List of Top Cyber Security Certifications in 2025

In 2025, the need for certified cyber security professionals is more critical than ever due to a 60% rise in cyberattacks. Getting a reputable cyber security certification can greatly increase your earning potential. For example, CISSP or CISM certifications can get you a salary boost of up to 20%, with an average salary of  $120,000 a year.

In this article, we have provided the highest-paying cyber security certifications list. It contains the 10 best cyber security certifications that any individual should pursue if working in cyber security, network security, or information security.

Furthermore, if you are interested in taking online training for a cybersecurity certification, our Cyber security courses can help you prepare for the exams.

What are Cyber Security Certifications?

Cybersecurity certifications are professional credentials that validate an individual's knowledge, skills, and expertise in protecting systems, networks, and data from cyber threats.

These certifications are pursued by IT professionals to advance their careers, specialize in specific areas of cyber security, and meet industry or employer requirements.

Cyber security certifications are a great tool that helps professionals demonstrate their capabilities to employers, stay updated with evolving threats, and often lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries.

List of Top 10 Cyber Security Certifications in 2025

Here are the 10 best Cyber Security certifications for beginners to experienced professionals:

1. CompTIA Security+

2. Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate

3. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

4. Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate

5. (ISC)² Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)

6. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

7. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

8. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

9. Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

10. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

Let's look at each certification individually to find how it can help you in your career.

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Best Cyber Security Certifications For Freshers

If you are someone who is just starting a career in cybersecurity, you should try to get any of the following certifications:

1. CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ is a globally recognized entry-level certification in cybersecurity. It focuses on the core principles of securing networks, managing risks, and responding to threats. It is vendor-neutral, meaning it applies to a wide range of technologies and job roles. This certification is often the first step for anyone starting a career in cybersecurity.

Who It's For

This certification is ideal for beginners in IT or professionals looking to move into cybersecurity. It suits individuals who want to build a strong foundation in security concepts and practices.

Skills Covered

It covers topics like network security, threat detection, risk management, access control, cryptography, and incident response.

Job Roles and Salaries

Common job roles include:

● Security Analyst

● Systems Administrator

● Network Administrator

● IT Support Specialist

Salaries vary by region and experience. In India, certified professionals typically earn between ₹5–12 LPA. In the U.S., salaries range from $60,000 to $90,000 annually.

Certification Cost

Exam fee: $392 USD (approx. ₹32,000–₹35,000 INR)

Requirements

There are no mandatory prerequisites. However, it is recommended to have:

●  Basic IT knowledge

●  CompTIA Network+ certification (optional)

●  1–2 years of experience in IT with a focus on security

Where to Apply

You can register for the exam through the following official platforms:

●  https://www.comptia.org/en-us/certifications/security

●  https://www.pearsonvue.com/us/en/comptia.html

2. Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate

The Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate certification validates foundational knowledge in cybersecurity operations. It focuses on security principles, monitoring, host-based analysis, network intrusion analysis, and security policies and procedures. This certification is designed to prepare individuals for roles in Security Operations Centers (SOCs) and is aligned with current industry practices.

Who It's For

This certification is ideal for individuals starting a career in cybersecurity, especially those interested in working in SOC environments. It suits students, entry-level professionals, and career switchers looking to build a strong foundation in cyber operations.

Skills Covered

Topics include security monitoring, incident response, network and host-based analysis, and an understanding of common security tools and protocols.

Job Roles and Salaries

Common job roles include:

● Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst

● Cybersecurity Analyst

●  Threat Intelligence Analyst

Salaries vary by region and experience. In India, entry-level roles typically offer ₹4–8 LPA. In the U.S., salaries range from $55,000 to $85,000 annually.

Certification Cost

Exam fee: $300 USD (approx. ₹25,000–₹28,000 INR)

Requirements

There are no formal prerequisites. However, basic knowledge of networking and security concepts is recommended. Familiarity with Cisco’s networking fundamentals can be helpful.

Where to Apply

You can register for the exam through the following platforms:

● https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/training-events/training-certifications/certifications/associate/cyberops-associate.html

● https://home.pearsonvue.com/cisco

3. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

This certification is suitable for cybersecurity professionals who want to specialize in ethical hacking. It is ideal for individuals working in security roles or aiming to become penetration testers or vulnerability analysts.

