Cybersecurity Threats – Phishing and Data Breaches and Hacking, OH MY!

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Cybersecurity Threats – Phishing and Data Breaches and Hacking, OH MY!

Bigger cybersecurity risks are looming…

It is only fitting that National Cybersecurity Awareness Month happens to be the same month as Halloween. Truth be told, there is nothing more terrifying than the elaborate cybersecurity risks created daily to wreak havoc on the public. According to the FBI, efforts to monitor trending scams such as Phishing, Data Breaches, and Hacking are at an all time high.

In the latest report, the FBI has claimed that cybercrime has reached a total loss of $10.2 billion dollars, in America alone. The projected cost of cybercrime is expected to reach in excess of $6 trillion dollars worldwide, by 2021. For organizations and individuals alike, the costs associated with cybercrime is vast and one of the greatest threats lurking around the corner.

Go Phish

Cybersecurity Threats Phishing With the spread of the pandemic a lot of businesses, as well as individuals, have had to migrate offsite and create a new “work/school” environment becoming almost completely dependent on technology. The extra time spent online has created larger areas for possible exploitation and targeting by cyber criminals. Current trends show that cybercrimes have become increasingly more socially engineered and geared to using human interaction to obtain or compromise information on individuals or organizations.  Phishing is one of the most common attacks and is a form of a socially engineered attack. Phishing typically uses email or malicious websites to gather personal data by presenting itself as a trustworthy source. These attacks typically look legitimate and will pose as a reputable company/person you might be familiar with. Some ways to protect yourself from Phishing include utilizing spam filters but it is always best to add more lines of protection. Some more protective steps include:

  • Protect your cellular data by updating its software automatically
  • Apply multi-factor authentication
  • Utilizing a security software on your computer, and update automatically
  • Backing up all your data

The typical Phishing email contains suspicious sender addresses, generic greetings, spoofed web links, suspicious attachments, and questionable misspellings and inconsistent formats. The easiest way to avoid Phishing attacks, is when in doubt—throw it out.

The Data has been Breached

What does Adobe, eBay, Netflix, and Facebook all have in common? They have all been a part of major data breaches within the 21st century. Data breaches include, either intentionally or unintentionally, the release of private confidential information within an untrusted environment. The most notable data breach involved Equifax releasing the Social Security numbers, birth dates, home addresses, tax ID numbers, and driver’s license information of nearly 150 million people in 2017. Within the last two years there have been over 2.1 billion people affected by data breaches. Some of the most common risks associated with data breaches include:

  • Reputational harm
  • Financial loss
  • Operations shutdown
  • Legal action

Whereas companies are fighting tooth and nail to combat data breaches they cannot keep up with the willpower of the cybercriminals and sometimes the sheer accidental data breach from internal sources. If you suspect that you have been a part of a data breach, there are steps you can take to secure your information as much as possible.

  1. Get confirmation of the breach and if your information was exposed
  2. Find out the type of data that was exposed
  3. Reach out to the company and see what help they can/will provide
  4. Update all login and security information on all sites
  5. After determining what type of data was stolen, reach out to the appropriate companies (example: credit cards) and inform them that your data was compromised
  6. Monitor all activity on accounts and new accounts meticulously
  7. File taxes early

There is no 100% safeguard way to eliminate your exposure to data breaches. However, there are legitimate companies that will monitor all of your data activity and make you alert if there is a potential concern.

The Hack Attack

It is projected that in 2023, 33 billion records would be stolen by cybercriminals.  Annually, Americans are losing $15 billion dollars just from identity theft alone. Cybersecurity ThreatsReports have shown that out of the 4,000 confirmed breaches this year more than half of them were caused by hackers. On average a hacker attack occurs every 39 seconds. We generally assume all hackers are bad, right? Wrong… There are good hackers and bad hackers. This is the “Black Hat vs White Hat” saloon shootout scenario, the Black Hats are the bad guys and the White Hats are the good guys. Certified Ethical Hackers  (White Hat), are the ultimate security professionals in combating and exploiting vulnerabilities and weaknesses throughout various systems before a Black Hat hacker can infiltrate their systems. Some ways to counteract the hacking attempts on your privacy would include:

  • Updating software frequently- this keeps hackers from being able to access your computer through outdated programs which can be easily exploited
  • Keep the most up-to-date security programs, including anti-malware software to protect your data
  • Destroy all personal data on any hardware system you plan on letting go
  • Create difficult passwords and authentication hints
  • Keep sensitive data off the cloud

