Due to the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats, cybersecurity training courses are crucial in today’s digital age.

 

Completing a cybersecurity certification not only elevates your own skills and makes you more marketable and hireable but also empowers you to keep your digital ecosystem safe and secure.

 

Below, we have rounded up the top 5 most informative cybersecurity courses for 2025.

 

First things first

 

There are hundreds of top cybersecurity courses, but how do you know which is best for you?

 

Although a bachelor’s degree in computer science is common among cybersecurity professionals, often companies prefer candidates with certifications that validate their understanding of best practices.

 

If you are on the job hunt, and looking to obtain that competitive edge it would be best to complete a cybersecurity certification that emphasises this.

 

Here’s are our top 5

 

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

 

The CISSP certification, offered by the cybersecurity professional organisation (ISC)², stands out as one of the most coveted credentials in the industry.

 

Achieving CISSP certification signifies your expertise in IT security and your ability to design, implement, and oversee a robust cybersecurity program.

Geared towards seasoned security professionals aiming to progress in their careers, this advanced certification is particularly beneficial for roles such as:

 

  • Chief information security officer – $193,081
  • Security administrator – $62,869
  • IT security engineer – $108,705
  • Senior security consultant – $133,113
  • Information assurance analyst – $85,662

 

Prerequisites: To be eligible for the CISSP exam, a candidate must possess a minimum of five years of collective professional experience, distributed across at least two out of the eight cybersecurity domains.

 

These domains encompass Security and Risk Management, Asset Security, Security Architecture and Engineering, Communication and Network Security, Identity and Access Management, Security Assessment and Testing, Security Operations, and Software Development Security.

 

Cost (US): $749

 

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

 

This certification from the IT professional association ISACA serves to showcase your proficiency in evaluating security vulnerabilities, creating and implementing controls, and reporting on compliance.

 

It stands out as one of the most widely recognised certifications for individuals pursuing careers in cybersecurity auditing.

 

The CISA is designed for mid-level IT professionals looking to advance into jobs like:

  • IT audit manager – $131,967
  • Cybersecurity auditor – $81,452
  • Information security analyst – $91,805
  • IT security engineer – $108,705
  • IT project manager – $105,332
  • Compliance program manager – $102,314

 

Prerequisites: A minimum of five years of expertise in IT or IS audit, control, security, or assurance is required. Alternatively, a two or four-year degree can be used as a substitute, offsetting one or two years of experience, respectively.

 

Cost: $575 for members, $760 for non-members

 

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

 

By obtaining the CISM certification offered by ISACA, you can authenticate your proficiency in overseeing the managerial aspects of information security.

This certification covers areas such as governance, program development, as well as incident and risk management.

 

If your goal is to transition from a technical role to a managerial position in cybersecurity, acquiring this certification will benefit you.

Jobs that use the CISM include:

 

  • IT manager – $111,347
  • Information systems security officer – $96,884
  • Information risk consultant – $92,795
  • Director of information security – $149,835
  • Data governance manager – $123,803

 

Prerequisites: In order to be eligible for the CISM exam, a minimum of five years of experience in information security management is required.

 

Up to two years of this experience can be fulfilled through general information security experience.

 

Alternatively, one or two years of the requirement can be waived by holding another certification in good standing or possessing a graduate degree in a field related to information security.

 

Cost: $575 for members, $760 for non-members

 

CompTIA Security+

 

The CompTIA Security+ certification serves as a foundational credential, confirming essential skills required for various cybersecurity positions.

 

By obtaining this certification, you showcase your expertise in evaluating organisational security, safeguarding cloud, mobile, and internet of things (IoT) environments, comprehending relevant laws and regulations concerning risk and compliance, and effectively recognising and addressing security incidents.

 

Achieving your Security+ certification can enhance your capabilities in roles including:

 

  • Systems administrator – $78,402
  • Help desk manager – $82,295
  • Security engineer – $106,141
  • Cloud engineer – $105,252
  • Security administrator – $62,869
  • IT auditor – $78,933
  • Software developer – $97,241

 

Prerequisites: Although there are no rigid prerequisites for attempting the Security+ exam, it is advisable to obtain your Network+ certification beforehand and acquire a minimum of two years of IT experience, with a specific emphasis on security.

 

Cost: $392

 

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

 

Ethical hacking, alternatively referred to as white hat hacking, penetration testing, or red teaming, entails authorised attempts to breach organisational security to identify vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them.

 

The CEH Certified Ethical Hacker certification, provided by the EC-Council, validates expertise in penetration testing, attack detection, vectors, and prevention.

Earning this certification demonstrates your ability to approach cybersecurity with a hacker’s mindset and adopt a proactive stance.

 

This credential is particularly beneficial for roles such as:

 

  • Penetration tester – $93,973
  • Cyber incident analyst – $62,445
  • Threat intelligence analyst – $100,564
  • Cloud security architect – $136,647
  • Cybersecurity engineer – $99,382

 

Prerequisites: Eligibility for the CEH exam includes either having two years of experience in information security or successfully finishing an official EC-Council training.

 

Cost:  $1,699 and $2,049 depending on testing location

 

Each certification enhances marketability, equips professionals with in-demand skills, and prepares them for roles with competitive salaries within the industry.