Secureops

Security+ Certification Overview

Origin and Creation

The Security+ certification was created by CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association), a non-profit trade association, and was first introduced in 2002. CompTIA developed this certification in response to the growing need for a vendor-neutral, baseline security credential that could validate foundational cybersecurity skills across various platforms and technologies. The certification was designed to establish a standardized measure of competency for IT professionals entering security roles, addressing the increasing importance of information security in organizations worldwide.

Industry Value and Importance

Security+ is widely recognized as one of the most important entry-level cybersecurity certifications in the IT industry. It meets the ISO 17024 standard and is approved by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) as one of the required certifications for information assurance positions under DoD Directive 8570.01-M, making it essential for many government contractors and military personnel. Employers value Security+ because it demonstrates that holders possess practical, hands-on skills in network security, risk management, cryptography, and threat detection—core competencies needed in today's security-conscious business environment. The certification serves as a solid foundation for cybersecurity careers and is often a prerequisite for more advanced security credentials.

GCIH Cybersecurity Certification

Origin

The GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH) certification was created by the Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC), which was founded in 1999. GIAC is part of the SANS Institute, a cooperative research and education organization established in 1989. The GCIH was developed to address the growing need for professionals who could effectively detect, respond to, and resolve computer security incidents. It was designed to validate practitioners' abilities to manage security incidents by understanding common attack techniques, vectors, and tools, as well as defend against and respond to such attacks when they occur.

Industry Value

The GCIH certification is highly valued in the cybersecurity industry because it demonstrates practical, hands-on knowledge of incident handling and response—critical skills as organizations face increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. Employers recognize GCIH holders as professionals capable of managing security incidents from detection through resolution, making them essential members of security operations centers (SOCs) and incident response teams. The certification is often required or preferred for positions in incident response, security analysis, and defensive security roles, and it meets Department of Defense (DoD) 8570 requirements for information assurance positions, further enhancing its recognition and value in both government and private sector organizations.

GCFA Certification Overview

Origin

The GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA) certification was created by the Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC), which is part of the SANS Institute. GIAC was established in 1999 to validate information security professionals' knowledge and skills through practical, hands-on certification exams. The GCFA was developed to address the growing need for qualified digital forensics professionals who could conduct in-depth investigations of computer intrusions and handle complex incident response scenarios in enterprise environments.

Industry Value

The GCFA is highly valued in cybersecurity because it demonstrates advanced competency in forensic analysis and incident response, skills that are critical during security breaches and cyber investigations. The certification validates a professional's ability to conduct formal incident investigations, track evidence through complex networks, and perform advanced analysis on Windows and Linux systems. Employers in government agencies, financial institutions, and large corporations recognize GCFA holders as qualified to lead forensic investigations, making it particularly valuable for incident responders, SOC analysts, and forensic examiners seeking career advancement or specialized roles in digital forensics.

The GPEN Certification: Origin

The GPEN (GIAC Penetration Tester) certification was created by the Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC), an organization founded in 1999 as part of the SANS (SysAdmin, Audit, Network, and Security) Institute. GIAC developed the GPEN to validate the technical skills of cybersecurity professionals who perform penetration testing and ethical hacking. The certification was designed to ensure that practitioners possess both the theoretical knowledge and hands-on abilities needed to conduct proper security assessments and identify vulnerabilities in networks and systems.

Industry Value and Importance

The GPEN certification is highly valued in the cybersecurity industry because it demonstrates practical, real-world penetration testing skills rather than just theoretical knowledge. Employers recognize GPEN-certified professionals as capable of conducting thorough security assessments, understanding attack vectors, and properly documenting findings. The certification meets DoD 8570/8140 requirements for certain Information Assurance positions, making it particularly valuable for government contractors and federal positions. Its focus on hands-on methodology and current attack techniques makes GPEN holders sought after for offensive security roles, penetration testing teams, and security consulting positions.

CISSP Certification Overview

Origin

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) was created by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium, commonly known as (ISC)², in 1994. The certification was developed in response to the growing need for a standardized, vendor-neutral credential that could validate the expertise of information security professionals. (ISC)² designed the CISSP to establish a common body of knowledge for the cybersecurity field and provide a benchmark for measuring professional competence in information security.

Industry Value

The CISSP is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious and recognized certifications in cybersecurity, often required or preferred for senior-level security positions. Its value stems from its comprehensive coverage of eight security domains, including security operations, asset security, and security architecture, which demonstrates a candidate's broad expertise across the entire security landscape. The certification is accredited to ISO/IEC Standard 17024 and meets U.S. Department of Defense Directive 8570 requirements, making it particularly valuable for government contractors and enterprise organizations. Employers value CISSP-certified professionals because the rigorous examination process and experience requirements (minimum five years) ensure holders possess both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in managing and implementing security programs.

CISM Certification: Origin

The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification was created by ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association) in 2003. ISACA developed CISM to address the growing need for a certification specifically focused on information security management and governance, rather than just technical security skills. The certification was designed to recognize professionals who design, manage, and oversee an enterprise's information security program, filling a gap between technical security certifications and the strategic, managerial aspects of cybersecurity.

Industry Value and Importance

CISM is highly valued in the cybersecurity industry because it demonstrates expertise in security risk management, governance, incident management, and program development from a management perspective. Many organizations, particularly large enterprises and government agencies, specifically seek CISM-certified professionals for leadership roles in information security. The certification is globally recognized and often commands higher salaries compared to non-certified peers. Its focus on aligning security practices with business objectives makes it particularly relevant for professionals aspiring to senior security management positions, including Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) roles.

CCNA Cybersecurity/IT Certification

Origin

The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification was created by Cisco Systems in 1998 as an entry to intermediate-level credential for IT professionals. Cisco developed the certification program to validate the skills needed to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot small to medium-sized networks using Cisco equipment. The certification was designed to address the growing demand for qualified networking professionals who could work with increasingly complex network infrastructures and to establish a standardized measure of networking competency.

Industry Value

The CCNA certification is highly valued in the IT industry because it demonstrates foundational knowledge of networking concepts that are essential across virtually all IT roles, from network administration to cybersecurity. Employers recognize CCNA-certified professionals as having verified skills in network fundamentals, IP connectivity, security fundamentals, and automation—competencies that are critical in today's interconnected business environments. The certification often serves as a prerequisite for more advanced Cisco certifications and can lead to better job opportunities, higher salaries, and career advancement, with many organizations specifically requesting or requiring CCNA certification for networking and security positions.