Top 10 Cyber Security Certifications for 2026
AI is driving demand for experienced Cyber Security professionals. Which certification is right for you?
Despite an increase in Cyber Security awareness, many businesses still learn its importance the hard way, by having their valuable data compromised; many others still struggle to detect when they've been targeted by a cyberattack.
The rapid advent of AI continues to drive surging demand for cybersecurity professionals, with over 514,000 U.S. job postings from May 2024 to April 2025—a 10% increase from the prior year amid a global shortage of 4.8 million roles.
According to CompTIA's State of Cybersecurity 2025 report, hiring remains challenging as firms prioritise mid-career infrastructure specialists for promotion into cybersecurity teams, while fewer target early-career candidates. 85% of employers prefer upskilling existing staff over external hires to address skill gaps in AI, OT, and data security.
The need for high-quality Cyber Security training and certifications is at an all-time high.
Let's take a look at the 10 top Cyber Security certifications to consider in 2026.
1. ISC2 Certified Information Security System Professional® (CISSP®)
The ISC2 CISSP® is one of the top Cyber Security certifications you can attain, as it helps you develop the expert knowledge you need to implement and manage an Enterprise Security Programme (ESP) for your company. CISSP is a key certification for professionals who aim for senior Cyber Security roles.
Before attending this course, you should have at least five years of paid, full-time work experience in two or more of the eight CISSP CBK (Common Body of Knowledge) Domains. If you do not have this experience, you can still get certified and you will have six years to earn the work experience required.
ISC2 CISSP® will help you develop the credibility you need to access higher-paid Cyber Security positions. After becoming certified, you may look to such as the CSA Certified Cloud Security Knowledge® (CCSK®), ISACA CISA®, ISC2 CCSP®, and more.
2. ISACA Certified Information Security Manager® (CISM®)
The ISACA Certified Information Security Manager® (CISM®) certification is highly respected in the world of IT. If you want to establish yourself as one of the most competent and successful Information Security Managers, CISM® is the way to go.
This complex Cyber Security certification proves your knowledge of information security programmes and their role as part of business goals and objectives. The curriculum includes modules on Information Security Governance, Information Risk Management, Compliance, and other important aspects.
We're often asked which one we recommend, ISACA CISA® (see number 5) or CISM®; the answer is, it depends on what you would like to achieve. if you're looking to become a skilled IT Auditor, CISA® is the way to go; however, if you'd like to become a leader in Information Security Management, Risk Management, or Governance, CISM® is the way to go.
3. CompTIA Security+
Developed with input from the tech industry, government, and academia, CompTIA’s Security+ is a well-known, comprehensive certification that will teach you to troubleshoot events and incidents, identify threats, and manage risk effectively.
This certification is an excellent place to start if you’re aiming to build a career in Cyber Security. At Firebrand, we recommend taking CompTIA A+ and/or CompTIA Network+ before taking this course. To further specialise after Security+, the CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) is a popular next step.
4. EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker® (C|EH®)
What better way to identify an organisation’s vulnerabilities than to penetrate its cybersecurity defences yourself? With the EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker® (CEH®) course, you’ll have the opportunity to operate in an interactive environment. On top of that, you’ll learn from first-hand experience how cybercriminals take down a company's defences and how to protect yours from these attack vectors.
The curriculum is comprised of 20 modules, from Vulnerability Analysis, System Hacking, and Malware Threats, to IoT and OT Hacking, Cloud Computing, and Cryptography.
To take this course, you should have at least two years of IT work experience and familiarity with both Windows and Linux/Unix operating systems.
5. ISC2 Certified Cloud Security Professional® (CCSP®)
If you have experience in Cyber Security, you may want to consider specialising in Cloud. This platform is widely used across different industries, and the more integrated it becomes, the higher the risk of sensitive data ending up in the hands of cybercriminals.
The Certified Cloud Security Professional® (CCSP®) course developed by ISC2 is ideal for Enterprise Architects, Systems Engineers, Security Managers, Security Engineers, and similar professionals. This certification helps you develop the skills to manage your company's Cloud Environments and purchased Cloud Services.
This comprehensive Cyber Security certification comprises the 6 CCSP Domains, including Cloud Platform & Infrastructure Security, Cloud Security Operations, and Legal, Risk and Compliance.
6. ISACA Certified Information Systems Auditor® (CISA®)
Developed by ISACA, a well-respected membership organization committed to the advancement of digital trust, Certified Information Systems Auditor® (CISA®) is one of the top certifications for anyone who audits, controls, and monitors enterprise IT and business systems.
