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7 Cheap Online Cybersecurity Certifications To Start In 2021/22

Cheap Online Cybersecurity Certifications
Career Tips / Courses / Cyber Security

7 Cheap Online Cybersecurity Certifications To Start In 2021/22

For IT employees, certifications are everything, even if you’ve just enrolled for the cheap online cybersecurity certifications. In fact, these certifications are a sure way to get an above-average salary. The exact difference varies. However, according to the Global IT Skills and Salary study conducted by Global Knowledge last year, most earn about 15% more than their colleagues without security certifications.

You may also be aware that nearly all organizations now demand some level of IT security knowledge when hiring any employee – even at the lowest levels. You’re expected to know how to use data securely and keep the organization’s systems safe from hackers and cybercriminals, especially given the high insecurity levels today. So, a security certification certainly gives an edge in the job market.

7 Affordable online cybersecurity certifications to get you hired or a pay rise

If you’re planning to enter the IT job market or perhaps eyeing a promotion at your organization, we’ve identified seven cheap online cybersecurity certifications that will get you through the door.

Network+ from CompTIA

They say you have to learn to walk before you can run. In the world of cybersecurity, the Network+ certification is considered the best place to take your first steps. Although it’s not necessary for most cybersecurity jobs, it produces an excellent foundation for anyone with a keen interest in cybersecurity.

Course Outline

The Network+ certification from CompTIA evaluates the candidate’s knowledge of how systems and networks communicate and interact. To pass the certification, the learner must demonstrate a strong understanding of;

  • Network concepts
  • Network infrastructure
  • Networking operations
  • Network security
  • Networking troubleshooting tools

Once you’re done with the coursework, a 90-minute test awaits. The test is scored out of 900, with candidates needing a 720 score to pass it, i.e., an 80% score.

Requirements and Cost

However, there are a few prerequisites before taking the Network+ certification. For instance, CompTIA recommends the course only for people with at least 12 months of experience in computer networking. You also need to pass the A+ and IT Fundamentals+ examinations to sit the Network+ exam. The certification costs $329 for people in the US and is often discounted outside the US.

Where can You Work?

IT professionals with a Network+ certification can work in entry positions in many organizations (not necessarily IT organizations), including as IT administrators, network administrators, and IT managers at small companies.

Security+ from CompTIA

If you already understand the basics of computer networks, then you don’t really need the Network+ certification- you should consider the Security+ certification. Also developed by CompTIA, Security+ provides a foundational understanding of the basic concepts of cybersecurity, including cryptography, risk management, and computer vulnerabilities.

Course Outline

The Security+ certification tests the candidates understanding of installing and configuring systems, secure devices, applications, and networks. It also takes learners through threat analysis and mitigation techniques. By the end of the course, learners need to understand;

  • Identify and access management
  • Threats, attacks, and vulnerabilities
  • Network architecture design
  • Risk management
  • Cryptography and KPI

 Requirements and Cost

CompTIA requires that you get the Network+ certification before sitting the Security+ exam. Alternatively, you need at least two years of IT experience with some security focus. The examination costs $349, about $20 more than the Network+ examination. However, CompTIA offers discounts for emerging markets.

Where Can You Work?

IT professionals with a Security+ certification can work as cybersecurity analysts, security engineers, and security consultants.

Certified Ethical Hacker

Another addition to this list of cheap online cybersecurity certifications that will get you hired is the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) obtained through EC-Council. Also known as Certified Network Defense Architect (CNDA) for government employees, this course prepares learners in critical cybersecurity areas such as testing, attack detection, vectors, and threat prevention.

Course Outline

The crux of the CEH certification is learning how to identify weaknesses in a computer network and patching the loopholes to prevent the threat. Participants also learn the five phases of hacking to prepare them to counter unethical hacking. The key topics include;

  • Hacking technologies targeting cloud technologies
  • Latest vulnerabilities, malware, and viruses
  • Information security laws

Students taking the CEH course go through real-time scenarios where they’re exposed to different hackers penetrating networks to steal information. The learners are expected to scan, test, ad hack the systems to protect the organization’s data.

Requirements and Cost

The CEH course is a more advanced certification thus requires more experience in cybersecurity and ideally a background in organizational computer security. According to EC-Council, you need at least two years of cybersecurity experience. You may also need a Network+ and Security+ certification to better prepare for the CEH exam. The exam takes six hours and costs $550.

Where Can You Work?

Armed with a Certified Ethical Hacker certification, you can work as an advanced threat analyst, an information security assessor, or a penetration tester among others.

Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP) by ISC

Finally, CISSP is another affordable online cybersecurity certification that provides a pathway to cybersecurity employment opportunities. It’s offered through the International System Security Certification Consortium (ISC) and ranks among the most sought-after credentials in the industry.

Course Outline

Earning the CISSP certification demonstrates an individual’s skills and experience in IT security and tells prospective employers that you can design, implement, and monitor a cybersecurity program. Candidates focus on the following areas;

  • Access control
  • Cryptography
  • Telecommunications
  • Networking

besides the above four areas, you’ll also learn vulnerability mitigation for web-based systems and professional ethics.

Requirements and Cost

The biggest impediment to taking the CISSP certification examination is the requirements. To take the examination, you need at least five years of cumulative work experience in at least two of the eight cybersecurity domains. A four-year degree in computer science satisfies one year of the required experience while part-time work and paid internships also count.

Registration is $699 and if you miss the exam, you can re-schedule at just $50. You can also cancel your registration for $100.

Where Can You Work?

A CISSP certification allows IT professionals to work in pretty much any area of IT security. However, you may want to look at higher-up positions, including information security analyst, information security manager, and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).

Other affordable online cybersecurity certifications

Other cheap online cybersecurity certifications to consider for a career in IT security include the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) by ISACA, Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) by ISACA, and System Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) certification by ISC.

Ready for your next job? Get started with our cybersecurity certification career track now.