• Database Administrator

The necessity for storing, analyzing, organizing, and securing data has increased the need for the skilled and certified database administrators. With the huge amount of digital information that should be processed, there are a lot of opportunities for these specialists. Additionally, the increase in the connection of databases to the Internet and Cloud will increase the complexity and vitality of data security, and the skills and expertise of the database developers and administrators will be required to protect corporate data from cyber threats and hackers.

• Mobile Application Developer

In 2018, it was predicted that by 2028, there will be additional 241,500 new jobs requiring the skills of professional developers. This shouldn’t be strange, given the fact that smartphones and tablets have continued to change the ways people communicate, access entertainment and news, and do business. No doubt, there will be a huge demand for trendy and innovative mobile applications across the world. Currently, this situation has led to an increase in demand for the mobile application developers. If you are planning to obtain skills in this area, you might want to earn the knowledge of working with Android and Apple IOS as these are the most sought-after skills in the domain of mobile app development. The average salary of a mobile application developer is placed at about $109,000 per annum.

• Video Game Designer

The gaming industry is worth over $400 billion, and this is definitely good news for the potential professional video game designers. Over and beyond the huge and growing market for console and PC games, there is an increase in the popularity, graphics capabilities, and processing power of mobile devices. These have opened the world of gaming to a brand new dimension and better opportunities for the programmers, artists, and video game designers. The professional game designers with skills and expertise in mobile development are highly sought after because smartphones and tablets will continue to redefine the users’ interactions with video games. There will be more than 241,500 new video designer job openings by 2028. As a video game designer, you can expect to earn an average of $80,000 per annum.

• Software Engineer

Thanks to the technological advancement and growth in varieties of software, there will be an increase in the demand for the software engineers. For instance, the fast adoption of Cloud technologies is a strong driver for this demand. These are the professionals with skills and capabilities to build scalable and secure Cloud programs. As a matter of fact, it is estimated that there will be about 284,100 new software engineering job positions by 2028. The explosion of computer systems and software expansion into smart devices and new industries will require the development of computer systems that can power various initiatives and innovations. The estimated average salary of a software engineer is about $106,000 per year.

• Computer Systems Analyst

With the growth in dependence on technology, there will be greater opportunities for the computer systems analysts. These professionals will be needed to architect new systems. The health care industry is one of the core industries that require the skills and expertise of a systems analyst. With government mandates and funding initiatives designed to drive the increase in the adoption in EMR (electronic medical record), as well as other health-focused software projects and electronic prescription services that require customized computer systems, the skills of a computer systems analyst will continue to be in high demand.

• Web Developer

A business enterprise is moving from the physical terrain to the online platform to offer its products and services. With the increase in the number of businesses online, the demand for the skills of web designers and web developers will grow. Additionally, enlarged use of social networks will also increase the demand for web developer skills as the organizations explore new ways to enhance their competitive advantage and attract a new generation of customers. Top skills that will be in high demand include responsive web design, user interface, and user experience. The web developers can earn an average of $73,000 per annum, and it is estimated that about 20,900 new jobs will be available by 2028.

• IT Security Specialist

Security will continue to be a major concern for the hiring managers as the complexity and frequency of cyberattacks continue to grow. Every year, the organizations are on the lookout for the qualified professionals with skills and expertise in information security. Unfortunately, these job roles are difficult to fill because there are not many certified specialists out there. This means there are a huge potential for those individuals who will take the challenge to grow their skills and get certified in information security. Job roles where computer security skills are highly in demand include mobile device security, IT operations security, information assurance, network, risk management, and Cloud & virtualization security. As an IT security specialist, you can expect to earn an average of $118,000 per annum.

• Network Administrator

There will surely be an increase in demand for the network administrators. As enterprises invest in the latest network technologies and computer systems to enhance their productivity and attain competitive advantages, these specialists will have new and great career opportunities to explore. Additionally, the quick adoption of Cloud computing and mobile devices in corporate culture implies that more organizations will utilize the Internet to carry out their business at the online platform. This will ultimately create opportunities for the network managers and network administrators.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are a lot of job positions that you can choose in the IT industry. And most of them are in demand and prestigious now and will remain so in the future. That is why, nowadays, it is better to earn a credential and become a certified specialist, whom every employer will want to make a part of the company’s personnel.

The GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC) is an entry-level credential which has been specially designed for professionals seeking to demonstrate that they not only understand information security terminology and concepts, but also possess the skills and technical expertise necessary for “hands-on” security roles.

Holders of the GSEC demonstrate knowledge and technical skills in areas such as Wi-Fi protocols, identifying and preventing common and wireless attacks, network mapping, public switched telephony networks, access controls, authentication, password management, DNS, cryptography fundamentals, ICMP, IPv6, public key infrastructure, Linux, network mapping, network protocols and much more.

To achieve the GSEC credential, candidates need to pass the GIAC Security Essentials exam. The most notable thing about this exam is its price: $1,099. It is significantly pricier than Security+ or other exams of this level. Plus, you would need to invest time and money into your exam preparation. But is the GSEC certification really worth it?

First of all, this is a solid exam – please click here to access GSEC blueprint and objectives. It helps you stand out from the crowd as you apply for security positions, as opposed to the most candidates who only hold the Security+ credential. So, after all, the decision is yours, but as more and more candidates choose GIAC CSEC as their go-to entry level security certification, there’s a lot to think about.

What is GIAC?

Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) is an information security certification entity that specializes in technical and practical certification as well as new research in the form of its GIAC Gold program. SANS Institute founded the certification entity in 1999 and the term GIAC is trademarked by The Escal Institute of Advanced Technologies.

GIAC provides a set of vendor-neutral computer security certifications linked to the training courses provided by the SANS. GIAC is specific to the leading edge technological advancement of IT security in order to keep ahead of “black hat” techniques. Papers written by individuals pursuing GIAC certifications are presented at the SANS Reading Room on GIAC’s website.

Initially all SANS GIAC certifications required a written paper or “practical” on a specific area of the certification in order to achieve the certification. In April 2005, the SANS organization changed the format of the certification by breaking it into two separate levels. The “silver” level certification is achieved upon completion of a multiple choice exam. The “gold” level certification can be obtained by completing research paper and has the silver level as a prerequisite.

But First, What is ISACA?

In case you’re wondering, ISACA stands for Information Systems Audit and Control Association. This is an international professional association focused on IT Governance. The organization was created in the United States back in 1967. That year, a group of individuals working on auditing controls in computer systems started to become increasingly critical of the operations of their organizations. They identified a need for a centralized source of information and guidance in the field. In 1976 the association formed an education foundation to undertake large-scale research efforts to expand the knowledge of and value accorded to the fields of governance and control of information technology. The association became the Information Systems Audit and Control Association in 1994.

ISACA specifically targets IT professionals interested in the highest quality standards with respect to audit, control and security of information systems. The CISM certification holders demonstrate in-depth skills in security risk management, program development and management, governance, and incident management and response.

The CISM Credential and Certification Process

The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) is ISACA’s flagship credential. This is a top certification for IT professionals involved in managing, developing and overseeing information security systems in enterprise-level applications, or who work on developing best organizational security practices. The CISM credential was introduced to security professionals in 2003 and has remained in high demand ever since.

Developed with experienced security professionals in mind, CISM certification sets new standards for IT security. To achieve this credential, candidates must agree to ISACA’s Code of Professional Ethics and pass a challenging certification exam. Furthermore, they are required to have a minimum of five years of proven security experience, comply with the Continuing Education Policy and submit a written application. Please note that some combinations of education and experience may be substituted to meet the experience requirement – check ISACA website for more information on this.

CISM Certification Prerequisites. To obtain the CISM credential, you must:

• Pass the CISM exam.
• Agree to the ISACA Code of Professional Ethics.
• Possess a minimum of five years of information security work experience, including at least three years of work experience in information security management in three or more of the job practice analysis areas. Experience must be verifiable and obtained in the preceding 10-year period prior to the application date or within five years after passing the exam. There are some exceptions to this requirement depending on current credentials held.
• Submit an application for CISM certification (processing fee is $50.) Credential must be obtained within five years of passing the exam.
• Agree to the CISM Continuing Education Policy.