Skills Covered

CEH covers areas such as footprinting, scanning networks, system hacking, malware threats, sniffing, social engineering, denial-of-service attacks, and web application security.

Job Roles and Salaries

Typical job roles include:

● Ethical Hacker

● Penetration Tester

● Security Analyst

● Vulnerability Assessment Specialist

Salaries vary by region and experience. In India, professionals typically earn ₹6–15 LPA. In the U.S., salaries range from $70,000 to $120,000 annually.

Certification Cost

Exam fee is $950 USD (approx. ₹80,000–₹85,000 INR)

Requirements

To take the CEH exam, candidates must either:

● Attend official EC-Council training (no experience required), or

● Have at least 2 years of work experience in information security and submit an eligibility application.

Where to Apply

You can register and apply through the following platforms:

● https://www.eccouncil.org/programs/certified-ethical-hacker-ceh/

● https://store.eccouncil.org/

4. Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate

This certification validates your ability to implement security controls, manage identity and access, protect data, and maintain security posture across Microsoft Azure environments. It focuses on securing cloud resources using tools like Microsoft Defender for Cloud, Azure Key Vault, Azure Active Directory, and Sentinel. It is designed for professionals working in hybrid and multi-cloud environments.

Who It's For

Ideal for IT professionals who specialize in cloud security and want to demonstrate expertise in securing Azure infrastructure. It suits those working with architects, developers, and administrators to meet security and compliance requirements.

Skills Covered

● Secure identity and access

● Secure networking

● Secure compute, storage, and databases

● Use Microsoft Defender for Cloud and Microsoft Sentinel

● Implement regulatory compliance controls

Job Roles and Salaries

Typical roles include:

●  Azure Security Engineer

●  Cloud Security Engineer

●  Cybersecurity Analyst

●  IT Security Specialist

Salaries vary by region and experience. In India, professionals typically earn ₹8–20 LPA. In the U.S., salaries range from $80,000 to $130,000 annually.

Certification Cost

Exam fee: $165 USD (approx. ₹13,000–₹14,000 INR)

Requirements

There are no mandatory prerequisites, but it is recommended to have:

●  Experience with Microsoft Azure administration

●  Familiarity with Microsoft Entra ID, networking, and storage

Where to Apply

You can register and apply through:

●  https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/azure-security-engineer/

5. (ISC)² Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)

The SSCP certification, offered by (ISC)², is a globally recognized credential for IT professionals who manage and secure IT infrastructure. It validates hands-on technical skills in implementing, monitoring, and administering systems using cybersecurity best practices. The certification is aligned with ISO/IEC Standard 17024 and approved by the U.S. Department of Defense under directive 8140.03.

Who It's For

SSCP is ideal for IT administrators, systems engineers, security analysts, and network security professionals responsible for operational security. It’s also suitable for those transitioning into cybersecurity or preparing for advanced certifications like CISSP.

Skills Covered

The SSCP exam tests knowledge across seven domains:

● Security Concepts and Practices

● Access Controls

● Risk Identification, Monitoring, and Analysis

● Incident Response and Recovery

● Cryptography

● Network and Communications Security

Job Roles and Salaries

Common roles for SSCP-certified professionals include:

● Systems Administrator

● Security Analyst

● Network Security Engineer

● Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO)

● Security Consultant

Salaries vary by region and experience. In India, professionals typically earn ₹6–14 LPA. In the U.S., salaries range from $70,000 to $110,000 annually.

Certification Cost

Exam fee: $249 USD (approx. ₹21,000–₹23,000 INR)

Requirements

● Minimum of 1 year cumulative paid work experience in one or more of the SSCP domains.

● A one-year experience waiver is available for candidates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in cybersecurity.

● Candidates without the required experience can become an Associate of (ISC)² after passing the exam and have up to two years to gain the necessary experience.

Where to Apply

You can register and apply through:

● https://www.isc2.org/certifications/sscp

● https://home.pearsonvue.com/isc2

Cybersecurity Certification For Experienced

Suppose you are someone already working in the field of cybersecurity and want to advance your career with advanced cybersecurity certifications. In that case, you should try to get any one of the following certifications.

1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) is a globally recognized certification offered by (ISC)². It validates your ability to design, implement, and manage a robust cybersecurity program. CISSP is considered a gold standard in the field and is ideal for professionals aiming for leadership roles in information security.

