What your cert’s worth: security salaries under scrutiny
Sarah Morgan
11 August, 2014
By Sarah Morgan
Security roles have always been in the top half of the “IT salary hierarchy” and it seems unlikely to change anytime soon. According to a recent article on Tripwire business are investing more than ever, in order to protect themselves from security threats. Of course these investments include the recruitment and/or training of capable IT security staff.
Infographic created by the University of Alabama
With IT security becoming a top priority for businesses, certifications like the CISSP, CISA or CISM are gaining even more recognition. So if you’ve got one of these acronyms next to year name, you’re off to a great start in earning a high salary. Here are some of the average salaries in the UK for jobs requiring the following IT security certs, according to ITJobswatch.com
- ISACA CGEIT - £45,000
- EC-Council CEH - £49,000
- EC-Council CHFI - £51,500
- ISACA CISM - £55,000
- ISACA CRISC - £55,000
- (ISC)2 CISSP - £55,000
- ISACA CISA - £55,750
- ISACA COBIT - £57,500
ISACA Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT) - £45,000
Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT) is a program designed for professionals directing, managing and supporting enterprise IT governance. Holders of CGEIT are experts in risk management, performance measurement, value delivery and the governance and management of IT. As a CGEIT, you’ll earn an average salary of £45,000.
EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) - £49,000
Beat a hacker, by thinking like one. With EC-Council’s Certified Ethical Hacker certification you’ll know how to defend against the latest techniques used to exploit your organisation’s vulnerabilities. The CEH stretches far beyond the field of penetration testing and into everyday application and network security. Certified Ethical Hackers on average earn around £49,000.
Image courtesy of hyena reality/freedigitalphotos.net
EC-Council Computer Hacking Forensics Investigator (CHFI) - £51,500EC-Council’s CHFI certification teaches you the use of forensics tools, analytical techniques, and procedures involved in obtaining, maintaining, and presenting computer forensic evidence and data in a court of law. Computer Forensics experts with a CHFI can earn £51,500 on average.
ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) - £55,000
CISM by ISACA is a widely recognised credential for IT security professionals specialising in managing, developing and overseeing information security systems and for developing best security practices. CISM certified professionals have proven skills in risk management, governance and incident management as well as program development and management. Similarly to CRISC, CISM holders have good prospects of earning an average salary of £55,000 a year.
ISACA Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) - £55,000
ISACA’s CRISC is for experienced IT professionals working in the fields of technology risk management and Information Systems Control. CRISC-holders can manage risk design and oversee response measures, scan and monitor systems for risk, and meet their organisation's risk management strategies. The average salary offer for CRISC certified professionals is around £55,000.
Image courtesy of njaj/freedigitalphotos.net
(ISC)2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) - £55,000
(ISC)2’s CISSP demonstrates your expert skills in developing, guiding, and managing security standards, policies, and procedures within your organisation. The certification is considered to be one of the most prominent and prestigious security credentials out there, which is due to its rather demanding prerequisites. As a Certified Information Systems Security Professional you can be earning an average salary of £55,000.
ISACA Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) - £55,750
CISA is a globally renowned credential for Information Systems audit and security experts. CISA certified professionals possess the necessary skills, knowledge and expertise to identify and manage vulnerabilities and risks within their organisations, while implementing solutions to deal with them. The average salary for CISA holders is around £55,750 per annum.
ISACA Control Objectives for Information and Related Technology (COBIT) - £57,500
ISACA’s COBIT framework helps you to maximise the value of Information Technology within your organisation. With this certification under your belt, you’ll know how to achieve strategic goals and minimise risks, whilst optimising the cost of IT services. COBIT certified professionals earn an average salary of £57,500.
There you have it, the worth of some of the top security certs expressed in monetary terms. And don’t forget, the more experience you have, the closer you get to making these numbers even bigger.
About the Author:
Sarah writes for Firebrand Training on a number of IT related topics. This includes exams, training, certification trends, project management, certification, careers advice and the industry itself. Sarah has 11 years of experience in the IT industry.
Sarah writes for Firebrand Training on a number of IT related topics. This includes exams, training, certification trends, project management, certification, careers advice and the industry itself. Sarah has 11 years of experience in the IT industry.