, so make sure that the cybersecurity certification you choose has coursework that applies to your vision for professional growth.
Whether you opt for a consulting role, a specialization, or see yourself as a future board member choosing the best cybersecurity certification is vital.
Exploring the Best Cybersecurity Certificate Programs
Choose your program carefully. Although most cybersecurity jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree, many hiring managers will focus on candidates who add value through top cybersecurity certifications that complement their existing qualifications.
1. Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate
For those starting on their cybersecurity journey, the cybersecurity certification from Google is an attractive option. The certification focuses on on-demand skills, and you can complete your studies in around six months. During the flexible course, students will learn about the importance of cybersecurity practices and how those practices impact organizations.
This foundational certification is ideal for those seeking a career as a cybersecurity analyst, security operations center (SOC) analyst, or security analyst.
2. CompTIA Security+
This certification is ideal for students looking to build foundational skills for almost any cybersecurity role. It provides companies with a validation that the certificate holder is able to monitor and secure mobile and cloud applications and the Internet of Things (IoT) environments. The best cybersecurity certificates also ensure students understand the laws and regulations related to risk and compliance.
This certification can be the foundation of a career as a systems administrator, security engineer, IT auditor, or cloud engineer (among others).
3. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
For professionals who want to take their cybersecurity skills and careers to new heights, the CISSP certification ticks all the right boxes. It underlines the applicant’s experience in IT security and their skills in developing, implementing, and monitoring a state-of-the-art cybersecurity program.
Students will require five years of cumulative work experience and a four-year degree in computer science – part-time work or paid internships count towards work experience.
This certification will open up opportunities as a chief information security officer, a security administrator, or a top-flight security consultant.
There are numerous programs for motivated professionals interested in either launching or furthering a career in cybersecurity, but a recognized certification from an accredited and trusted education provider is the key to success.
OPIT’s MSc in Enterprise Cybersecurity: A Unique Opportunity
OPIT’s postgraduate MSc in Enterprise Cybersecurity will take between a year and 18 months to complete. Courses are delivered online, allowing students to learn when and where they prefer.
This certification is designed to align with the four most important foundational industry certifications: CISSP, CISM, CRISC, and CEH.
The program provides employers with a certified professional skilled in both technical and managerial roles, fulfilling an urgent need for multidisciplinary cybersecurity resources. The coursework combines core theoretical concepts, real-world application, and soft skills, dovetailing neatly with the strategic needs of the modern organization.
The Master’s from OPIT is the best cybersecurity certification for IT professionals interested in a career as:
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
- Security Solutions Architect
- Cybersecurity Manager/Director
- Cybersecurity Risk Analyst
- Cybersecurity Compliance Officer
- Incident Response Manager
- Cloud Security Manager
The Advantage of a Comprehensive Education With OPIT
The business world, and especially the world of cybersecurity, is complex and fast-evolving. Businesses require employees with an education aligned with the needs of the industry to cope with the ever-accelerating rate of change.
The best cybersecurity certifications, such as the MSc in Enterprise Cybersecurity from OPIT, provide a mix of technical and management skills aligned with industry demands and standards for a holistic educational approach. This allows graduates to deepen their understanding of the challenges of cybersecurity issues and how they impact business strategy and day-to-day operations.
Elevate Your Career With OPIT
The cybersecurity environment is complex. Employers want to know that their IT professionals can deal with complexity. This makes getting the best cybersecurity certification essential.
The reputation and accreditation of the certificate provider are essential, but keep your chosen career path in mind. Make sure that the certificate coursework combines theory and practical cybersecurity experience. The OPIT MSc in Enterprise Cybersecurity provides professionals with a unique career-focused advantage by integrating certification preparation with accessible, specialized education.
The result is a well-rounded, expert employee who is intimately familiar with the evolving challenges of cybersecurity, and that is the secret of success.
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Life is unpredictable. While many of us have specific hopes and expectations of how our futures will turn out, things don’t always go as expected. There are many variables and unexpected incidents that can interfere and force you to alter your plans, and this is particularly true when it comes to education.
For instance, you might have had plans to study a specific subject, but had to deviate from those plans due to unforeseen circumstances. Or you may have had to enter the workforce in an occupation different from the one you sought in an effort to earn an income, a move that may not provide you with the time or opportunity to achieve your desired educational aims.
In short, every individual’s career pathway is different, and very few go exactly as we expect from the outset. Fortunately, even if you experience a few false starts or sudden twists in your pathway, there are always options available to help you get back on track.
The Unpredictable Nature of Education
In theory, the educational process seems simple. You select a course of study that interests you from the vast array of subjects and prospective professions, select the appropriate classes, acquire the knowledge and skills you need to succeed, and then embark on your profession.