Who It's For

CISSP is designed for experienced security practitioners, managers, and executives. It suits professionals who want to demonstrate their deep understanding of cybersecurity principles and move into strategic or leadership roles.

Skills Covered

The CISSP certification spans eight domains:

● 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

Job Roles and Salaries

Common job roles for CISSP-certified professionals include:

● Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

● Security Architect

● Cybersecurity Consultant

● Information Security Manager

● Security Analyst

● IT Auditor

● Network Architect

Salaries vary widely based on experience and location. In India, CISSP holders typically earn between ₹20–40 LPA, while in the U.S., salaries range from $115,000 to $160,000 annually.

Certification Cost

● Exam Fee: $749 USD (approx. ₹62,000–₹67,000 INR depending on taxes and location)2

● Annual Maintenance Fee: $135 USD

Requirements

To earn the CISSP certification, you must have:

● 5 years of cumulative, full-time work experience in at least two of the eight CISSP domains

● 1 year of experience can be waived with a relevant degree or approved certification (e.g., Security+, CISA).

Where to Apply

You can register for the CISSP exam through:

● https://www.isc2.org/certifications/cissp

● https://home.pearsonvue.com/isc2

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2. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

CISA is a globally recognized certification offered by ISACA. It validates your expertise in auditing, controlling, and assuring information systems. CISA is ideal for professionals seeking to advance in IT audit, risk management, and cybersecurity governance.

Who It's For

CISA is ideal for IT auditors, compliance analysts, risk management professionals, and information security consultants responsible for assessing and ensuring the integrity of information systems. It’s also suitable for those transitioning into audit and governance roles or preparing for advanced certifications like CISM.

Skills validated

● Information System Auditing Process

● Governance and Management of IT

● Information Systems Acquisition, Development, and Implementation

● Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience

● Protection of Information Assets

Job Roles and Salaries

Common roles for CISA-certified professionals include:

● IT Auditor

● Information Security Auditor

● Risk Analyst

● Compliance Analyst

● Audit Manager

● Internal Auditor

● Cybersecurity Consultant

Salary Range:

Salaries vary widely based on experience and location. In India, CISA holders typically earn between ₹12–30 LPA, while in the U.S., salaries range from $85,000 to $130,000 annually.

Certification Cost

● Exam Fee: $575 USD (ISACA members), $760 USD (non-members)

● Annual Maintenance Fee: $45 USD (members), $85 USD (non-members)

Requirements

To earn the CISA certification, you must:

● Pass the CISA exam

● Have 5 years of professional experience in information systems auditing, control, or security

● Up to 3 years of experience can be substituted with certain education or credentials (e.g., university degree, other certifications)

Where to Apply

You can register for the CISA exam through https://www.isaca.org/credentialing/cisa

3. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

CISM is a globally respected certification offered by ISACA, focused on the management side of information security. It validates your ability to design and manage an enterprise-level security program, making it ideal for professionals aiming for leadership roles in cybersecurity governance and risk management.

Who It's For

CISM is ideal for information security managers, IT consultants, and risk and compliance professionals responsible for developing and managing enterprise security programs. It’s also suitable for those moving into strategic leadership roles or preparing for executive-level certifications like CISSP.

Skills validated

● Information Security Governance

● Information Risk Management

● Information Security Program Development and Management

● Information Security Incident Management

Job Roles and Salaries

Common roles for CISM-certified professionals include:

● Information Security Manager

● IT Risk Manager

● Security Consultant

● Cybersecurity Program Manager

● Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Analyst

● Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Salary Range:

Salaries vary widely based on experience and location. In India, CISM holders typically earn between ₹18–35 LPA, while in the U.S., salaries range from $110,000 to $150,000 annually.

Certification Cost

● Exam Fee: $575 USD (ISACA members), $760 USD (non-members)

● Annual Maintenance Fee: $45 USD (members), $85 USD (non-members)

● Renewal Requirement: 20 CPE hours annually, 120 CPE hours over 3 years

Requirements

To earn the CISM certification, you must:

● Pass the CISM exam

● Have 5 years of work experience in information security management

● Up to 2 years of experience can be substituted with certain education or credentials (e.g., university degree, other certifications)

Where to Apply

You can register for the CISM exam through https://www.isaca.org/credentialing/cism

4. Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

OSCP is a hands-on ethical hacking certification offered by Offensive Security (OffSec). It validates your ability to identify vulnerabilities, exploit systems, and conduct real-world penetration testing using Kali Linux tools and methodologies. OSCP is widely respected for its practical rigor and is ideal for professionals aiming to prove their offensive security skills.