Companies are painfully aware of the need to create infrastructures that not only protect customers privacy but also are proactive in defending against all incoming future cybersecurity risks. According to reports, worldwide spending for cyber security defenses will reach $170.4 billion by 2022. Companies are seeking highly qualified candidates in various fields of cyber security in order to guard themselves from external and internal cybersecurity risks. Certified Ethical Hackers (CEH) typically make around $105,000 a year and are highly sought after, especially with hacking and phishing making up 85% of cybercrimes. The Certified Information Systems Security Manger (CISSM) certification is the top credential for IT professionals to have in their arsenal to fight cybercriminals. Certified Information Systems Security Managers develop, manage, and oversee information security systems in enterprise-level applications while developing best security practices for organizations to abide by. The typical salary for a CISSM candidate is around $110,000 a year and has no fear of lack of job security. Companies understand that it is easier to prepare for cyber attacks than to repair from cyber attacks. They are investing into their cyber security defenses and now is the time to look into a new job or a new and improved job in cyber security.

The New CompTIA A+: ALL Your Questions Answered

comptia a+CompTIA A+ first launched in 1993, and since 2001 has been refreshed every three years to ensure the topics covered keep pace with what’s happening in IT. Employers, subject-matter experts and IT pros working in the field guide us in what they look for in help desk technicians, technical support specialists and other jobs related to CompTIA A+ to make sure we’re covering the skills that are needed in today’s world. With the launch of the new CompTIA A+ came many questions, so we’ve set out to answer them here. Keep reading to learn more about the CompTIA A+ Core Series (220-1001 and 220-1002), and post any additional questions in the comments to keep the conversation going.

What’s on the new CompTIA A+ exams?

The CompTIA A+ Core Series (220-1001 and 220-1002) provides a foundation for a number of different IT jobs and helps entry-level IT pros prepare for the jobs of the future.

In addition to topics you might traditionally associate with tech support, the new CompTIA A+ has an increased emphasis on cybersecurity, including malware, as well as cloud technologies, virtualization, the internet of things (IoT), network protocols and troubleshooting.

It also covers the basics of scripting so that help desk technicians and technical support specialists understand what they’re looking at when they encounter code.

CompTIA A+ continues to emphasize problem solving within a technology context. Employers want IT pros who can think critically and approach problems systematically to find a solution. Having CompTIA A+ shows employers that you have the hands-on skills and proof of your ability to solve technology problems.

How can I train for CompTIA A+?

Start by downloading the exam objectives and practice tests to understand what topics are covered and get examples of questions that you might see.

TechSherpas 365 offers a full suite of training solutions for both self-study and instructor-led learning:

  • eLearning: CompTIA CertMaster Learn offers 40+ hours of engaging content with 10 lessons, including interactive performance-based questions. The platform includes narrative instruction, visual aids, videos, games, flashcards and more. A personalized dashboard and countdown calendar help you track your progress and keep you on pace for your scheduled exam.
  • Hands-On Skills Practice: CompTIA Labs are browser-based virtual labs based on scenarios found in the workplace, including configuring operating systems, troubleshooting networks and managing users, workstations and shared resources. The labs within each course are independent of each other and can be used in any order.
  • Exam Prep and Practice Tests: CompTIA CertMaster Practice is an adaptive knowledge assessment tool that determines what you have already mastered and what you still need to learn to improve your confidence before taking the exam. The system tailors feedback to help you build knowledge in your weaker areas, keeping you engaged and focused throughout your study session.
  • Books: The Official Study Guides for CompTIA A+, offered in both print and digital form, help you learn and master the material covered by CompTIA A+. It’s flexible so you can learn at your own pace and focus on exam success.
  • Courses: If you prefer to learn with guidance from an instructor, TechSherpas 365 offers a variety of online training and in-person courses.

Help Desk Technician

If you like to solve technical issues and work with people, then help desk technician may be a good next step for you.

What Is a Help Desk Technician?

A help desk technician’s responsibilities include:

  • Diagnosing and solving computer issues.
  • Installing and training end users in new technologies.
  • Providing remote technical support over the phone or internet.
  • Backing up and restoring data files.
  • Repairing hardware and configuring software to maintain operating systems.

A help desk technician must have both hard and soft skills because the position requires a strong technical understanding as well as the ability to communicate clearly with others. For example, when a user has a question, the help desk technician must be able to diagnose the IT issue as well as explain the solution to the user.