In reality, however, as many people know from firsthand experience, the road to education is often far from straightforward. Here are just some of the many challenges that can take your educational path in a completely different direction:
- Life’s Curveballs: As touched on in the introduction, life is impossible to predict. Financial hardships, health issues, and family emergencies are just some of the unfortunate occurrences that might derail even the most perfectly planned educational regime.
- Changing Interests: People’s desires and preferences don’t necessarily stay the same throughout their entire lives. As you grow, learn, and have new experiences, your interests may change, and so, too, may your educational objectives.
- Pressure and Burnout: Some academic paths are particularly challenging, demanding intense levels of study and hard work. This can sometimes prove too much to bear, even for the most resilient students.
- Failures and Setbacks: Conventional education largely builds around tests and examinations, requiring students to demonstrate their competencies repeatedly. It’s a system that doesn’t suit everyone, and test failures can lead to setbacks and delays.
- Inequality: People can be born with very different privileges and levels of access to education. Those in certain parts of the world may find it much more challenging to complete their education path for financial, cultural, or even political reasons.
- Late Bloomers: People develop at different paces. Some may struggle educationally early on in their lives, forcing them to make certain concessions or sacrifices related to their studies, only to find their feet later in life once they’ve entered the world of work.
Whether you’re a late bloomer, have had your educational aspirations delayed by personal problems, desire to learn new skills and try something different, or want to begin a fresh chapter in your professional life, the Open Institute of Technology (OPIT) may be able to help.
Introducing OPIT
OPIT is an online teaching platform, making high-level technological educational programs accessible to all, no matter their age or background. Offering education in fields like computer science, artificial intelligence, and digital business, OPIT provides a curated collection of degrees. In addition, they offer classes taught by world-leading tutors imparting the wisdom and skills students need to achieve their goals and become the tech leaders of tomorrow.
Meanwhile, for those who have had somewhat tumultuous or unpredictable educational paths, OPIT offers the perfect course corrector: the OPIT Foundation Year.
The OPIT Foundation Year
OPIT’s Foundation Year is a Pre-Tertiary Certificate in Information Technology, fully aligned with MQF/EQF Level 4 standards and valued at 60 ECTS credits. Lasting just one year, this program essentially serves as a comprehensive yet accessible springboard towards higher-level education, creating a path towards degrees and careers in dynamic, flexible fields, like computer science and digital business.
Like other OPIT programs, the Foundation Year is delivered entirely online via the OPIT Virtual Learning Environment. Combining live lectures, asynchronous content, and interactive assessments, students enjoy diverse and dynamic study experiences, acquiring core skills like academic writing, mathematics, and computer literacy, and building a bedrock of knowledge and confidence before taking their next steps.
Who Is the Foundation Program For?
The Foundation Program is designed to provide a solid base upon which to build the technological education many students need. It’s the perfect choice for those who are eager and ambitious to enter professions in AI, data science, and computing, but don’t feel that they have the necessary core skills and knowledge needed to dive straight into a degree.
Entry requirements are relatively relaxed in order to allow as many students as possible to enjoy the benefits of this program. With that said, applicants should ideally hold an MQF/EQF Level 3 or equivalent qualification, with the intention of pursuing a bachelor’s degree. A minimum of B2 level of English proficiency is also required, as this is the working and studying language of the institution.
What the Foundation Year Provides
Perhaps you’ve recently graduated, are considering a career change, or finally have the opportunity to return to education after initial delays or unexpected disruptions to your original plans. Either way, the Foundation Year can help you enjoy:
- Greater Self-Confidence: Foundation Year graduates gain the fundamental skills they need to enter degree programs with much more self-belief and assuredness.
- Superior Tech Knowledge: Lasting two terms, this course explores mathematics, academic reading and writing, and provides an introduction to computer hardware and software.
- Foundational Mathematics: Mathematics literacy forms a large part of the study focus for the Foundation Year, helping students feel more comfortable with numbers and formulas.
- Flexible Learning: Unlike more rigid, conventional education environments, OPIT gives you the freedom and flexibility to study at a pace that suits you best, all from the comfort of home.
- Global Community: OPIT is an international institution, with staff and students from all around the world eager to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and help one another.
Take Your Next Steps to Success With the OPIT Foundation Year
If you’re curious about a career in technology or have always wanted to work with AI, data, and computers, but struggled to find the time and opportunities you need to acquire relevant skills and knowledge, the Foundation Program was made for people like you.
It’s the ideal entry point into the exciting world of online education, and the perfect first step towards a prestigious degree from an innovative and increasingly successful institution. Download the brochure to learn more about it, or start your online application, today.
