The Ultimate Guide- Information Security Courses: All You Need to Know
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
Are you looking to enter the Information Security industry? Finding the right Information Security courses online can take time and effort. This is why we’re here to present you with the list of top 10 information security courses for beginners as well as advanced security professionals.
Information security is indeed a large industry and is growing exponentially across the globe. According to Statista, the information security industry is projected to grow to 175 billion by the year 2024.
This blog is a perfect piece of information for individuals who wish to enter the Information Security industry. Everything from top information security courses online to the best information security training sources has been mentioned in this blog.
Make sure that you read it till the end to grasp all the important points before pursuing the information security courses training!
What is Information Security? How does it differ from Cybersecurity?
It is mostly confusing for a lot of people to differentiate between Information Security and Cybersecurity. Although there is a difference between the two, both of them are quite similar.
You can consider this to understand Information Security easily. Information Security is a big umbrella that covers different IT security domains and cybersecurity is one of such domains.
While the major goal of the Infosec industry is to safeguard the information available online from unauthorized use, the main goal of cybersecurity professionals is to protect computer systems holding confidential data from getting hacked. This is more of a preventative measure taken to safeguard websites and computer systems/communication channels holding critical information.
After all, cybersecurity is a subset of the Information Security domain.
Benefits of Taking Information Security Courses in India
There are several benefits to pursuing information security certification courses. Here are a few key advantages:
Career Growth and Opportunities
With the increasing demand for cybersecurity professionals, obtaining a certification or completing a course in information security can significantly enhance your career prospects. It can open doors to job opportunities in various sectors, including finance, healthcare, government, and technology.
Stay Ahead of Cyber Threats
Information security courses provide you with the knowledge and skills required to identify and mitigate cyber threats effectively. As technology continues to evolve, staying up-to-date with the latest security practices is crucial to safeguarding sensitive data and preventing potential breaches.
Enhance Technical Skills
These courses offer hands-on training and practical experience in various cybersecurity tools and techniques. By gaining these technical skills, you can become proficient in areas such as penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, network security monitoring, and more.
Build a Strong Professional Network
Information security courses often provide opportunities to connect with industry experts and like-minded professionals. Building a strong professional network can help you stay updated on industry trends, share knowledge, and explore career opportunities.
Top 10 Information Security Certifications
The Information Security domain is one of the highest-paying industries. It is because of the exponential rise of cyberattacks that the need for such professionals is more than ever.
According to the (ISC)2 Cybersecurity Workforce report of 2022, there is more than 3 million workforce demand in the cybersecurity industry alone! This fact backs up the need for Information Security professionals.
To make it easy for you to choose, we have divided the list of Information Security courses into two sections:
Information Security courses for beginners
Information Security courses for intermediate/advanced professionals
The following is the list of information security certifications:
Online Information Security Courses for Beginners
The approach of online learning platforms has revolutionized the way we acquire new skills and knowledge. Online information security courses offer flexibility, convenience, and access to a wealth of resources.
Here, are the following courses represent the list of entry-level information security courses for freshers:
CompTIA Security+:
If you want to pursue a career in the Information Security industry but you don’t know where to start? Begin with CompTIA Security+ certification as it is beginner-friendly and one of the best entry-level information security certifications.
The following topics are covered in this course:
General security concepts
Security operations
Threats, vulnerabilities and mitigations
Security program management and oversight
Security architecture
The exam details are as follows:
Exam name: SY0-701
Exam cost: $392 USD
Exam length: 90 mins
Passing score: 750/900
Types of questions: multiple-choice and performance-based
Total questions: 90
You can land the following jobs after completing this course:
Security Architect
Cybersecurity Specialist
Tier II IT Support Technician
Cybersecurity Analyst
IT Support Manager
Average salary: Rs. 24.5 LPA
CompTIA PenTest+:
If you’re interested in building a solid career in penetration testing, the CompTIA PenTest+ is a great certification to start with. Along with it, you’ll also learn about identifying vulnerabilities, exploits and attacks, pen testing tools and much more.
The following topics are covered in this course:
Planning and scoping
Reporting and communication
Information gathering and vulnerability scanning
Tools and code analysis
Attacks and exploits
The exam details are as follows:
Exam name: PT0-002
Exam cost: $392 USD
Exam length: 165 mins
Passing score: 750/900
Types of questions: multiple-choice and performance-based
Total questions: 85
You can land the following jobs after completing this course:
Vulnerability Analyst
Security Consultant
Cloud Penetration Tester
Network Security Specialist
Cloud Security Specialist
Web App Penetration Tester
Network Security Operations
Threat Intelligence Analyst
Penetration Tester
Average salary: Rs. 5.2 LPA
CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CompTIA CySA+):
CompTIA CySA+ is a beginner-friendly cybersecurity certification that can introduce you to the daily tasks of a cybersecurity analyst which include detecting incidents, prevention and response via security monitoring.