Get Ready to Get CompTIA A+

You have many training options to help you prepare for your CompTIA A+ exam, including self-study materials, virtual labs, videos, online classes and in-person career prep classes. In 2020, TechSherpas 365 is bringing its IT-Ready Technical Support program to classrooms, so that students get the training they need to earn CompTIA A+ and launch their IT careers on the help desk.

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How to Become a Help Desk Technician

While a formal education may help you get the job, a college degree is not necessary to become a help desk technician. IT certifications will prove that you have the skills to handle the job. CompTIA A+ is a widely recognized certification held by help desk technicians.

The Details

Salary Range

The median salary and wage for computer support specialists are $52,160 per year and $25.8 per hour (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Job Outlook

From 2014 to 2024, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an increase of 12 percent for computer support specialists, with 88,000 net new jobs expected during that 10-year period.

Job Titles Related to Help Desk Technician

  • Computer support technician/specialist
  • Help desk support engineer
  • Desktop support specialist

Will your next move be help desk technician? If so, check out CompTIA A+ Boot Camp to get you there.

Great System Administrator Certifications to Boost Your Career

System Administrator Certifications

More and more businesses and organizations depend on complex IT systems for their daily communications and workflow; therefore, professionals who hold a System Administrator Certification know how to manage and maintain these systems are in high demand. This demand is not likely to change any time soon. In order to keep up with the new developments in IT technology, it is important for professionals to keep themselves educated and to keep up with the current IT certifications as credentials for their expertise. This is an overview of several great system administrator certifications that will give your IT career a boost:

System Administrator Certifications

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)

The MCSE or “Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert” certification is part of the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) program. It offers the following five focus areas with different key technologies:

  • MCSE: Business Applications (focusing on Microsoft SQL Server and Microsoft Dynamics 365)
  • MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure (Microsoft Azure and Windows Server Virtualization)
  • MCSE: Data Management and Analytics (Microsoft SQL Server with SQL administration, on-site as well as cloud-based data solutions)
  • MCSE: Mobility (Windows System Center)
  • MCSE: Productivity (Microsoft Office/Microsoft Office 365)

TechSherpas offers several options for MCSE certification training. Find out more about them here.

 

CompTIA Network+

CompTIA Server+ is a vendor-neutral certification that ranks high among the system administrator certifications as well. Here at TechSherpas we offers a variety of different CompTIA learning solutions for different levels.

If you are an entry-level computer support professional looking for a career as a network administrator, then CompTIA Network+ might be a good choice for you. You should possess basic Windows end-user computer skills to successfully participate in this course.

 

CompTIA Linux+™ Powered by LPI

TechSherpas CompTIA training course, CompTIA Linux+™ Powered by LPI prepares you to become a CompTIA Linux+™ Certified Professional. When taking this course, you should at least possess a user-level knowledge/experience with the Linux operating system.

TechSherpas also offers several courses that you can take to be prepared:

  • UNIX and Linux: Fundamentals
  • UNIX and Linux: Advanced User
  • CompTIA A+: A Comprehensive Approach (a helpful addition, but not required)

 

C)VDE Certified Virtual Desktop Engineer

If you are already experienced with VMware vSphere (2+ years) but new to the VMware Horizon Suite, the C)VDE Certified Virtual Desktop Engineer training course will familiarize you with the installation and configuration of Horizon View, as well as, the components. The successful completion will put you above the level of VCP-DT.

 

For more information on which training course is best for you, or for any other related questions, simply send us a message or give us a call!

 

Sources:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/mcse-certification.aspx
https://techsherpas.com/technology/comptia/
https://certification.comptia.org/

The Best Cybersecurity and Information Security Certifications

Information Security CertificationsLet’s begin with “Information Security” and “Cybersecurity”.  There are two expressions that people often use somewhat interchangeably. They are not quite the same though, as we have already explained in one or our previous blog posts. In any case, both have – naturally – the security aspect in common. This means, that if you are planning for a professional career in this field, not only are your knowledge and skill set of particular importance, but also are your reputable credentials, such as, Cybersecurity and Information Security Certifications.

Let us have a look at some of the best information security certifications to boost your career as an information security professional.

