IT Security Qualifications

Brianw68

Hi Guys!

My son wants to get into IT Security, what qualifications would you recommend for him to get started?

Thanks!
B

docrice

Since this very topic comes up frequently, I recommend checking out the stickies at the top of the Security Certifications forum:

Security Certifications Forums

as well as doing a general search for this subject.

CJWelch89

You haven't told us the experience/skill level of your son but assuming he is new to IT, like me, it would probably be well advised to follow the same certification path as I am on...

CompTIA A+ > Network+ > Security+, Cisco CCENT > CCNA > CCNA Security

That would be for starters.

Tom Servo

I don't know how popular of an opinion this is - but to get into security, I would focus on something else first. Security is not where most people start their career. Possible background experience prior to going into security include System Administration, Development, or Networking. It's also not uncommon to spend a bit of time in Helpdesk before one can get into System Administration or Networking. Learn that area well, then transition. Also, security is pretty broad, and depending which area of IT he starts in may help guide what area of security he wants to focus on. Security can be pen testing, SOC/SIEM work, security auditing, code reviews, vulnerability research, and a other variety of other areas.

My path was Helpdesk for 4 years, system administration for 3 years (where I got a single lonely MCP), then got hired on to do security reviews and auditing. Only after that did I get the CISSP and CISA.

Sfost

Hi Brianw,

I've been recommended one of many sites that are part of a network IT Security Jobs | Home . This one is a specialist IT Security site with lots of jobs posted. If you take a look at the different kinds of jobs it tells you what qualifications are needed for those kinds of jobs- to give you a rough idea. These include CISSP and CISM which seem to be the main ones. I hope this helps you.