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    Cybersecurity Certifications That You Need to Know 

    Are you considering a career in cybersecurity? If so, it's important to have the right credentials to set yourself apart from the competition and show potential employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the field. One way to do this is by obtaining a security certification from one of the leading certification providers in the industry, such as Microsoft, CompTIA, and (ISC)². In this article, we will give you an overview of each certification along with salary expectations for each. 

    First, let's talk about why security certifications are important. In the world of cybersecurity, there is a constant need for qualified professionals who can help organizations protect their networks and systems from cyber attacks. Obtaining a security certification shows that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to do this effectively. It's a sign that you have taken the time to learn about the latest security technologies and best practices, and that you are committed to staying up-to-date with the constantly changing world of cybersecurity. 

    But why should you choose a certification from Microsoft, CompTIA, or (ISC)²? These organizations are among the most respected and well-known providers of security certifications in the industry. A certification from one of these organizations shows that you have been independently tested and certified by a trusted and reputable third party. This can give potential employers confidence in your abilities and can help you stand out in a crowded job market. 

    SC-300: Microsoft Identity and Access Administrator 

    The SC-300: Microsoft Identity and Access Administrator certification focuses on the skills and knowledge necessary to implement and manage identity and access within a Microsoft 365 environment. This certification is aimed at individuals who want to demonstrate their expertise in using Microsoft technologies to manage access and authentication, as well as their ability to secure data and prevent unauthorized access to resources. 

    Salary: According to Payscale.com, the average salary for individuals with the SC-300 certification is $72,985 per year. 

    MS-500: Microsoft 365 Security Administration 

    The MS-500: Microsoft 365 Security Administration certification focuses on the skills and knowledge necessary to protect and secure a Microsoft 365 environment. This certification is aimed at individuals who want to demonstrate their expertise in implementing and managing security controls, as well as their ability to detect and respond to security threats within a Microsoft 365 environment. 

    Salary: According to Payscale.com, the average salary for individuals with the MS-500 certification is $79,355 per year. 

    AZ-500: Microsoft Azure Security Technologies 

    The AZ-500: Microsoft Azure Security Technologies certification focuses on the skills and knowledge necessary to implement and manage security in a Microsoft Azure environment. This certification is aimed at individuals who want to demonstrate their expertise in implementing and managing security controls, as well as their ability to detect and respond to security threats within a Microsoft Azure environment. 

    Salary: According to Payscale.com, the average salary for individuals with the AZ-500 certification is $83,068 per year. 

    SC-400: Microsoft Information Protection Administrator 

    The SC-400: Microsoft Information Protection Administrator certification focuses on the skills and knowledge necessary to implement and manage information protection within a Microsoft 365 environment. This certification is aimed at individuals who want to demonstrate their expertise in using Microsoft technologies to protect data and prevent data leaks, as well as their ability to respond to data security incidents. 

    Salary: According to Payscale.com, the average salary for individuals with the SC-400 certification is $75,824 per year. 

    SC-100: Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect 

    The SC-100: Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect certification focuses on the skills and knowledge necessary to design and implement secure solutions in a Microsoft 365 environment. This certification is aimed at individuals who want to demonstrate their expertise in designing and implementing secure solutions that protect data and prevent unauthorized access to resources, as well as their ability to respond to security incidents. 

    Salary: According to Payscale.com, the average salary for individuals with the SC-100 certification is $119,973 per year. 

    SC-900: Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals 

    The SC-900: Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals certification is an entry-level certification that focuses on the fundamental concepts of security, compliance, and identity in a Microsoft 365 environment. This certification is aimed at individuals who are new to the field of cybersecurity and want to demonstrate their understanding of basic security concepts and technologies. 

    Salary: According to Payscale.com, the average salary for individuals with the SC-900 certification is $72,980 per year. 

    CompTIA Security+ 

    CompTIA Security+ is a vendor-neutral certification that focuses on the skills and knowledge necessary to secure networks and devices, as well as prevent and respond to security incidents. This certification is aimed at individuals who want to demonstrate their expertise in security concepts, technologies, and practices, and is typically considered a good starting point for those interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity. 

     Salary: According to Payscale.com, the average salary for individuals with the SC-900 certification is $79,280 per year. 

    CompTIA Network+ 

    CompTIA Network+ is a vendor-neutral certification that focuses on the skills and knowledge necessary to install, configure, and troubleshoot networks. This certification is aimed at individuals who want to demonstrate their expertise in networking technologies and practices, and is typically considered a good starting point for those interested in pursuing a career in networking or cybersecurity. 

    Salary: According to Payscale.com, the average salary for individuals with the CompTIA Network+ certification is $69,054 per year. 