The following topics are covered in this course:
Security operations
Vulnerability management
Incident response and management
Reporting and communication
The exam details are as follows:
Exam name: CS0-003
Exam cost: $392 USD
Exam length: 165 mins
Passing score: 750/900
Types of questions: multiple-choice and performance-based
Total questions: 85
You can land the following jobs after completing this course:
Security Architect
Cybersecurity Engineer
Cybersecurity Analyst
Vulnerability Analyst
Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
Application Security Analyst
Threat Hunter
Threat Intelligence Analyst
Average salary: Rs. 6 LPA
Cisco CyberOps Associate certification:
If you want to pick up on the core skills required in the Security Operations Center (SOC) teams, the CyberOps course is for you. You will learn to build, automate, design, monitor and respond to the solutions created to identify security threats. It is one of the best entry-level information security certifications.
The following topics are covered in this course:
Security concepts
Security monitoring
Host-based analysis
Network intrusion analysis
Security policies and procedures
The exam details are as follows:
Exam name: 200-201 CBROPS
Exam cost: $300 USD
Exam length: 120 mins
Passing score: 750-850/1000
Types of questions: multiple-choice and performance-based
Total questions: 95-105
You can land the following jobs after completing this course:
Security Analyst
Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
Incident Responder
Threat Hunter
Security Administrator
Network Security Technician
Cybersecurity Technician
IT Support Specialist (with a focus on cybersecurity)
Information Security Technician
Compliance Analyst
Average salary: Rs. 5.7 LPA
Online Information Security Courses for Advanced Professionals
Here are some popular online information security courses for intermediate/advanced professionals
CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+):
If you want to further advance your career as an Information Security practitioner, the CASP+ course is for you. This course is for Security Architects and Senior Security Engineers who want to lead in enterprise cybersecurity environments by applying suitable solutions.
The following topics are covered in this course:
Security architecture
Security operations
Governance, risk and compliance
Security engineering and cryptography
The exam details are as follows:
Exam name: CAS-004
Exam cost: $494 USD
Exam length: 165 mins
Passing score: 750/900
Types of questions: multiple-choice and performance-based
Total questions: 90
You can land the following jobs after completing this course:
Security Architect
Cybersecurity Engineer
Cyber Risk Analyst
SOC Manager
Chief Information Security Engineer
Average salary: Rs. 20.88 LPA
Certified Ethical Hacking (CEHv12):
Offered by the EC-Council, the CEHv12 is the world’s leading course to become an ethical hacker. If you want to stand out in analyzing and identifying malicious activities by using tools such as threat intelligence, security information and event management (SIEM) and much more, this Information Security certification is the best for you.
The following topics are covered in this course:
Information Security and Ethical Hacking Overview
Reconnaissance Techniques
System Hacking Phases and Attack Techniques
Network and Perimeter Hacking
Web Application Hacking
Wireless Network Hacking
Mobile Platform, IoT, and OT Hacking
Cloud Computing
Cryptography
The exam details are as follows:
Exam name: ANSI 17024
Exam cost: $494 USD
Exam length: 4 hours
Passing score: at least 60%
Types of questions: multiple-choice
Total questions: 125
You can land the following jobs after completing this course:
Ethical Hacker
Security Analyst
Penetration Tester
Security Consultant
Incident Responder
Security Auditor
Security Engineer
Forensic Analyst
Security Manager
Cybersecurity Trainer/Instructor
Average salary: Rs. 5.14 LPA
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM):
If you want to learn how to develop, manage and look after information security systems in enterprises, this course is for you. This is an intermediate-level course where you learn best security practices for a managerial role. You need to have at least 5 years of experience in information security management to take the CISM exam.
The following topics are covered in this course:
Information security governance
Information security risk management
Information security program
Incident management
The exam details are as follows:
Exam name: CISM
Exam cost: $575 USD (for ISACA members) and $760 (for non-ISACA members)
Exam length: 4 hours
Passing score: 450/800
Types of questions: multiple-choice
Total questions: 150
You can land the following jobs after completing this course:
Information Security Manager
Cybersecurity Consultant
IT Auditor
Risk Manager
Security Architect
Compliance Officer
Security Consultant
Cybersecurity Analyst
Cybersecurity Manager
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
Average salary: Rs. 26 LPA
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP):
Offered by (ISC)2, CISSP is an advanced-level Information Security certification that prepares you for decision-making roles in the industry. You learn to manage, develop and guide security standards, policies and protocols within various organizations seeking security professionals.