 

Information Security Certifications

Certified Penetration Testing Engineer (C)PTE)

The Certified Penetration Testing Engineer certification constitutes an upgrade to the Certified Ethical Hacker/CEH. The Techsherpas certification course is based on proven, hands-on penetration testing methods and the Five Key Elements of Pen Testing:

  • Information Gathering
  • Scanning
  • Enumeration
  • Exploitation
  • Reporting

CISM: Certified Information Security Manager

The certification as a CISM/Certified Information Security Manager demonstrates your proficient knowledge and skill set in the field of Information Security Management, such as:

  • Threat analysis and risks
  • Risk and incident management
  • IS security strategy/frameworks
  • Security programs and CISO roles
  • Creation of policies for audit and risk management, compliance and awareness
  • DR and BCP development/deployment/maintenance

 

CompTIA Security+

With Information Security Certifications like CompTIA Security+ you demonstrate the necessary computer security skills to successfully perform your duties in a wide range of IT security-related roles. Such skills are, for example:

  • Identification of the fundamental computer security concepts
  • Identification of (potential) security threats
  • Data management and application
  • Host security management
  • Network security implementation
  • Identification/implementation of access control
  • Identification/implementation of account management security measures
  • Identification/implementation of compliance and operational security measures
  • Certificate and risk management
  • Troubleshooting and management of security incidents.
  • Business continuity and disaster recovery planning

 

CISSO: Certified Information Systems Security Officer

A Certified Information Systems Security Officer (CISSO) demonstrates proficiency in the knowledge and skill set (including industry best practices) that characterize the work of a security manager/security officer, such as:

  • Expertise regarding the in-depth theory of core security concepts, practices, monitoring and compliance
  • Use of a risk-based approach
  • Ability to implement and maintain cost-effective security controls

The CISSO certification training also covers the exam objectives of the CISSP: Certified Information Systems Security Professional

 

C)IHE: Certified Incident Handling Engineer

The Certified Incident Handling Engineer (C)IHE) is directed toward IT professionals, such as incident handlers, system administrators and general security engineers. The training, which also covers the GCIH- GIAC Certified Incident Handler, teaches students:

  • Planning, creation and utilization of systems for attack prevention, detection and response
  • Step-by-step approaches as used by hackers worldwide
  • Identification of the latest attack vectors and implementation of safeguarding measures
  • Incident handling procedures
  • Strategies for each type of attack
  • Recovery measures after an attack

 

Have a look at our public training schedule to find out more about how we can support you to achieve the Cybersecurity and Information Security Certification that is best for your career plans.

 

 

 

Sources:
https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/10708-information-security-certifications.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_computer_security_certifications
https://www.darkreading.com/risk/10-security-certifications-to-boost-your-career/d/d-id/1322449?image_number=3
https://techsherpas.com/it-training/cihe-certified-incident-handling-engineer-on-demand

What Are The Best Project Management Certifications?

Project Management Certifications

As one of the largest providers for project management certification training, TechSherpas offers a variety of training courses to become a professionally certified project manager. A project management certification can be a great addition to your CV and can polish your credentials as an information technology professional.

But what kind of certifications for project management are there, and which is the right one for you? Keep reading – we have compiled an overview of some of the best project manager certifications.

Project Management Certification: Project Management Professional (PMP)

As we have already discussed in one of our previous blog posts, the Product Management Professional/PMP certification is issued by the Project Management Institute (or: “PMI”). Techsherpas offers Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preparation on a live In-Classroom Learning (ICL) basis, as well as, online as a Virtual Live Training (VTL). We also have an add-on option for an On-Demand (ODL) training video.  This can be added to the purchase of a live class or study that is completely online, at your own pace, with the ODL training. Additional requirements are at least a high school diploma, associate or corresponding secondary degree, as well as, a minimum amount of project management experience.

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

CAPM is an entry-level project management certification that the PMI issues as well, but without the additional requirements of the PMP for the certification candidates. You can become a Certified Associate in Project Management with little or even without prior project management experience. The Techsherpas CAPM preparation course is delivered entirely on an On-Demand Learning basis, which allows you to study at your own pace with a schedule that fits your personal requirements. In addition, this allows you to save on those expenses, such as time and travel, that would normally be associated with a course led by a live instructor. 

Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

Like the CAPM preparation training, the Certified Scrum Master (CSM) training course from TechSherpas is available for On-Demand Learning. This means you have a library of training videos with content that includes the following:

  • the Agile Manifesto Principles
  • Scrum Roles Overview
  • Scrum Master and Stake Holders
  • and more

PRINCE2 Practitioner

In order to become a registered PRINCE2 Practitioner, you will need to successfully complete two examination Project Management Training Courses. TechSherpas offers both of them On-Demand:

  • PRINCE2 Foundation On-Demand
  • PRINCE2 Practitioner On-Demand

CompTIA Project+

CompTIA, one of the leading IT industry’s trade associations issues a vendor-neutral professional certification. Our CompTIA Project+ training classes have a duration of five days, and you can participate either in the classroom or online/virtually, both of these would be with a live instructor.

Six Sigma

The Six Sigma methodology is also known as “DMAIC”, which stands for

  • Define
  • Measure
  • Analyze
  • Improve
  • Control

TechSherpas offers two different On-Demand Learning classes for Six Sigma:

  • Six Sigma Black Belt On-Demand
  • Six Sigma Green Belt On Demand

Any further questions about Project Management Certifications? Do you need assistance or further information to enroll in one of our classes? Are you interested in a Customized Onsite Training for your organization? Simply contact us.

 

Sources:
https://techsherpas.com/technology/project-management/
https://techsherpas.com/technology/project-management/pmpcapm/
https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/certifications/project-management-professional-handbook.pdf

3 of the Best Entry Level IT Certifications to Boost Your Career

If you want to make yourself a career in the field of information technology, you should consider achieving one of the well-established, entry level IT certifications as a credential for your IT skills.

Why are Entry Level IT Certifications important?

Many people are nowadays interested in computer and IT subjects, which is a continually changing and evolving career path.  An IT Certification serves as a standardized tool to help potential employers or customers to assess your knowledge and skill set and make an informed decision about hiring you.

Which of the Entry Level IT Certifications is right for you?

Entry level IT Certifications

CompTIA A+

A CompTIA A+ certification provides a starting point and foundation for your IT career as an entry level IT technician. A CompTIA A + technician offers technical and operational IT support and maintains, troubleshoots and repairs PCs, mobile devices, operating systems and peripheral equipment.

TechSherpas CompTIA A+ training course provides qualified training and preparation for your CompTIA A+ certification for participants who already possess basic computer skills.

 

Cisco Certified Entry Level Technicial (CCENT) and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

For aspiring network technicians, a Cisco Certification as Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and/or Cisco Certified Entry Level Technician (CCENT) as a stepping-stone to becoming an associate is the way to go. Typical job titles for professionals with such a CCNA certification are “Systems Administrator,” “Network Administrator” or “Network Engineer.”

 

Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) and Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)

The Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) is an entry level IT certification and a stepping-stone to becoming a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE). Both certifications are part of the Microsoft Certified Professionals (MCP) program.

There are 17 different focus areas for an MCSA, among them:

  • BI Reporting
  • Cloud Platform
  • Office 365
  • Windows 10
  • SQL 2016 Database Administration

Depending on which area or areas you want to focus on, you can select the particular MCSA accordingly. You can also group several of these focus area certifications (as illustrated in our Microsoft Certification Map). This enables you to achieve the mid-level Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) certification.

TechSherpas is a Microsoft Gold Partner and as such specially certified by Microsoft to provide training and certifications for MCSA and MCSE. Have a look at our course catalog to get a better overview about the various training courses and learning solutions that help you to get your IT career started or better yet, take it to the next level.

 

Sources:
https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/technology/blog/5-it-certifications-to-get-your-foot-in-the-door/
https://certification.comptia.org/certifications
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/training-events/training-certifications/certifications/entry.html

 

The Value of CompTia Training

Not all IT certifications are created equal. Anyone who teaches anything can theoretically issue a certificate when their students have successfully attended whichever course had been created. Therefore, the worth of a certificate depends at least partially on the reputation and credentials of the person/organization/entity that has issued it.

CompTIA Certifications Can Bring You Further in Your Career

So, whether you are a freelancer or looking for employment: If you want to get ahead in your chosen career field, it helps to not only study and train in order to achieve the necessary skills but to get officially certified in order to reflect this. You also want the certification to be

  • done by a reputable source
  • with a high recognition value
  • vendor-neutral

These criteria – among other benefits – are all met by:

CompTIA – The Computing Technology Industry Association

CompTIA certifications rank among the information technology industry’s leading trade associations and issues vendor-neutral professional certification on for different levels – from entry- to expert-level. They are well established, having developed their own IT certification series as early as the 1990ies, and they are well-known by those people you want to review your credentials: future employers and clients.

They also know what kind of skill-set they can expect from a CompTIA certified candidate, which provides a sense of security when it comes to identifying the right people for the job.