Who It's For

OSCP is ideal for penetration testers, ethical hackers, red teamers, and security analysts responsible for offensive security operations. It’s also suitable for those transitioning from system administration or network engineering into hands-on cybersecurity roles.

Skills Validated

The OSCP certification is based on the PEN-200 course and covers:

● Introduction to Penetration Testing

● Information Gathering (Active & Passive)

● Vulnerability Scanning

● Buffer Overflow Attacks

● Windows & Linux Exploitation

● Password Cracking

● Port Redirection & Tunneling

● Privilege Escalation

● Client-Side Attacks (e.g., Social Engineering)

● Web Application Attacks (SQLi, XSS, LFI, RFI)

● Pivoting & VPN Penetration

● Bypassing Antivirus & Firewalls

● Post-Exploitation Techniques

● Writing Professional Penetration Testing Reports

Job Roles and Salaries

Common roles for OSCP-certified professionals include

● Penetration Tester

● Ethical Hacker

● Red Team Specialist

● Cybersecurity Consultant

● Security Engineer

● Information Security Analyst

Salary Range:

Salaries vary widely based on experience and location. In India, OSCP holders typically earn between ₹10–25 LPA, while in the U.S., salaries range from $90,000 to $130,000 annually.

Certification Cost

OSCP+ Standalone Exam: $1,699 USD (includes 2 exam attempts, no course materials)

Requirements

To earn the OSCP certification, you must:

● Complete the PEN-200 course

● Pass a 24-hour proctored exam involving real-world penetration testing scenarios

● Have foundational knowledge of TCP/IP, Linux & Windows administration, Python/Bash scripting

Where to Apply

You can register for the OSCP exam through https://www.offsec.com/courses/pen-200/

5. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

CCSP is a globally recognized certification offered by (ISC)², designed for professionals who want to validate their expertise in securing cloud environments. It demonstrates advanced technical skills in cloud architecture, data security, and compliance, making it ideal for those aiming to lead cloud security initiatives.

Who It's For

CCSP is ideal for cloud security engineers, IT architects, DevSecOps professionals, and compliance officers responsible for securing cloud environments. It’s also suitable for those moving into cloud governance roles or preparing for advanced certifications like CISSP.

Skills Covered

CCSP spans six domains from the (ISC)² Common Body of Knowledge (CBK):

● Cloud Concepts, Architecture, and Design

● Cloud Data Security

● Cloud Platform & Infrastructure Security

● Cloud Application Security

● Cloud Security Operations

● Legal, Risk and Compliance

Job Roles and Salaries

Common roles for CCSP-certified professionals include:

● Cloud Security Engineer

● Cloud Architect

● Security Consultant

● Information Security Manager

● Compliance Specialist

● Cloud Administrator

Salary Range:

Salaries vary widely based on experience and location. In India, CCSP holders typically earn between ₹18–35 LPA, while in the U.S., salaries range from $120,000 to $150,000 annually.

Certification Cost

● Exam Fee: $599 USD 2

● Annual Maintenance Fee: $135 USD

Requirements

To earn the CCSP certification, you must:

● Have 5 years of cumulative paid work experience in IT

● At least 3 years in information security

● 1 year in one or more of the six CCSP domains

● Earning the CCSK (Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge) can substitute for 1 year of domain experience

● If you pass the exam but lack experience, you can become an Associate of (ISC)² until you meet the requirements

Where to Apply

You can register for the CCSP exam through:

● https://www.isc2.org/Certifications/CCSP

● https://home.pearsonvue.com/isc2

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Summing Up

In 2025, several cybersecurity certifications stand out for their value and recognition in the industry. Key certifications include CompTIA Security+, CISSP, CISM, and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).

These credentials not only enhance your knowledge but also significantly boost your earning potential. For instance, certified professionals can earn up to 20% more than their non-certified peers.

As the demand for cybersecurity experts continues to rise, obtaining these certifications is a strategic move for advancing your career in this critical field.