9 answers
Matthew
Student
Gastonia, North Carolina
1
Question
Asked
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What are the best certifications to get for LinkedIn as a Computer Science major considering Cyber Security?
I'm a second-year Computer Science major and am curious about the best (and cheapest) certifications to go after to have experience for LinkedIn.
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9 answers
IBM Employee Impact
59
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
IBM’s Answer
I am not familiar with Linkedin certificate. I know students a[ appreciate IBM Skillsbuild.org digital credentials on AI, Data Science, C;oud, Cyber security and Design Thinking.
Jackie Williams
Distinguised Engineer
1
Answer
Jeffersonville, Indiana
Updated
Jackie’s Answer
I think you should definitely consider the "ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity Entry-Level Certification". It is an entry level certification for people who want to pursue careers in Cybersecurity. The best part is that the exam and the associated training are free! You can learn more at https://www.isc2.org/certifications/cc.
Nicole Cato
Security Partnership Manager
6
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
Hello Matthew,
There exists a selection of certifications that could prove beneficial for you.
Firstly, CompTIA is a well-regarded certification that could boost your credentials.
Secondly, Network+ is another worthwhile certification that could enhance your professional standing.
Lastly, CISSP is a highly esteemed certification, though it tends to be quite costly and usually necessitates sponsorship from someone who already holds this certification.
Moreover, there are numerous platforms offering free courses such as MIT, Stanford, Google, and Coursera. These platforms are incredibly useful for acquiring new skills and earning legitimate certifications that are recognized and valued by employers.
There exists a selection of certifications that could prove beneficial for you.
Firstly, CompTIA is a well-regarded certification that could boost your credentials.
Secondly, Network+ is another worthwhile certification that could enhance your professional standing.
Lastly, CISSP is a highly esteemed certification, though it tends to be quite costly and usually necessitates sponsorship from someone who already holds this certification.
Moreover, there are numerous platforms offering free courses such as MIT, Stanford, Google, and Coursera. These platforms are incredibly useful for acquiring new skills and earning legitimate certifications that are recognized and valued by employers.
Oleg Slobodianiuk
software engineer
2
Answers
Budva, Budva Municipality, Montenegro
Updated
Oleg’s Answer
Start with something basic and accessible, like CompTIA Security+. It provides a good general understanding of cybersecurity and will help you gain your first qualification in this field. Moreover, you can pass this certification even if you don’t have much work experience, as the knowledge from textbooks and courses might be sufficient for preparation. The exam costs around $370, which can be a bit expensive for a student. However, you can look for discounts or vouchers that are often available.
After that, if you feel that you want to delve deeper into a specific area (such as ethical hacking, threat analysis, or cloud security), you can choose something more specialized, like CEH or Azure Security Engineer Associate. If you are on a limited budget, be sure to look for student discounts or free courses and webinars. It’s also beneficial to participate in cybersecurity communities, online forums, meetups, and hackathons — this will give you more practical experience and knowledge.
In the end, it’s important not only to obtain certifications but also to truly understand and be able to apply what you learn. After all, certifications are just the beginning, and real knowledge and skills come with experience and practice.
I hope this helps you make the right choice!
After that, if you feel that you want to delve deeper into a specific area (such as ethical hacking, threat analysis, or cloud security), you can choose something more specialized, like CEH or Azure Security Engineer Associate. If you are on a limited budget, be sure to look for student discounts or free courses and webinars. It’s also beneficial to participate in cybersecurity communities, online forums, meetups, and hackathons — this will give you more practical experience and knowledge.
In the end, it’s important not only to obtain certifications but also to truly understand and be able to apply what you learn. After all, certifications are just the beginning, and real knowledge and skills come with experience and practice.
I hope this helps you make the right choice!
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Matthew
Betsy Walters
Technical Writer
25
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Betsy’s Answer
Hi Matthew! There's a whole world of websites out there offering courses and certifications in cybersecurity. Have you checked if your college offers any? If not, no worries! LinkedIn, Udemy, and Coursera are all great places to start. You could even try typing "online learning sites" into your search bar to find the right course for you. I believe there's also Kahn Academy. Some of these sites might even offer free basic courses. With a computer science degree, your career possibilities are endless, so you're on the right track! And don't forget about Python, it's a must-have. Plus, some online courses might even count towards your college credit. Coursera, for instance, offers a lot of these. So, you've got a lot of options.
But I want to add that the CompTIA Security IT certification is a good place to start. As stated before, it is basic and foundational. I'm actually working on that certificate myself on Coursera.
Best of luck!
But I want to add that the CompTIA Security IT certification is a good place to start. As stated before, it is basic and foundational. I'm actually working on that certificate myself on Coursera.
Best of luck!
Your advice was so helpful!
Matthew
David Hayes
Computer Security
5
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
David’s Answer
To work in computer security, you must understand both aspects: computers and security.
Business computing today is usually uses Windows as the user's endpoint. Consumer computing uses mobile phones and their browsers as the user's front end. In both cases, though, the back end powering the application is most often run on Linux. Networking is dominated by Linux and its derivatives.
It's really helpful to understand how computers work and how they are administered. Learn a little bit about programming. The mistakes you make are helpful. Program bugs are frustrating for programmers, but they're opportunities for the Bad Guys. Attackers look for program bugs that can cause unwanted results as chances to "break out" of a program's intended purpose and take control of the machinery behind the scenes. If you haven't every programmed at all, Python is a popular language right now. There are free implementations for Windows, Mac and Linux, and many free online courses. If you know some other programming language, great. The *concepts* of programming are pretty much universal and that's really what you need to understand.