This comprehensive certification helps you enhance and prove your skills across the 5 CISA Domains, from IT Governance and Management to the Audit Process itself.
Before attempting this Cyber Security certification, delegates should have a minimum of 5 years of exposure to the field of Information Systems Auditing.
7. ISO 27001 Lead Auditor
As the name suggests, the ISO 27001 Lead Auditor certification, developed by the Professional Evaluation and Certification Board (PECB), is an excellent choice for anyone looking to develop the skills to audit Information Security Management Systems (ISMS).
This comprehensive course is comprised of several sections, from Normative, regulatory, and legal frameworks to Planning, Performing, and Following up an ISO 27001 audit.
Lead Auditors ensure that their auditing team apply the latest and most efficient techniques, principles, and procedures. For this reason, at Firebrand, we strongly recommend acquiring the ISO 27001 Lead Implementer certification in conjunction with this one.
8. ISACA Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control® (CRISC®)
Risk assessment and management can have a significant impact on the overall business of an organisation. By achieving a respected certification such as the Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control® (CRISC®), developed by ISACA, you can prove you have a comprehensive knowledge of enterprise risk and the skills to manage it efficiently.
CRISC® is recommended for IT and business professionals at the operational or management level. The latest version of this certification encompasses 4 Domains focusing on identifying and assessing risk as well as proper response and monitoring.
CRISC® job opportunities are quite dynamic, either on its own or as part of another specialism such as Project Management, Business Analysis, or Compliance.
9. ISC2 Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional® (CSSLP®)
As 68% of all cybersecurity breaches involve a human element (Verizon DBIR, 2024), software security professionals are invaluable to any software development company.
The Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional® (CSSLP®) certification developed by ISC2 helps you develop the skills you need to incorporate current security practices into the software development lifecycle. That includes everything from authentication to auditing.
If you have at least four years of experience in SLC, this Cyber Security certification is a must. Everyone from Software Developers and Engineers to Quality Assurance and Project Management can significantly benefit from a CSSLP certification.
The major advantage of this certification is its versatility. Since it’s vendor-neutral, you’ll be able to apply your skills across various technologies and methodologies, whatever comes your way.
10. EC-Council Chief Information Security Officer Training® (CCISO®)
This certification was developed by some of the best CISOs in the industry. It’s designed to teach you the skills you need to climb the ladder to the executive ranks of Information Security.
The EC-Council CCISO® is aimed at professionals with extensive experience. There are no prerequisites to sit this course; however, to sit the exam, you must demonstrate five years of experience in three of the five CCISO® Domains.
At Firebrand, we are proud to be a multi-award-winning EC-Council training partner, so you know you're training with the best!
Cyber Security Certifications FAQs
➤ What are the best cyber security certifications for beginners?
For entry-level roles or the most foundational cybersecurity certifications, CompTIA Security+ stands out as the top choice, teaching threat identification, risk management, and incident troubleshooting, ideal after achieving CompTIA A+ or Network+. ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity® (CC®) provides free foundational training on core principles for absolute newcomers. Also, the Google Cybersecurity Certificate offers practical entry-level skills in SIEM tools and Python.
➤ What are free cyber security certifications?
Most cyber security certifications come at a cost; however, if they enhance your career, you may be able to make a business case for your employer to cover the cost. At Firebrand, we are proud to support the Armed Forces as an ELCAS Accredited Training Provider. If you're currently serving or have been recently discharged, you can use ELCAS credits to pay for Firebrand cybersecurity courses.
➤ What are the highest-paying cyber security certifications?
CISSP® from ISC2 leads with $165,000+ averages for Architects/CISOs, validating enterprise security program management. ISACA CISM® and CRISC® follow at $163,000+ and $150,000+ for managers and risk pros. CISA® for auditors ($129,000+) and cloud certs like CCSP® or AWS Security exceed $150,000 in senior roles.
To sum up, with the IT skills gap at an all-time high, now is the perfect time to advance your career. The certifications listed in this article will help you obtain the crucial skills you need to have a competitive advantage over other candidates.
Are you ready?
Achieve your Cybersecurity certification with Firebrand
For the past 14 years in a row, we’ve been named one of the Top 20 IT Training Companies in the World.
We specialise in accelerated training that helps you become competent, confident, and certified fast.
Cyber Security has been the core of our offering ever since we opened our doors in 2001. Could one of these courses be right for you, or your team?