Cybersecurity Certifications

Network+

Network+ is another certification offered by CompTIA, and the course places emphasis on troubleshooting, configuring, and managing IT networks. The exam is comprised of 90 multiple-choice questions.

While this certification is a level above the basic core competencies, companies like Apple, Verizon, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Dell include it as a prerequisite for certain positions. 

Jobs that may use Network + include computer technicians, system engineers, network analysts, and IS consultants (among others).

CompTIA describes the core competencies of Network + as: 

• Design and implement functional networks
• Configure, manage, and maintain essential network devices
• Use devices such as switches and routers to segment network traffic and create resilient networks
• Identify benefits and drawbacks of existing network configurations
• Implement network security, standards, and protocols
• Troubleshoot network problems
• Support the creation of virtualized networks

The Cybersecurity Boot Camp at UT Austin will provide you with expertise in secure network design and architecture, risk management, cryptography, vulnerability assessment, identity and access management, and cloud security.

Linux+

The CompTIA Linux+ exam is especially useful for IT professionals “who will use Linux to manage everything from cars and smartphones to servers and supercomputers, as a vast number of enterprises use Linux in cloud, cybersecurity, mobile and web administration applications.”

This exam is a critical assessment of candidates’ cybersecurity skills to see if they can do the job of using Linux to manage their domain securely. The test includes performance-based multiple-choice questions tailored to the expertise needed to do your job. 

There are also certain nuanced areas of expertise covered here. They include executing basic BASH scripts, configuring kernel modules and network parameters, as well as the use and operation of Linux devices. 

Preparing for this exam requires ensuring you are comfortable operating your Linux properties because of the performance-based questions that test your ability to put your knowledge into practice.

Server+

Like Linux+, Server+ is an examination on critical IT infrastructure, and is preferred among IT administrators because it is not restricted to a single platform. CompTIA describes the exam as covering “essential hardware and software technologies of on-premise and hybrid server environments.”

This exam is a must for systems and server administrators, as well as data center and IT technicians. Two years of hands-on experience is recommended before taking this exam. You will also need to be CompTIA A+ certified or have the equivalent knowledge to qualify for the test. 

Upon achieving this certification, you will have learned the skills necessary to:

• Install and maintain physical hardware and storage
• Manage and maintain servers, including OS configuration, access control, and visualization
• Diagnose and resolve system hardware, software, connectivity, storage, and security issues
• Apply physical and network data security techniques and understand disaster recovery and implement backup techniques. 

This test, like most certifications, takes 90 minutes. 

Cloud+

Cloud+ is a helpful certification for automating and securing cloud environments. Securing multi-cloud environments is critical to the success of our interconnected world, and it poses new challenges daily. This certification is for cloud engineers who have expertise across multiple products and systems. 

Companies like Oracle, Safran, NTT Communications, and the Department of Justice look for this certification on an ever-increasing basis. 

The CompTIA website states, “CompTIA Cloud+ is the only cloud-focused certification approved for DoD 8570.01-M, offering an infrastructure option for individuals who need to certify in IAM Level I, CSSP Analyst and CSSP Infrastructure Support roles.”

The Cybersecurity Boot Camp at UT Austin also offers training in several fields critical to success in many cloud-based security roles, with a curriculum covering digital forensics methods, cyber threat intelligence, penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and security analytics. 

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

The Certified Ethical Hacker program is one of the most comprehensive ethical hacking courses, and regardless of your previous experience, you will learn new fundamentals of ethical hacking. 

Ethical hacking is often a critical step in defending your organization from cyber attacks, but you have to think like a hacker to defend yourself from one. As their tactics change, so should yours. 

The CEH course gives you a systematic process to utilize in any circumstance. You’ll learn the multiple phases of ethical hacking, how to target your approach, and how to succeed at penetrating target systems. 

You can find the detailed eligibility info on the EC-Council’s website. This course usually requires at least two years of IT experience, and you will need to acquire an exam voucher to complete certified training.