Students today have a broader range of fields of study to choose from than ever before, but with the world becoming increasingly technological and computers increasing in influence and importance, pursuing a career in computer science often proves a smart, strategic choice.
There are numerous benefits and career paths associated with studying and working in computer science, and we’ll be listing just a few of them in this guide.
High Average Salaries
With the rising cost of living in many parts of the world, it’s unsurprising that many students are thinking several decades ahead to determine what level of starting salaries they could obtain in different career fields.
Many are also seeking professions that offer the opportunity for growth and the ability to advance up the ranks over time, thus increasing their salary and their quality of life in the process.
If a strong, stable salary with the opportunity for improved income is one of your top career priorities, computer science should be at or near the top of your list of prospective careers.
According to recent data, computer scientists earn an average of over €65,000 per year, with certain jobs, like IT project leader and data scientist, paying ever higher. Starting salaries are strong, too, with graduates earning anywhere from €46,000 to €60,000, depending on their chosen profession and level of qualifications.
There are similarly high average salaries reported around the world in computer science and related fields such as data science and AI/ML engineering. These numbers are projected to increase in the years to come, pointing to computer science as a way for graduates to get off to the best financial start of any career.
Unrivaled Flexibility
A common problem with some subjects and courses is that they only provide graduates with a narrow set of skills and a similarly narrow range of potential professions to which they can apply those skills.
That’s not the case with computer science. Graduates in this field can enjoy instant access to a remarkably diverse array of career opportunities, with even newer opportunities being created all the time as technology evolves and innovations emerge.
A few of the many industries and roles you might choose to enter in the field of computer science include:
- Healthcare: As a software developer, data analyst, or cybersecurity expert
- Finance: As a fintech engineer, blockchain developer, or security analyst
- Media: As a graphics programmer, AI developer, or game developer
- Education: As an analyst, software developer, or machine learning engineer
Guaranteed Opportunities
Some career paths are more limited than others, with relatively low numbers of opportunities, recurring risks of job loss, or difficulty obtaining employment in the first place.
Again, with computer science, this simply isn’t the case. At a time when 75% of companies plan to embrace AI and other technologies by 2027, and businesses of all sizes and industries are now relying on computers more than ever before, computer science graduates can enjoy almost unbeatable job security.
Opportunities will continue to grow for people with good computing knowledge, whether that be in the obvious fields like software and web development, engineering, and AI development, or more niche sectors.
With so many options, you’re effectively guaranteed a long, rewarding career if you put in the necessary time and effort needed to establish a strong foundation of computing skills.
Rapidly Expanding and Evolving Industries
It’s no secret that the world of technology is a dynamic and fast-moving one. In the past 20 years alone, we’ve seen the proliferation of the internet, the rapid advancement of smartphones and wearable devices, the emergence of AI, and so much more.
In the years ahead, engineers and developers will continue to explore the boundaries of modern technology’s powers and potential, driving new innovations and improvements and opening more exciting job opportunities for those already established and experienced in this field.
Getting into computer science now could therefore provide a solid foundation for a career filled with excitement as you uncover and explore new ways of working with computers in fields as diverse as healthcare, finance, education, entertainment, manufacturing, logistics, and beyond.
Start Your Computer Science Career at OPIT
We’ve discussed some of the many benefits associated with careers in computer science, from the high starting salaries to the rapidly growing array of job options available to graduates. By now, you may be eager to follow this particular career path and take advantage of the wealth of opportunities.
If you’re wondering how to start, the Open Institute of Technology (OPIT) may hold the answers you need. As an exclusively online learning platform, specializing in computer science and digital business, and staffed by some of the world’s leading tech experts, OPIT is producing the tech leaders of tomorrow.
Some of the many advantages of learning with OPIT include:
- Accessible and flexible online education that matches your learning style and schedule
- Heavy focus on real-world applications of the skills you acquire
- An international community of like-minded students from around the globe
- A top team of tutors and lecturers from varying fields and industries
- Progressive assessment of skills and understanding – not constant exams
OPIT offers a small, curated selection of courses for those seeking to gain the technological skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen areas of expertise. That includes a BSc (Hons) in Computer Science – a six-term program, worth 180 ECTS credits.
Numerous IT industry leaders and experts helped develop this fully accredited undergraduate degree, which is online and accessible to all. Like other OPIT courses, it offers a flexible learning program, with progressive assessments, fast-track options, and the opportunity to be part of a growing community of learners and tutors.
If the benefits of doing a career in computer science interest you, download the OPIT BSc in Computer Science brochure or fill out an online application today and take your first step toward a rewarding and fulfilling profession.
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