---
title: "10 Hot Cyber Security Certifications for IT Professionals to Pursue in 2020 | Phish Protection"
description: "10 Hot Cyber Security Certifications for IT Professionals to Pursue in 2020: 10 Hot Cyber Security Certifications for IT Professionals to Pursue in 2020."
image: "https://phishprotection.com/images/og-default.png"
canonical: "https://phishprotection.com/cyber-security-certifications-it-network/"
---

#  10 Hot Cyber Security Certifications for IT Professionals to Pursue in 2020 

## 10 Hot Cyber Security Certifications for IT Professionals to Pursue in 2020

### These certifications are going to be the most sought-after in the IT world.

[Free Trial](https://portal.duocircle.com/cart.php?a=add&pid=101&brand=phishprotection)

```
	###### [PHISHING PREVENTION](/content/phishing-prevention/)
```

### [WHAT IS PHISHING?](/resources/what-is-phishing/)

### [PROTECTION FROM PHISHING](/)

![Email Security Awareness](https://media.mailhop.org/phishprotection/images/2020/03/email-security-awareness.png) 

Ransomware. Election Interference. Hardware-embedded spyware. _The list of cyber security threats in 2020 is only growing larger_.

Most enterprises have already established a **C-level security** position to handle cyber crime threats. The Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is the top executive responsible for implementing **cyber security policies**, setting up [phishing protection services](/), responding to real-time attacks, [phishing awareness training](/content/phishing-awareness-training/) and directing proactive measures during day-to-day business operations.

_But the volume of cyber criminal attacks is rising faster than the defensive capabilities of even the best-prepared enterprises._ The industry-wide [cyber security skills gap](https://cybersecurityventures.com/jobs/) is widening at a fantastic pace.

This puts pressure on organizations to place a **high priority** on cyber security talent in their IT departments. _Some positions are only open to candidates with cyber security certifications_. For others, job candidates with up-to-date cyber security certifications can earn between [5 and 10 percent higher compensation](https://onlinecybersecuritydegree.org/) than their peers.

![Protection Phishing](https://media.mailhop.org/phishprotection/images/2020/01/protection-phishing.png) 

### Which Certificates Are Employers Looking For?

There are dozens of cyber security companies out there, and many of them offer certification courses for using their equipment or software. _It’s natural that some cyber security certifications are going to be more valuable than others_, simply from the force of market pressure on the available candidate pool.

For example, [Cisco](https://blogs.cisco.com/internet-of-things/cisco-ranked-1-in-market-share-for-industrial-networking) has been the worldwide leader in network equipment manufacturing for years. The manufacturing giant also offers **certification courses** for its equipment. The fact that this equipment forms the basic infrastructure common to so many enterprises makes it a _de facto\_ standard of reference when it comes to **network security**._

_Other, more specialized certifications might be extremely valuable for a relatively smaller number of organizations. You will have to carefully examine your own skillset and determine the best path forward for your particular career path using the following list._

_### Top 10 Cyber Security Certifications for IT Professionals in 2020_

_\*\*» \*\*_

_#### CompTIA A+_

_[CompTIA](https://www.comptia.org/certifications/a) is one of the industry standards when it comes to establishing a **career in enterprise IT security**. The course focuses on core problem-solving skills that cyber security engineers and systems administrators will need to perform in a high-stress security environment. The structure of the course places a great degree of importance on creative, heat-of-the-moment decision-making. It covers hardware, operating systems, networking, **security**, mobile devices, and cloud computing all in one course._

_\*\*» \*\*_

_#### Cisco CCNP Security Certification_

_[Cisco CCNP Security Certification](https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/training-events/training-certifications/certifications/professional/ccnp-security-v2.html) demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of security infrastructure. It covers firewall technology, virtual private networks, Cisco hardware, and much more. There are no formal requirements for this certification, either, any candidate with a few years of experience implementing **security solutions** should be able to obtain it._

_\*\*» \*\*_

_#### Cisco CCIE Security Certification_

_The next step up from Cisco’s CCNP certification is the coveted CCIE certificate. [CCIE security certification](https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/training-events/training-certifications/certifications/expert/ccie-security-v2.html) has earned its place as the industry’s most prestigious distinction a **security professional** can have. It focuses on datacenter infrastructure, and while the prevalence of [software-defined networking](https://blog.ine.com/are-sdns-diminishing-the-value-of-the-cisco-ccie-or-ccnp) (SDN) solutions is making experts question how traditional **datacenter security** will adapt to remain relevant, the security concepts at the core of CCIE will remain core business necessities for decades to come, and hiring managers know it._