The following topics are covered in this course:
Security and Risk Management
Asset Security
Security Architecture and Engineering
Communication and Network Security
Identity and Access Management (IAM)
Security Assessment and Testing
Security Operations
Software Development Security
The exam details are as follows:
Exam name: CISSP
Exam cost: $599 USD
Exam length: 6 hours
Passing score: 700/1000
Types of questions: multiple-choice
Total questions: 250
You can land the following jobs after completing this course:
Security Consultant
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
Information Security Manager
Security Analyst
IT Security Architect
Security Auditor
Network Security Engineer
Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
Risk Manager
Cybersecurity Specialist
Average salary: Rs. 25 LPA
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA):
If you want to build an advanced career in audit control and assurance along with Information Security, the CISA information security training program offered by ISACA is for you. This course will cover domains such as auditing, acquisition, governance and management, development and implementation, asset protection, maintenance and service management, etc.
You must have 5 years of experience working in Information Systems to take the CISA exam.
The following topics are covered in this course:
Information systems auditing process
Governance and management of IT
Information systems acquisition, development and implementation
Information systems operations and business reliance
Protection of information assets
The exam details are as follows:
Exam name: CISA
Exam cost: $575 USD (for ISACA members) and $760 (for non-ISACA members)
Exam length: 4 hours
Passing score: 450/800
Types of questions: multiple-choice
Total questions: 150
You can land the following jobs after completing this course:
IT Auditor
Information Security Manager
Risk Manager
Compliance Officer
Internal Auditor
Cybersecurity Consultant
Security Analyst
Systems Administrator
Technology Risk Manager
Network Security Specialist
Average salary: 26 LPA
Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP):
The Cloud Security worldwide credential is an advanced-level certification. This certification is most likely to be held by IT professionals who are leaders in information security for cloud security architecture, design, and service orchestration.
It takes five years of industry experience, of which three years must be spent in information systems and one year in one of the six CCSP fields.
The following topics are covered in this course:
Cloud Concepts, Architecture and Design
Cloud Data Security
Cloud Platform & Infrastructure Security
Cloud Application Security
Cloud Security Operations
Legal, Risk and Compliance
The exam details are as follows:
Exam name: CCSP
Exam cost: $599 USD
Exam length: 4 hours
Passing score: 700/1000
Types of questions: multiple-choice
Total questions: 125
You can land the following jobs after completing this course:
Cloud Security Architect
Cloud Security Engineer
Cloud Security Manager
Information Security Manager
Cloud Compliance Analyst
Cloud Security Consultant
Cloud Risk Analyst
Cloud Security Administrator
Cloud Incident Responder
Cloud Security Auditor
Average salary: Rs. 23 LPA
Choosing the Best Information Security Course
With numerous information security courses available, choosing the best one can be overwhelming. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a course:
Relevance to Your Goals
Consider your career goals and choose a course that aligns with your objectives. If you aspire to become an ethical hacker, for example, opt for a course that provides in-depth training in penetration testing techniques.
Course Content and Curriculum
Review the course content and curriculum to ensure it covers the topics you want to learn. Look for practical exercises or hands-on labs that provide real-world experience.
Accreditation and Recognitions
Check if the course is accredited by reputable organizations or if it holds any industry recognitions or certifications. This ensures that you are receiving quality education and training.
Instructor Expertise
Research the qualifications and experience of the instructors delivering the course. Experienced instructors can provide valuable insights and real-world examples.
Reviews and Testimonials
Read reviews or testimonials from previous students to gauge their experience with the course. Positive feedback can indicate that the course delivers on its promises.
What is the Information Security certifications roadmap?
Pursuing Information Security certifications is a great way to build a solid career in the security industry. If you want to build a career in information security from scratch, you can follow the following steps to enter the industry. These are:
Gain a graduate degree in Computer Science or related field.
To enter the Information Security industry, enroll for information security certifications for freshers.
After completing the course, apply for internships for hands-on experience.
After that, you can begin creating a resume + project portfolio and start applying for jobs in the industry.
Where can you enroll for the Information Security courses online?
When choosing where to enroll for a sophisticated course like Information Security, it is crucial to look for a platform that provides hands-on training. Network Kings is one such platform where you can learn hands-on that too, directly from top-notch Network Engineers.
The following are the benefits of enrolling at Network Kings:
Get 24/7 access to the world’s biggest virtual labs.
Learn directly from top-notch cybersecurity engineers with over 15 years of industry experience.
Get career counselor support to help you with the pain points.
Get a certificate of completion after the course that you can directly post on LinkedIn.
What are you waiting for? Book your free career guidance call today.
Conclusion
That’s all for the blog! It is a daunting task to break into a sophisticated industry like information Security yet, it is not impossible. With the right set of skills and knowledge, you can become an in-demand Information Security professional.
Whether you’re a fresher or an intermediate-level professional, we have mentioned all the Information Security courses that can help you elevate in your career.
So, why wait? Enroll now in the Information security courses and start your journey towards becoming an information security expert today!