For learning about computer administration, get a Linux system. It's the most widely used back-end system, so it's what the defenders most often have to defend. Linux also lets you get as deep into the administration of the system as you wish. Don't be afraid of the command line tools. Before there was point-and-click graphical interfaces, there was command line text, and it's still there under the covers.
Others here have already suggested CompTIA's Network+ and the Security+ certifications. I agree, those are great first certifications to get. They're relatively cheap, as certifications go, and they don't assume you have a huge amount of experience.
Other certificates are much higher level, but don't completely ignore them. Those will be your stepping stones later on. Even better, check out the organizations (SANS.org, ISC2.org, ISACA.org) that sponsor those certificates. They usually have outreach programs for students, and there are free training opportunities.
Finally, use AI. Go to ChatGPT.OpenAI.com or Claude.site and ask for their advice. You'll get a middle-of-the-road response representing the consensus of people who have written about your question. Before asking the main question, ask the AI to what would help it give better answers. "I'm a student trying to enter the cybersecurity field. You will advise me about how to get started. Suggest 6 questions that will help you give me more refined advice." Then answer the questions the AI presents, and continue the conversation.
Learn a programming language such as Python.
Explore certification organizations like SANS.org, ISC2.org, and ISACA.org. See what free training they have.
Find a local chapter of a certification organization and reach out. They LOVE to have new members, particularly students. Usually free, or very cheap.
Business computing today is usually uses Windows as the user's endpoint. Consumer computing uses mobile phones and their browsers as the user's front end. In both cases, though, the back end powering the application is most often run on Linux. Networking is dominated by Linux and its derivatives.
It's really helpful to understand how computers work and how they are administered. Learn a little bit about programming. The mistakes you make are helpful. Program bugs are frustrating for programmers, but they're opportunities for the Bad Guys. Attackers look for program bugs that can cause unwanted results as chances to "break out" of a program's intended purpose and take control of the machinery behind the scenes. If you haven't every programmed at all, Python is a popular language right now. There are free implementations for Windows, Mac and Linux, and many free online courses. If you know some other programming language, great. The *concepts* of programming are pretty much universal and that's really what you need to understand.
For learning about computer administration, get a Linux system. It's the most widely used back-end system, so it's what the defenders most often have to defend. Linux also lets you get as deep into the administration of the system as you wish. Don't be afraid of the command line tools. Before there was point-and-click graphical interfaces, there was command line text, and it's still there under the covers.
Others here have already suggested CompTIA's Network+ and the Security+ certifications. I agree, those are great first certifications to get. They're relatively cheap, as certifications go, and they don't assume you have a huge amount of experience.
Other certificates are much higher level, but don't completely ignore them. Those will be your stepping stones later on. Even better, check out the organizations (SANS.org, ISC2.org, ISACA.org) that sponsor those certificates. They usually have outreach programs for students, and there are free training opportunities.
Finally, use AI. Go to ChatGPT.OpenAI.com or Claude.site and ask for their advice. You'll get a middle-of-the-road response representing the consensus of people who have written about your question. Before asking the main question, ask the AI to what would help it give better answers. "I'm a student trying to enter the cybersecurity field. You will advise me about how to get started. Suggest 6 questions that will help you give me more refined advice." Then answer the questions the AI presents, and continue the conversation.
David recommends the following next steps:
Biplab Panda
Engagement Director
70
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Biplab’s Answer
Think about obtaining certifications like Security+, CySA+, and for those seeking advanced knowledge, consider GIAC, specifically GSOC or GCIH.
Brad Goettemoeller
Solutions Architect
4
Answers
Bend, Oregon
Updated
Brad’s Answer
Most software vendors have specific certs and those may or may not be relevant to your career path. For instance, Okta has multiple certs but if you're not working on Okta software, then that may not be relevant to you. So use your judgement for what your responsibilities are and where you want to go in your career.
Teklemuz Tesfay
Reseacher and Software Developer
12
Answers
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz’s Answer
First, Consider your career goals and interests when choosing which certification to pursue and be skilled.
For a Computer Science major in Cyber Security, the relevant certifications that can enhance your LinkedIn profile are CompTIA Security, certified Ethical Hacker, Certified Information Systems Security Professional, Certified Information Systems Auditor, CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst, etc. check out the following sources:
CompTIA Security+: Visit this website to get free study resources and sample questions.
Cybrary: Offers free courses & resources for cybersecurity certifications.
Open Library: contains free e-books and resources related to cybersecurity.
Youtube Channel: Professor Messer: Known for Security+ certification.
TechExams Community: A forum to obtain study guides and practice sample exams.
Coursera: visit coursera.org: Coursera provides introduction to cybersecurity that are related to cybersecurity certification. Apply for financial aid before enrolling. Then, you will be approved to access Coursera courses with its certificate.
So, learn online for free, then practice questions and do projects. After that you will be proficient in cybersecurity.
For a Computer Science major in Cyber Security, the relevant certifications that can enhance your LinkedIn profile are CompTIA Security, certified Ethical Hacker, Certified Information Systems Security Professional, Certified Information Systems Auditor, CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst, etc. check out the following sources:
CompTIA Security+: Visit this website to get free study resources and sample questions.
Cybrary: Offers free courses & resources for cybersecurity certifications.
Open Library: contains free e-books and resources related to cybersecurity.
Youtube Channel: Professor Messer: Known for Security+ certification.
TechExams Community: A forum to obtain study guides and practice sample exams.
Coursera: visit coursera.org: Coursera provides introduction to cybersecurity that are related to cybersecurity certification. Apply for financial aid before enrolling. Then, you will be approved to access Coursera courses with its certificate.
So, learn online for free, then practice questions and do projects. After that you will be proficient in cybersecurity.