    CompTIA PenTest+ 

    CompTIA PenTest+ is a vendor-neutral certification that focuses on the skills and knowledge necessary to perform penetration testing and vulnerability assessments. This certification is aimed at individuals who want to demonstrate their expertise in identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities in networks and devices, and is typically considered a good starting point for those interested in pursuing a career in penetration testing or ethical hacking. 

    Salary: According to Payscale.com, the average salary for individuals with the CompTIA PenTest+ certification is $84,342 per year. 

    CompTIA Project+ 

    CompTIA Project+ is a vendor-neutral certification that focuses on the skills and knowledge necessary to manage projects effectively. This certification is aimed at individuals who want to demonstrate their expertise in project management principles and practices, and is typically considered a good starting point for those interested in pursuing a career in project management or project coordination. 

    Salary: According to Payscale.com, the average salary for individuals with the CompTIA Project+ certification is $70,739 per year. 

     CompTIA CySA+ 

    CompTIA CySA+ is a vendor-neutral certification that focuses on the skills and knowledge necessary to protect and secure networks using cybersecurity analytics and threat intelligence. This certification is aimed at individuals who want to demonstrate their expertise in using data and analytics to identify and respond to security threats, and is typically considered a good starting point for those interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity operations or threat intelligence. 

    Salary: According to Payscale.com, the average salary for individuals with the CompTIA CySA+ certification is $83,449 per year. 

    CompTIA CASP+ 

    CompTIA CASP+ is a vendor-neutral certification that focuses on the skills and knowledge necessary to design, implement, and manage enterprise-level security solutions. This certification is aimed at individuals who want to demonstrate their expertise in advanced security concepts, technologies, and practices, and is typically considered a good starting point for those interested in pursuing a career in advanced security or enterprise architecture. 

    Salary: According to Payscale.com, the average salary for individuals with the CompTIA CASP+ certification is $97,431 per year. 

    (ISC)² CCSP 

    The (ISC)² Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) certification focuses on the skills and knowledge necessary to design, implement, and manage secure cloud computing environments. This certification is aimed at individuals who want to demonstrate their expertise in cloud security concepts, technologies, and practices, and is typically considered a good starting point for those interested in pursuing a career in cloud security. 

    Salary: According to Payscale.com, the average salary for individuals with the (ISC)² CCSP certification is $116,955 per year. 

    (ISC)² CAP 

    The (ISC)² Certified Authorization Professional (CAP) certification focuses on the skills and knowledge necessary to assess, authorize, and maintain information systems in compliance with security policies and regulations. This certification is aimed at individuals who want to demonstrate their expertise in information system authorization and risk management, and is typically considered a good starting point for those interested in pursuing a career in information security risk management or compliance. 

    Salary: According to Payscale.com, the average salary for individuals with the (ISC)² CAP certification is $108,567 per year. 

    (ISC)² CSSLP 

    The (ISC)² Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP) certification focuses on the skills and knowledge necessary to develop secure software throughout the software development lifecycle. This certification is aimed at individuals who want to demonstrate their expertise in secure software development practices, and is typically considered a good starting point for those interested in pursuing a career in software development or software engineering. 

    Salary: According to Payscale.com, the average salary for individuals with the (ISC)² CSSLP certification is $110,890 per year. 

    (ISC)² HCISPP 

    The (ISC)² Healthcare Information Security and Privacy Practitioner (HCISPP) certification focuses on the skills and knowledge necessary to protect and secure healthcare information in compliance with industry standards and regulations. This certification is aimed at individuals who want to demonstrate their expertise in healthcare information security and privacy, and is typically considered a good starting point for those interested in pursuing a career in healthcare information security or compliance. 

    Salary: According to Payscale.com, the average salary for individuals with the (ISC)² HCISPP certification is $91,695 per year. 

    (ISC)² SSCP 

    The (ISC)² Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) certification focuses on the skills and knowledge necessary to design, implement, and manage secure information systems. This certification is aimed at individuals who want to demonstrate their expertise in information systems security, and is typically considered a good starting point for those interested in pursuing a career in information security or systems administration. 

    Salary: According to Payscale.com, the average salary for individuals with the (ISC)² SSCP certification is $84,880 per year. 

    (ISC)² Certified Cybersecurity (CC)

    (ISC)² Certified Cybersecurity (CC) certification focuses on the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct forensic investigations of cyber incidents and crimes. This certification is aimed at individuals who want to demonstrate their expertise in forensic techniques and procedures, and is typically considered a good starting point for those interested in pursuing a career in cyber forensics or digital forensics. 

    Salary: According to Payscale.com, the average salary for individuals with the (ISC)² CC certification is $87,711 per year.