Information Technologies – CompTIA Education, Training and Certification

When choosing CompTIA or a member of their CompTIA Authorized Partner Program, people interested in computer and IT have various options to develop and enhance their knowledge.

CompTIA certification covers the basics as well as various specialized, advanced options

  • IT Fundamentals
  • A+
  • Network+
  • Security+

The best choice of these options depend on whether the specialized interests/career plans lie more in the areas of IT infrastructure

  • Linux+
  • Server+
  • Cloud+

or cyber security

  • CySA+
  • CASP

There is also a selection of additional certificates in the areas of:

  • Project+
  • Cloud Essentials
  • CTT+

This means, that your set of IT-related skills, as well as your career path, can evolve by following a system of certificates that are built upon one another and provide you with a well-rounded IT education and corresponding advanced career chances.

It is not all about computer networks: With CompTIA alumni, there is also the opportunity for networking and staying connected outside the actual certification process – another important factor for IT specialists on their career path. There is even the possibility of opting for a career within the CompTIA team as such, by becoming one of their so-called “Subject Matter Experts” (SMEs).

CompTIA Certification Expiration

Another benefit of the CompTIA certifications, at least from an employer’s point of view:

While previously issued CompTIA certificates did not expire, they (i.e. those issued since 2011) meanwhile have an expiration time of three years and therefore need to be renewed after three years (or need a certain amount of documented practice/continued education that counts towards the certification renewal).

This ensures, that the individuals with these certificates stay up-to-date with their respective IT skills – something that is of particular importance in the area of computers and information technology – a field which is constantly and rapidly evolving.

 

 

https://techsherpas.com/technology/comptia/

https://certification.comptia.org/

https://www.comptia.org/about-us/our-story/certification

https://certification.comptia.org/certifications/which-certification

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CompTIA

 

Qualified IT Security Professionals Needed – IT Security Certifications can help

With IT security threats increasing and the number of qualified IT security personnel decreasing, organizations, both public and private, are facing a serious problem. Countless organizations are realizing they need more IT security man power to handle the growing number of threats that can harm their business and their valued customers. The small number of IT security staff is just not cutting it these days, and because of this, IT security is the fastest growing field in IT. Data from Indeed, a popular job site, showed help ads for security professionals increased by 100% during the past five years.  So do you think investing in IT security education is a good idea right now? I would think yes! Not only would a career in IT security provide job security, but the pay isn’t too shabby either. The average salary of a Security Specialist or Network Administrator is almost $94,000. Be the solution organizations are looking for by getting qualified in IT security.

Getting qualified for an IT Security Career

Pursuing a career in IT security is an excellent path to travel down, when deciding how you want to create job and financial stability. So where should you begin? There are several ways that you can build your resume to showcase your IT security skills. What can you do to land the security job you are looking for? What will help you stand out from the group?

1)      Know IT Security – Be knowledgeable on the subject. Read about IT security news and events both historical and current. Follow the trending topics. There are plenty out there, as you can’t turn on the TV without hearing about some IT security threat. These threats are even making great story plots for Hollywood.

2)      Obtain Security Certifications – Having a solid foundation, understanding, and skillset is also crucial to successful deployment of IT security practices. It’s these skills that save organizations money and hassles, and also give them peace of mind. Certification and specialized training are excellent ways to get those skills and build the knowledge of a highly respected IT security professional. There are various certifications you can get, which we will discuss in more detail.

3)      Hands-On Experience – Set-up your own “working lab”. Take things apart, and put them back together. Hack into your system, and then create security features to prevent those break ins. Hands-on experience is always best. Experience allows you to put your skills and knowledge to use. Get in an entry-level position as soon as possible, or volunteer. Experience is developed by working through the problems.

Security Certifications

When it comes to IT security there are several certifications that are worth looking into and obtaining. Depending on your level of IT experience, you will want to start with more entry-level certifications, and build up to the more advanced ones as you feel more comfortable, gain more experience, and are ready to advance your IT security career.

CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ is an international, vendor-neutral certification. It is an entry/foundation –level certification that demonstrates competency in:

  • Network security
  • Compliance and operational security
  • Threats and vulnerabilities
  • Application, data and host security
  • Access control and identity management
  • Cryptography

CompTIA Security+ not only ensures that candidates will apply knowledge of security concepts, tools, and procedures to react to security incidents; it       ensures that security personnel are anticipating security risks and guarding against them. Candidate job roles include security architect, security engineer, security consultant/specialist, information assurance technician, security administrator, systems administrator, and network administrator. Kick start your IT security career – start training for your CompTIA Security+ certification.

