Beginner To Advanced Cybersecurity Certifications: A Global Roadmap

Cybersecurity certifications are essential for career growth, skill validation, and standing out in job applications. Below is a structured roadmap from beginner to expert-level certifications, along with their costs, career impact, and job roles.

Entry-Level Certifications

1. CompTIA Security+ – Covers foundational security concepts.

Cost: ~$392
Roles: Security Analyst, Network Administrator

Microsoft SC-900 (Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals) – Ideal for cloud security beginners.

– Cost: ~$99
– Roles: Cloud Security Associate

Intermediate Certifications

CompTIA CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst) – Focuses on threat detection and response.

– Cost: ~$404
– Roles: SOC Analyst, Threat Hunter
4. EC-Council CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) – Teaches penetration testing.
– Cost: ~$1,199
– Roles: Ethical Hacker, Penetration Tester
5. Microsoft SC-200 (Security Operations Analyst) – Covers Microsoft Defender and Sentinel.
– Cost: ~$165
– Roles: Security Operations Specialist

Advanced Certifications

OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) – Hands-on penetration testing certification.

– Cost: ~$1,499
– Roles: Red Team Engineer, Pentester
7. CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) – For security leaders.
– Cost: ~$749
– Roles: CISO, Security Architect
8. CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) – Focuses on risk management.
– Cost: ~$760
– Roles: IT Risk Manager, Security Consultant

You Should Know: Practical Cybersecurity Commands & Codes

Linux Security Commands

Check open ports:
```
sudo netstat -tulnp 
```
Monitor logged-in users:
```
who 
last 
```
Scan for vulnerabilities with Nmap:
```
nmap -sV -A target_IP 
```

Windows Security Commands

Check active connections:
```
netstat -ano 
```
List scheduled tasks (for malware checks):
```
schtasks /query /fo LIST 
```
Enable Windows Defender logging:
```
Get-MpThreatDetection 
```

Penetration Testing (OSCP-style Practice)

Exploit a vulnerable machine with Metasploit:

msfconsole 
use exploit/multi/handler 
set payload windows/x64/meterpreter/reverse_tcp 
exploit

What Undercode Say

Cybersecurity certifications provide structured learning and industry recognition. Hands-on practice with tools like Nmap, Metasploit, and SIEM solutions is crucial for real-world expertise. Continuous learning and lab environments (e.g., Hack The Box, TryHackMe) reinforce skills.

Prediction

As cyber threats evolve, certifications emphasizing AI-driven security, cloud defense, and zero-trust architecture will dominate. Professionals with OSCP, CISSP, and cloud security certs will remain in high demand.

Expected Output

A structured certification roadmap with practical commands for security professionals.

(Source: LinkedIn Post by Mohamed Hamdi Ouardi)

IT/Security Reporter URL:

Reported By: Ouardi Mohamed – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅

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