Why Cisco certifications are a great way to kick-start your security career?

Cisco certifications are a fantastic way to launch a career in cybersecurity for several compelling reasons. First and foremost, Cisco is a globally recognized leader in networking and security technologies, making their certifications highly respected in the industry. By earning Cisco credentials, individuals gain in-depth knowledge of network security, including the latest threats and defense strategies, which are critical skills in the evolving cybersecurity landscape.

Additionally, Cisco offers a comprehensive range of certification levels, from entry-level to expert, allowing individuals to build their expertise progressively. Moreover, Cisco certifications provide hands-on experience and practical skills through training programs and labs, equipping candidates with the practical know-how to excel in real-world security roles. Overall, Cisco certifications offer a strong foundation and a clear path for those looking to kick-start a successful career in cybersecurity.

Now, we'll discuss the importance of Cisco Certification for your Career.

What is Cisco certification and its advantages?

Cisco offers top networking certification, providing many career opportunities for freshers and professionals to enter the cyber world. If you want to kick-start your career in the realm of cyber security, it would be best to pursue Cisco-level-based certification.

Cisco certifications are categorized into four main categories. If you want to get into an entry-level job, you can pursue certifications like CCENT.

Secondly, associate-level certifications include CCNA and CCDA. Thirdly, professional-level certifications that cover the CCNP and CCDP. Finally, expert-level certifications, which have CCIE and CCDE.

For professionals who intend to understand network design, security, and network architecture, Cisco offers architect certifications under the acronyms CCAr. The best part of the Cisco certification is that they are categorized into nine different levels, which help you choose the certification that best suits your specific career path and technical field.

Routing and Switching, Design, Industrial Network, Network Security, Service Provider, Service Provider Operations, Storage Networking, Voice, Datacenter, and Wireless.

Categorizing certification level-wise is a wise decision because network topics compile various subjects. As network subject is enormous, you cannot learn everything in one certification. But you can learn all these nine certifications to attain career prospects.

We shall discuss a few of these courses in detail and each certification course's core concepts.

Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT)

This is an entry-level certification course, which is meticulously meant for beginners. This certification course will aid you in learning basic concepts like network and its support. Moreover, you will learn how to implement, manage, operate, and troubleshoot network issues in the organization.

Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) Certification Course will be the ladder to the next level of certification in Cisco, such as CCNA. Those who are intrigued to get into IT can join this certification course. In this certification course, you will learn:

• Basic knowledge of Quality of Service (QoS )
• Understanding of cloud services
• Network-related concepts such as WAN, access, and its core segments.
• Understanding of core routing and switching
• Fundamentals of firewalls, wireless controllers, and access points.
• Discover IPv6 and fundamental network security and others.

CCNA Routing and Switching:

CCNA Routing and Switching is another highly valued certification in the IT networking realm. Almost every networking engineer has this certification at the start of their career. If you are inspired to be one of them, you should have a profound understanding of implementing, operating, and configuring an enterprise network. Moreover, you need to learn about IPv4 and IPv6 networks, LAN switches, WAN, IP routers, etc.

Finally, you will also understand how to troubleshoot a network and network devices linked to routing and switching. Aside from the topics taught as part of CCENT, you will gain the following additional skills:

• You can manage a medium-sized LAN with numerous switches, VLANs, trunking, and a spanning tree.
• Learn how to troubleshoot IP connectivity.
• Configuring and troubleshooting skills for Enhanced Interior Gateway, Routing Protocol (EIGRP), and Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) in IPv4 and IPv6 settings.
• You can create a WAN by describing its features, functions, and components.

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP):

The Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification covers a variety of key principles required of advanced networking professionals. CCNP candidates study advanced routing, switching, design, and troubleshooting complex network settings. They learn about routing protocols like OSPF and BGP and switching technologies like VLANs and spanning-tree protocols. The certification also stresses security, emphasizing creating secure networks and best practices to protect against threats.

Additionally, CCNP candidates explore automation and programmability, learning to automate network processes and manage networks using software-defined methodologies. Overall, CCNP certification provides professionals with the knowledge and abilities to build, implement, secure, and troubleshoot complex networks, making them essential assets in today's demanding IT world.

Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert -CCIE

The CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) certification considered as the highest level of certification and covers a wide range of advanced networking concepts.

This certification will provide in-depth knowledge of core networking topics such as routing and switching, network security, wireless networking, and service provider technologies. You will thoroughly understand advanced network design, implementation, optimization, and troubleshooting while expanding your knowledge of network protocols, technologies, and topologies.

Furthermore, CCIE candidates learn advanced skills in network automation, software-defined networking (SDN), and emerging technologies, preparing them to work in the most complex and dynamic network environments. Overall, the CCIE certification provides you with the knowledge and hands-on experience required to become a genuine networking expert capable of creating, administering, and protecting complex networks at an expert level.

As of the information given above, you would have understood the level of Cisco certifications. So, after completing the entry-level certification course, you can advance to mid-level and professional to expert-level certifications.

Now, we shall discuss a few top companies and industries hiring Cisco certified and the average pay scale of those certified.

Companies hiring Cisco certified:

Cisco certifications such as CCENT, CCNA, CCDA, CCNP, and CCDP are highly regarded in the IT industry, and many top companies across various sectors look for professionals with these certifications. Here are some examples of leading companies that frequently hire candidates with these Cisco certifications:

• Cisco Systems
• Amazon Web Services (AWS)
• Google
• Microsoft
• IBM
• Oracle

Industries hiring Cisco certified:

Cisco certifications are highly sought after in many industries due to their emphasis on networking and IT expertise. Here are some industries that frequently hire Cisco-certified professionals:

• Information Technology (IT) Services
• Telecommunications
• Finance and Banking
• Healthcare
• Government

Average pay scale of Cisco certified:

The average pay scale for professionals with Cisco certifications significantly depends on location, years of experience, job role, and the specific industry.

• CCENT (Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician): Entry-level CCENT certified can expect an average annual salary of approximately $50,000 to $60,000.
• CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate): CCNA-certified professionals typically earn an average annual salary ranging from $60,000 to $80,000.

The salary perk mentioned above is merely average; the pay scale may differ based on the company and experience.

In conclusion, Cisco certifications provide a vital stepping stone for anyone seeking to embark on a lucrative journey in the realm of cybersecurity. Their global recognition, rigorous training, and practical focus make them an excellent alternative for aspiring security professionals. These certificates provide a structured path for job progression while instilling the knowledge and abilities required to resist modern cyber threats.

Whether you begin with a foundational CCNA or aim for the pinnacle of expertise with a CCIE, Cisco certifications open doors to work prospects and equip you to prosper in cybersecurity. So, if you want to jump-start your security career, Cisco certifications are an investment that can pave the road for a bright and rewarding future in the field.