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Security Certifications Overview

Computer Networks are growing exponentially. Initially, the focus was on speed, reliability, access and performance. Once these features were more and less achieved, the immediate requirement was securing the network. Today’s networks are planned keeping both performance and security in mind. That is why most companies try to hire the best security professionals available for their corporate and large scale networks.  The best way to gauge the competence of a security professional is the technical certifications he holds to large enterprise level network security. Some of the most prestigious security certifications are discussed below:

MCSE Security: With the growing interest in Security Microsoft is now allowing MCSE’s to specialize in security. Candidates on Windows Server 2003 track need to pass five core exams along with three security specialization exams.

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): The International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC2) developed this highly respected security credential. It is a challenging vendor neutral program that validates your ability to handle recognized standards of information security. The exam consists of 250 multiple choice questions to be answered in 6 hour
s. Ten related test domains are covered in the exam.

Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP): Cisco networking expertise combined with security knowledge is a very effective combination. CCSP provides networking professionals the authority in designing and implementing Cisco secure networks. The CCSP curriculum emphasizes Cisco Router IOS (ISR) and Catalyst Switch security features, Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA), secure VPN connectivity, Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS), Cisco Security Agent (CSA), Security Enterprise and Device Management, Network Admission Control (NAC) as well as techniques to optimize these technologies in a single, integrated network security solution. Similarly Cisco Qualified Specialist Certifications in the areas of security are available in IDS, Firewall and VPN.

Red Hat Certified Security Specialist (RHCSS): This validated Security expertise in using Red Hat Enterprise Linux, SELinux and Red Hat Directory Server in Enterprise environment. RHCE (Red Hat Certified Engineer) is a required pre-requisite. To become a RHCSS, the exams need to be passed EX333 Security: Network Services, EX423 Directory Services & Authentication and EX429 SELinux Policy Administration.

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA): This popular program is sponsored by the Information System Audit and Control Association (ISACA). Candidates for CISA certification must pass a test, adhere to ISACA’s code of professional ethics, provide proof of a minimum five years of professional IS auditing, control or security work and follow a program of continuing professional education. The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions and the questions are asked from various domains like; The IS Audit Process, IT Governance, Systems and Infrastructure Life Style Management, IT Service Delivery and Support, Protection of Information Assets and Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery.

Security+ Certification: This is recognized around the world as the standard for foundation-level security professional. CompTIA’s Security+ certification is developed by leading experts from all parts of IT industry. This tests for the candidate’s security knowledge with two years of on-job work experience with an emphasis on security. The exam domains include Systems security, Network infrastructure, access control, assessments and audits, cryptography and organizational security.