Certifications To Help Pivot into Network Security

Network security, according to experts, is defined as rules and practices intended to prevent trespassing, unauthorized access, alteration, misuse, change, destruction, or unauthorized collection and dissemination of data held. The entire process necessitates a combination of hardware devices, security software, and user comprehension of security methods and approaches. 

Professionals with experience in configuring firewalls and performing, monitoring, and responding to problems are in charge of the network’s and data’s protection. There are only a few certifications that demonstrate a person’s expertise in the subject of network security. As a network security expert’s role includes diverse tasks, like configuring firewalls, enforcing email security, and training teams, there are several skill requirements for the job. 

So, let’s talk about the certificates that can help set you apart.

SASE Expert Level 1

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a global cloud service that combines network services with security point solutions. It’s been dubbed the “future of network security” by Gartner since it introduces a completely new architectural approach to network security. By delivering a cloud-native, adaptive network suited for today’s dynamic digital business environment, SASE enables IT to recover its legitimate role as a business facilitator. 

SASE improves access performance, decreases operational complexity, and improves security posture. 64% firms use or plan to employ a SASE architecture because of its dynamic capacity. So, earning a certificate in it will provide you an advantage in any organization that uses SASE. This SASE Expert Level Certification by CATO will teach you about data security, threat protection, CASBs, and enterprise WANs. It provides you training to become a commercial network specialist. 

To learn new technologies, you need to showcase your SASE skills. You can easily do so by gaining this certification. It provides comprehensive coverage of all SASE-related topics.

OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Penetration)

The OSCP certification is the best of its kind. Offensive Security created this certification as their fundamental-level course. It covers a wide range of domains including network, web applications, wireless, and much more. You will learn privilege escalation, information gathering, OSINT, exploitation of online vulnerabilities, and much more in this certification, which includes a lab environment in which you may practice. 

They constantly alter the course content to stay relevant and updated in this ever-changing field. For example, they introduced active directory exploitation and other content so that their course takers meet the latest skill requirements in the market.

The exam is also unique in that it requires candidates to compromise five systems to acquire the OSCP certification.

CompTIA Network+

Any business’s most crucial component is its network. CompTIA Network+ is a course that certifies one’s technical skills in setting up, maintaining, and troubleshooting a network. 

It begins by introducing fundamental networking concepts, such as network services, physical connections, topologies, and a network’s basic architecture. It also covers routing and networking devices, and setting up and securing them. It also includes the monitoring component, which is critical for any deployed network to maintain business continuity. The most basic thing to do after deploying a network is to troubleshoot it. This includes common troubleshooting difficulties such as software and connectivity issues. 

To acquire this certification, you must pass an online proctored exam. There are 70-80 multiple choice questions on the exam.

eCPPTv2 (eLearnSecurity Certified Professional Penetration Tester)

eLearnSecurity’s eCPPTv2 covers a wide range of topics, including penetration testing methodologies for different operating systems, vulnerability assessment of networks and online applications, advanced exploitation with Metasploit, pivoting (the most important aspect of a pentest), reconnaissance on targets to obtain open source material, and so on. 

It teaches you to make use of your writing, privilege escalation, and reporting abilities. The exam is a CTF (Capture the Flag) test in which you must solve a couple of machines by exploiting their vulnerabilities, write a report, and deliver it to the team. 

You receive the certification if your report is up to par—if it has been written in a decent context and contains all the facts about how you exploited the vulnerability. If you fall somewhere in the middle, you need to retake the exam.

CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)

The EC-Council offers the Certified Ethical Hacker certification. It can be earned by demonstrating the ability to conduct vulnerability assessments on a variety of platforms, including network web applications. This is similar to what a hostile attacker would do. But here it is ethical because the purpose is to assess the target system’s security. 

The EC-Council is constantly updating the course content to meet the changing needs of cyber security. It now focuses on 18 distinct vectors—IoT, API, and APT, among others. From the ground up, you’ll learn how to exploit the development of various types of vulnerabilities. It also offers case studies from recent occurrences, such as how a hacking occurred, what vulnerabilities were exploited, and how one might defend against such attacks and handle such situations. There are multiple choice questions in it. You receive the CEH certification after passing the exam, which is valid for three years.

Conclusion

In the field of network security, there are numerous certifications to choose from. Each certification has its own set of features, and a few of them also include practical assessment. 

Each certificate has its own benefits and focus points. CATO’s SASE Expert Level 1 certification focuses on SASE, EC-Council’s CEH on ethical hacking, and CompTIA’s Network+ on network security. You need to pick one based on your career objectives and present skillset. But no matter which one you pick, certifications are vital to showcasing your abilities.