8 Security Certifications for the Biggest Pay Raises in 2021

The shortage of cybersecurity professionals has many IT decision-makers concerned and with good reason — cybercrime is predicted to cost the world $6 trillion annually by 2021, up from $3 trillion in 2015. It is no wonder that Cybersecurity Ventures Opens a new window predicts there will be 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs worldwide by 2021. 

Undeniably, the world needs more information security professionals who can step into security analysts, security engineers, system administrators (with security responsibility) roles, and also have specialized skills for penetration testing, intrusion analysis, and malware analysis.  

Despite the number of openings, landing a job in cybersecurity can be difficult. When evaluating prospective candidates, employers frequently look to certifications as an essential measure of an applicant’s excellence and commitment to quality. 

According to Cyber Seek, more employers are now seeking CISA, CISM, and CISSP certification holders than are currently available. Thus, getting the right top-paying certifications can be invaluable for moving up the corporate ladder and clinching C-level positions.  

Learn More: 10 High-Paying Remote Tech Jobs & 16 Job Sites to Find Them 

Here are 8 top cybersecurity advanced certifications that security pros should add to their resumes to rise through the ranks and grab top-paying InfoSec jobs:

1. (ISC)2:  CISSP-Certified Information Systems Security Professional

This is an advanced-level certification for IT pros and is offered by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, known as (ISC)2. The vendor-neutral credential is recognized worldwide for its standards of excellence. 

CISSP-certified professionals are capable of leading a team of cybersecurity experts and can effectively design, implement, and manage a cybersecurity program and implement the right procedures in the organization.  

Average Salary:  $140,000 per (ISC)²Opens a new window

Job Roles:  CISSP certification qualifies IT professionals for these types of positions: Information Security Manager, Information Security Analyst, or Chief Information Security Officer.

Prerequisites: Candidates seeking the CISSP certification must have a minimum of five years of paid work experience in two or more of the eight domains of the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK). (A four-year college degree or Regional Equivalent or Additional Credential from (ISC)2 may be substituted for 1-year of the required experience.)

To learn more, click hereOpens a new window .

2. ISACA: CISM – Certified Information Security Manager

Over the years, the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) Certification, which is globally accepted has become the most sought after IT certifications. 

CISM is meant for experienced security professionals who have advanced and proven skills in cybersecurity.  Security pros who are CISM-certified have a deep understanding of the relationship between information security programs and broader business goals and can manage and design the organization’s information security program.  

Average Salary: $148,622 ( per Global KnowledgeOpens a new window ) 

Job Roles:   CISM certification qualifies IT professionals for these types of positions: Security Consultant, Business Analyst, Security Product Manager, Security Designer, Security Systems Professional, Security Auditor or Information Risk Consultant.

Prerequisites: Candidates seeking this certification must have a minimum of five years of IT security experience, three years of which must be in Information Security Management.

To learn more, click hereOpens a new window . 

3. ISACA: CISA-Certified Information Systems Auditor

Accepted throughout the world, ISACA’s Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is dubbed as the gold standard for IT professionals seeking a career in information security, audit control and assurance. 

CISA-certified professionals are able to identify and assess an organization’s vulnerability management program and evaluate compliance posture. These security executives also demonstrate knowledge across all six CISA job practice areas such as auditing, governance, maintenance, service management, and asset protection. CISA offers proof of a professional’s competency in IT controls and understanding of how IT relates to business.

Job Roles: CISA certification qualifies IT professionals for these types of positions: Internal Auditor, IT Audit Manager, IT Project Manager, IT Security Officer, Network Operation Security Engineer,  IT Risk and Assurance Manager, Privacy Officer, or Chief Information Officer.

Average salary: $132,278 (per Global KnowledgeOpens a new window )

Prerequisites: Candidates seeking the CISA certification should have at least five years of paid work experience in systems auditing, control, or security.

To learn more, click hereOpens a new window .

4. EC-Council: CEH-Certified Ethical Hacker

Internationally-recognized Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification is an intermediate-level credential offered by the International Council of E-Commerce Consultants (EC-Council) to IT professionals who are interested in ethical hacking. The certification covers tracks like reconnaissance, enumeration, and how hackers gain access.  

Using the same knowledge and tools as a malicious hacker, CEH certified professionals can use penetration testing to assess the security of a system. Given the many cybersecurity attacks and the increasing volume of personal data at risk, along with the potential legal liabilities, there is a great need for Certified Ethical Hackers with a vendor-neutral perspective. 

Job Roles:  CEH certification qualifies IT professionals for these types of positions: Advanced Threat Analyst, Information Security Assessor, Penetration Tester, Auditor, Security Professional, Site Administrator, or any position related to network infrastructure.

Average salary: $104,813  (ZipRecruiter) Note:  While ZipRecruiter sees annual salaries as high as $220,000 and as low as $71,500, the majority of CEH salaries across the U.S. currently range between $79,500 (25th percentile) to $109,500 (75th percentile).

