Security Certification

vag_26

Hello everyone, I am new to this forum!

I am currently a postgraduate student doing Internet Security Msc. I am very interesting in security and my goal is to become security specialist one day. It seems that I figure out late what I really like to be since I am 26 and most people occupying themselves with this kind of matters, start at much younger age. Anyway, my question is, what is the appropriate path for me after taking my Msc? Would it be good to continue with a CEH, or CCNA? Microsoft Security? There are so many options and all have to do with security Certifications. So, which one could give me a good boost to start my career?

Sorry for the too much talking!
Keep forward for your response! Kind regards!

halaakajan

CISSP and CISA are one of the best information security certifications out there but more are managerial and IT compliance related.

If you want to go technical like penetration testing OSCP and CEH are the big names. If you want to enter the field GCIH + CCNA:S + MCTS (MCP) would be great to have.

Can you please let us know in which country you are located and how is the IT market in your location and tell more about your Masteral.

Regards! Welcome to TE.

vag_26

Thanks for replying halaakajan!

I am currently located in UK. I didn't do a research yet since I came here only to obtain my degree. However, the IT market seems not to be so pleasant in terms of vacancies, if u meant that. Moving to your second question, my Master has the following courses:

Networks and Protocols ( 5 layers and how they operate )
Internet security ( aims to give us a better understanding of layers, using wireshark, + security protocols such as IPsec etc. )
cryptography
Incidence response in a company.

These are the core modules. Apart from the last one, I am more keen on Network Security, I like the practical job.
I am not so keen on managerial IT staff, I like the technical ones. Therefore, I would rather take CEH. So, your proposal is to first take CCNA:S + GCIH + MCTS and then CEH?
How about MCTS etc? Are they difficult?

Thank you in advance!

charlemagne

vag_26 wrote: »

Hello everyone, I am new to this forum!

I am currently a postgraduate student doing Internet Security Msc. I am very interesting in security and my goal is to become security specialist one day. It seems that I figure out late what I really like to be since I am 26 and most people occupying themselves with this kind of matters, start at much younger age. Anyway, my question is, what is the appropriate path for me after taking my Msc? Would it be good to continue with a CEH, or CCNA? Microsoft Security? There are so many options and all have to do with security Certifications. So, which one could give me a good boost to start my career?

Sorry for the too much talking!
Keep forward for your response! Kind regards!

Postgraduate at 26 in a good field. Don't worry about age. You're on a good track. Ever consider academe? With a Ph.D in a tech field, you'll most likely land a good tenure-track position. Just a thought. Good luck on the path you choose.

halaakajan

It is not necessary to take the certification but to have the knowledge. Have you worked with Windows Servers or Linux based Servers? A good idea will be to check job postings and see what they require for security related job in your area.

Which program did you have while you were doing your Bachelors?