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Certified ethical hackers aka “Whitehats” are those highly skilled IT professionals that have the ability to beat hackers at their own game by uncovering systems’ weaknesses and vulnerabilities. By revealing these vulnerabilities and identifying the access points, these can be addressed before the “bad guys” have the opportunity to penetrate the system and create havoc on the company as well as its customers. The CEH credential is an intermediate certification, and demonstrates competency in:

  • foot-printing and reconnaissance,
  • scanning networks, enumeration
  • system hacking
  • Trojans
  • worms and viruses
  • sniffers
  • denial of service attacks
  • social engineering
  • session hijacking
  • hacking webservers, wireless networks and web applications
  • SQL injection
  • Cryptography
  • penetration testing
  • and evading IDS, firewalls, and honeypots

Those with a CEH certification are good candidates for the following positions: Network Testing, Systems Analyst Specialist, Information Technology Security Specialist, IT Vulnerability Specialist, and Tester/Ethical Hacker. To kick-off your IT security career, and start training for your Certified Ethical Hacker certification click here.

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

For those IT professionals that are serious about a career in IT security the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is a must. These IT professionals possess expert knowledge and technical skills necessary to develop, guide, and then manage security standards, policies, and procedures within their organizations. This is an advanced vendor-neutral IT security credential that is recognized world-wide, and demonstrates competency in:

  • Access Control
  • Application Development Security
  • Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning
  • Cryptography
  • Information Security Governance and Risk Management
  • Legal Regulations
  • Compliance and Investigations
  • Operations Security
  • Physical Environmental Security
  • Security Architecture and Design and Telecommunications and Network Security

The CISSP certification is meant for experienced IT professionals and offers three concentrations for targeted areas:

  • CISSP Architecture
  • Engineering
  • Management

Those with a CISSP certification are good candidates for the following positions: Senior Analyst, IT Security Threat & Vulnerability Director, Principal Security Strategist, and Network Engineer. To advance your career in IT security, start training for your Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP) certification.

Certified Penetration Testing Engineer (CPTE)

Another certification based around ethical hacking, Certified Penetration Engineer (CPTE) specializes in penetrating systems – they learn how to locate a system’s vulnerabilities and exploit a system’s weakness, which allows them to create safeguards against the real threats. The CPTE certification demonstrates competence in several area of penetration testing:

  • Information Gathering
  • Scanning
  • Enumeration
  • Exploitation
  • Reporting

Through utilizing and mastering these important techniques, penetration engineers are able to discover the latest vulnerabilities, threats, and techniques blackhat hackers are using today. To build a career with a focus penetration testing, start training for your Certified Penetration Testing Engineer (CPTE) certification..

Job Security through IT Security

IT Security threats are everyday occurrences that organizations world-wide, both private and public, need to be aware of and face head-on. They need to be pro-active in preventing breaches and penetration of their valuable and confidential systems. These are real threats that can be devastating to any organization, big or small. This is the reason the need for IT security professionals is increasing on a daily basis, with no sign of slowing. The world needs more, many more, qualified IT professionals to handle the growing threat. Get knowledgeable in the IT security world. Know the threats that are out there. Even better, get certified! Contact TechSherpas to start your journey of a successful career in IT security.

Vendor-Neutral Certifications create a solid foundation to build upon – Get CompTIA Certified

It should no longer be a surprise that certifications hold weight, and can be the deciding factor in selecting the best candidate for the job or promotion. IT certifications continue to be key indicators of knowledge and skills sets required by the IT staff of successful organizations. Among the certifying IT entities, is CompTIA who strives to be the voice of thecomptia world’s information technology (IT) industry. CompTIA is the world’s largest provider of technology-neutral and vendor-neutral certifications, and the education and certification programs prepare individuals for a successful career in the IT field. These neutral certifications create a solid foundation for higher-level, and vendor –specific, and multi-vendor environments they will encounter on the job.