Prerequisites: Candidates seeking the CEH certification must have at least two years of IT Security-related experience, an educational background in information security, and a strong working knowledge of TCP/IP. 

To learn more, click hereOpens a new window . 

Learn More: 3 Ways Collaboration Tools Can Help Pandemic-Era Managers Level Up

5. EC-Council:  CCISO – Certified Chief Information Security Officer

EC-Council’s Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO) certification was written and designed by current standing CISOs. This top-paying certification focuses on technical knowledge, along with the application of information security management principles, and helps middle-level managers move up the ranks. This certification is valuable for broadening the skill set of existing Information Security pros and enables them to lead a team of cybersecurity experts effectively.  

Job Roles:  CCISO certification qualifies IT professionals for these types of positions: Information Security Manager, Chief Information Security Officer, Information Security Analyst. CNDSP Analyst, CNDSP Manager, CPT CND Manager, CPT Interactive Operator, CPT Systems Architect, Cyber Security Analyst, or Incident Analyst.

Average salary: $162,746 (per PayScaleOpens a new window ) 

Prerequisites: Candidates seeking the CCISO certification must have five years of experience in at least three out of five CCISO domains which include Governance and Risk Management; Information Security Controls, Compliance, and Audit Management; Security Program Management and Operations; Information Security Core Competencies; or Strategic Planning, Finance, Procurement, and Vendor Management.

To learn more, click here. 

6. ISACA:  CRISC  – Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control

ISACA’s globally recognized Certified in Risk and International Systems Control (CRISC) prepares IT professionals for the high-stakes challenges of IT and enterprise risk management. Organizations onboard CRISC certified professionals for their expertise in identifying and managing enterprise IT risk. This certification is well suited for mid-career professionals who are working in enterprise risk management and control and want to advance in their careers. Since its inception in 2010, over 20,000 professionals worldwide have earned the CRISC certification.

Job Roles:  CRISC certification qualifies IT professionals for these types of positions: IT Professionals, Risk Professionals, Control Professionals, Project Managers, Compliance Professionals, Chief Security Officer, Risk Analyst, Chief Technology Officer, or Chief Information Security Officer

Average salary: $146,480 (per Global KnowledgeOpens a new window ) 

Prerequisites: Candidates seeking this certification should have three years of work experience where they have managed IT risk by implementing IS controls. The three years of work experience must comprise work experience across at least two of these CRISC domains: IT Risk Identification, IT Risk Management, Risk Response and Mitigation, and Risk and Control Monitoring and Reporting.

To learn more, click hereOpens a new window . 

7. EC-Council: LPT – Licensed Penetration Tester

LPT is an expert-level certification overseen by the EC-Council and given only to those who have mastered cybersecurity techniques. The certification covers cybersecurity concepts such as operating system (OS) exploits, SSH tunneling, and privilege escalation. Those who hold an LPT certification are expected to make decisions under pressure that can impact the network security of an entire company. All EC Council certifications are globally accepted. 

Job Roles:  LPT certification qualifies IT professionals for these types of positions: Cybersecurity Engineer, Senior Security Consultant or Licensed Penetration Tester. 

Average salary: $106,000 (per PayscaleOpens a new window )

Prerequisites:  Candidates seeking this certification must have a minimum of two years of experience as a penetration tester, hold the EC-Council Security Analyst (ECSA) certification, and another industry-equivalent certification, such as GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN) or Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP).

To learn more, click hereOpens a new window .   

8. ISACA CGEIT- Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT

ISACA’s Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT ) certification was designed for professionals with significant management experience relating to GEIT, and is recognized globally as one of the information security industry’s premier qualifications. CGETI certified professionals have the expertise to support the governance of enterprise IT security and ensure the organization’s security posture is aligned with business needs and goals.

Job Roles:  CGEIT certification qualifies IT professionals for these types of positions: IT Director, CIO, VP of Information Technology, IS Manager, Senior IT Manager, or Senior Business Consultant

Average salary: $133,256 (per PayscaleOpens a new window )

Prerequisites: Candidates seeking this certification should have a minimum of five years of work experience in enterprise management or should have served in an advisory or governance support role. Other experiences should be related to at least two of the following: strategic management, risk optimization, benefits, realization or resource optimization. 

To learn more, click hereOpens a new window .  

Learn More: Surviving & Thriving As CISO: 4 Key Security Challenges to Overcome 

Final Thoughts 

Cyberattacks have become sophisticated in the pandemic era and hackers are using new techniques to infiltrate vulnerable systems. Add to that, IT executives are under immense pressure to ensure business continuity and safeguard network infrastructure. Given the changing landscape, those wanting to advance their careers and are interested in specializing in security will find that certification is an effective way to validate pertinent skills and show a current or prospective employer that they’re qualified and properly trained to lead security teams.

Do you think cybersecurity skills shortage can be addressed with internal training programs? Comment below or let us know on LinkedInOpens a new window , TwitterOpens a new window , or FacebookOpens a new window . Wed love to hear from you!