CISM Exam Cost

ISACA members who register early pay $440 for the exam; non-members pay $625 for early registration. Regular registration fee for members is $490 and for non-members is $675. The CISM credential is valid for three years, and credential holders must pay an annual maintenance fee of $45 (ISACA members) or $85 (non-members). Credential holders are also required to obtain a minimum of 120 continuing professional education (CPE) credits over the three-year term to maintain the credential. At least 20 CPEs must be earned every year.

ISACA Certification Program

In addition to the CISM, ISACA offers numerous other certifications for those interested in information security and best practices. Other credentials worth considering include:

• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) – for professionals working with information systems auditing, control or security.
• Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT) – targets IT professionals working in enterprise IT management, governance, strategic alignment, value delivery and risk, resource and performance management.
• Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control certification (CRISC) – IT professionals seeking careers in all aspects of risk management

Interested in ISACA exams? Visit ExamCollection to find latest exam preparation materials.

CompTIA

Juniper exam JNO-691, Junos Troubleshooting leads to the Juniper Networks Certified Support Professional (JNCSP-SEC) certification. The Juniper exam JNO-691 is a 90-minute written exam containing 65 multiple-choice questions (the current version, the 690, consists of 70 questions), so that’s 5 less queries to find a proper key. According to Juniper, the JNO-691 exam is designed for experienced networking support professionals with intermediate knowledge of the Junos OS.

Juniper has significantly updated the exam objectives (they’re available here below), so if you’ve been studying for the old exam, you need to register and pass the exam before it’s phased out on April 30. To be eligible for the exam, candidates need to hold the JNCIP-ENT credential.

Designed for experienced networking support professionals with intermediate knowledge of the Junos Operating System, this written exam verifies the candidate’s understanding of how to troubleshoot general issues related to Junos devices.

Junos Troubleshooting exam topics are based on the content of the recommended instructor led training courses, as well as the additional resources.

The Junos Troubleshooting exam is the first of two exams required to achieve JNCSP-ENT certification.

Detailed Exam Objectives include:

• Troubleshooting Methodology
• Chassis Monitoring and Troubleshooting
• Control Plane Monitoring and Troubleshooting
• Data Plane Monitoring and Troubleshooting
• Layer 2 and Layer 3 Protocol Monitoring and Troubleshooting
• High Availability (HA) Monitoring and Troubleshooting

These are the first and only updates on the Juniper’s new exam available at the moment. Stay tuned for more.

1. Security and Risk Management (e.g., Security, Risk, Compliance, Law, Regulations, Business Continuity)
2. Asset Security (Protecting Security of Assets)
3. Security Engineering (Engineering and Management of Security)
4. Communication and Network Security (Designing and Protecting Network Security)
5. Identity and Access Management (Controlling Access and Managing Identity)
6. Security Assessment and Testing (Designing, Performing, and Analyzing Security Testing)
7. Security Operations (e.g., Foundational Concepts, Investigations, Incident Management, Disaster Recovery)
8. Software Development Security (Understanding, Applying, and Enforcing Software Security)

According to ISC, the CISSP exam is being updated to stay relevant amidst the changes occurring in the information security field. Refreshed technical content has been added to the Official (ISC)² CISSP CBK to reflect the most current topics in the information security industry today. Keep in mind that some topics have been expanded (e.g., asset security, security assessment and testing), while other topics have been realigned under different domains. ISC believes that the new CISSP exam will better reflect the technical and managerial competence required from an experienced information security professional to effectively design, engineer, implement and manage an organization’s information security program within an ever-changing security landscape.

Although the blueprint has gone down from 10 domains to 8, don’t be tricked into thinking that the exam has gotten easier – it’s not. The topics have been rearranged and refreshed, and the amount of information candidates should be proficient with has actually increased, not decreased.

The CISSP exam tests one’s competence in information security and  the (ISC)²^® common body of knowledge (CBK^®), which cover critical topics in security today, including risk management, cloud computing, mobile security, application development security and more. Candidates must have a minimum of five years of paid full-time work experience in 2 of the 10 domains. This vast breadth of knowledge and the experience it takes to pass the exam is what sets the CISSP apart. CISSP certification makes holders eligible for job functions like security consultant, security analyst, IT director, Chief Information Security Officer, and many more. CISSP certification is associated with some of the highest salaries in IT industry.