_\*\*» \*\*_

_#### Venafi VSA 19_

_Venafi’s Security Administrator Product Training sits on the other side of the popularity spectrum compared to Cisco. Where Cisco’s certifications derive their value from their generalized, value-oriented approach, [Venafi VSA 19](https://support.venafi.com/hc/en-us/articles/360029273132-VSA-19-Syllabus) is all about the Venfai’s **Trust Protection Platform**, a single piece of technology. It establishes authority on public key infrastructure in a way that stands out on a resume and can lead to highly lucrative positions in ways that other certifications don’t._

_![Phishing Awareness Campaign](https://media.mailhop.org/phishprotection/images/2020/03/phishing-awareness-campaign.jpg)_ 

_\*\*» \*\*_

_#### CompTIA Network+_

_This certification is less demanding than CompTIA’s A+ certification, and it presents a good entry point for IT professionals who may not have years of experience in the **world of cyber security**. IT administrators who have found themselves forced to **respond to security issues** can use the information contained in [CompTIA’s Network+](https://www.comptia.org/certifications/network) course to improve the resilience of their network more efficiently._

_\*\*» \*\*_

_#### Certified Ethical Hacker (ANSI)_

_This intermediate-level credential is an excellent starting point for IT professionals who want to understand how cyber criminals exploit systems and cover their tracks when doing so. It provides fundamental knowledge on all of the most modern hacking practices that security professionals defend against on a daily basis: denial-of-service attacks, social engineering, session hijacking, cross-site scripting, IDS evasion, and more._

_\*\*» \*\*_

_#### ISACA CISA Certification_

_[ISACA’s Certified Information Systems Auditor](https://www.isaca.org/credentialing/cisa?cid=sem%5F2002324&Appeal=sem&gclid=Cj0KCQjwu6fzBRC6ARIsAJUwa2SQ74P9YQWNmxPLdY3CwK1ZTfyjnQ%5FkvDzxu0yLi8XAWh0i%5FE108ygaAqXhEALw%5FwcB) (CISA) credential is the universal standard for IT security auditing. This helps IT professionals identify threats and vulnerabilities, assess data compliance, and provide **guidance on security** controls. The focus on security auditing is what sets this certification apart from the others, generating value, especially in highly regulated industries._

_\*\*» \*\*_

_#### ISACA CISM Certification_

_Another valuable certification from ISACA is the [Certified Information Security Manager](https://www.isaca.org/credentialing/cism?cid=sem%5F2002351&Appeal=sem&gclid=Cj0KCQjwu6fzBRC6ARIsAJUwa2TH8caqfrjB1t4kwvaqMsp0WLF%5F2YH7Y9F53r3YKIgd1V11v51kIOgaAhTJEALw%5FwcB) credential. It focuses on concepts and methods related to managing and developing information security systems for enterprises. It also focuses on the team-building aspect of enterprise security, empowering certificate-holders to manage risk and respond to security incidents with professionalism._

_![Employee Phishing Awarness Training](https://media.mailhop.org/phishprotection/images/2020/03/employee-phishing-awarness-training.jpg)_ 

_\*\*» \*\*_

_#### SANS GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)_

_[GSEC Certification](https://www.giac.org/certification/security-essentials-gsec) focuses on active defense, cryptography, network architecture, and Linux security. It’s an ideal credential for security professionals, IT engineers, and administrators looking to improve the depth and breadth of their knowledge. It is an in-demand credential among penetration testers and forensic analysts, as well._

_\*\*» \*\*_

_#### (ISC)² CISSP Certification_

_Last but not least, [CISSP](https://www.isc2.org/Certifications/CISSP) is among one of the most in-demand **advanced-level certifications** in the cyber security industry. The coursework follows one of three special areas of concentration: architecture, engineering, or management. This is a sophisticated course that requires at least 4-5 years of previous experience and prerequisite credentials to earn._

_### Improve Your Security Knowledge for 2020_

_Cyber security certifications form the first line of defense against the rapidly developing world of cyber crime. Technicians, specialists, and administrators who take the time to earn these credentials are better-suited to **prevent data loss** and damages to enterprise business processes. The information contained within these courses will help you protect legitimate businesses from well-equipped cyber criminals well into the future._

_### Enterprise-class email protection without the enterprise price_

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