There are four different CompTIA IT certification series that test different knowledge standards, from entry-level to expert. Here, we will focus on four specific certifications within the Professional & Specialty series that are quite popular within the job market at this time:

CompTIA A+

This is the perfect certification for those who are looking to start a career in the IT field, and will help land you an entry level IT position. The A+ certification demonstrates your knowledge of the fundamentals of hardware, software and operating systems; system troubleshooting and repair; networking; security and operational procedures including communication skills that a helpdesk or remote support employee should have. Good candidates for this certification are:

  • Network Support Technicians
  • Field Service Technicians
  • PC or Support technicians
  • IT Administrators

CompTIA A+ is supported by top technology companies and organizations. In fact, CompTIA A+ is part of the certification track for corporations such as Microsoft, Hewlett Packard, and Cisco. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security requires CompTIA.

CompTIA Security+

The Security+ certification demonstrates proven knowledge of security concepts, tools, and procedures to proactively guard against IT security risks and quickly react to security breaches. It helps ensure competency in:

  • Network security
  • Compliance and operational security
  • Threats and vulnerabilities
  • Application, data and host security
  • Access control and identity management
  • Cryptography

Good candidates for CompTIA Security+ certification include:

  • Security Architect
  • Security Engineer
  • Security Consultant/Specialist
  • Information Assurance Technician
  • Security Administrator
  • Systems Administrator
  • Network Administrator

CompTIA Security+ is regularly required in organizations such as Hitachi Information Systems, Trendmicro, Lockhead Martin, the U.S. State Department, and U.S. government contractors such as EDS, General Dynamics, and Northrop Grumman.

 CompTIA Cloud Essentials

The CompTIA Cloud Essentials specialty certification demonstrates that an individual knows what cloud computingmeans from a business and technical perspective, as well as, at a high level, what is involved in moving to and governing the cloud .The CompTIA Cloud Essentials certification will target candidates in IT and non-IT job roles who could benefit from cloud education and testing on the high level business and technical concepts that make up the cloud computing landscape. The certification can also credential the ‘cloud brokers’—those who sell cloud services or whose strategic business plans include cloud technologies for their organization.

Target candidates include:

  • Business analysts and business process owners
  • Managed Service Providers
  • New data center staff
  • Sales/marketing staff in cloud product or service environments

“By 2015, public cloud services will make up 46% of net new growth in overall IT spending” – eWeek 2011.

CompTIA Network+

The Network+ certification proves a technicians competency in managing, maintaining, troubleshooting, operating and configuring basic network infrastructure. Certified professionals have proven knowledge of networking features and functions, including wiring standards and how to use testing tools. CompTIA

Network+ certification is the first step toward a job as a network engineer or manager, and maps to vendor-specific certifications such as Cisco’s CCNA. Candidates for CompTIA Network+ certification:

  • Network Administrator
  • Network Support Technician
  • Wireless Network Installer/Specialist
  • Help Desk Technician
  • Network Solutions Architect
  • Network Engineer, Managed Services

Network+ is recognized by Microsoft as part of their MS program. Other corporations, such as Novell, Cisco and HP also recognize CompTIA Network+ as part of their certification tracks. Department of Defense (DoD) approves CompTIA Network+ to fulfill certification requirements for Technical Level 1 positions. The average starting salary of network engineers can be up to $70,000.

CompTIA Linux+

CompTIA Linux+ is a great first certification to develop your educational and career path in Linux administration. Linux platforms are becoming a popular alternative to commercial operating systems. Government agencies, corporations and academic institutions are turning to Linux to manage their IT needs, primarily in server support and storage. CompTIA Linux+ proves you have the knowledge and skills to work at the Linux command line, perform maintenance tasks, assist users, and install and configure workstations.

Certified professionals have a proven knowledge of Linux system architecture; Linux installation and package management; GNU and Unix commands; Linux file systems, and the Filesystems Hierarchy Standard. Candidates for CompTIA Linux+:

  • Junior Network Administrator
  • Systems Administrator
  • IT Helpdesk Support
  • Linux Database Administrator
  • Web Administrator

The U.S. Navy recognizes CompTIA Linux+ as an option to fulfill the DoD Operating System certification requirement.

CompTIA Certifications will prepare you for any IT career path 

 

Any of these vendor-neutral certifications will prepare you for a successful career in IT, regardless of which path, technology, vendor, or organization you chose to work for or specialize in. These certifications provide a solid foundation in which you can build upon, and can serve as a stepping stone to more advanced and vendor-specific certifications such as Microsoft, Cisco, Oracle, and VMware. To begin your path to the IT career of your choice, get the competitive edge businesses are looking for. Get certified today. TechSherpas is a CompTIA Authorized Partner. Follow the links to view the courses, dates available, and register to prepare for the certification exams: