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8 Popular Cybersecurity Certifications in 2026
Elevate your career in information security with these in-demand credentials.
February 17, 2021
Article
Jobs in computer and information security are in high demand, projected to grow by 32 percent in the next decade*. You’ll find the resources you need to jumpstart your cybersecurity career here.

Build job-ready cybersecurity skills with leading companies and universities

Microsoft
Skills you'll gain: Threat Modeling, MITRE ATT&CK Framework, Penetration Testing, Azure Active Directory, Network Security, Computer Systems, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Security Testing, Encryption, Cybersecurity, System Testing, Cloud Security, Threat Management, Vulnerability Scanning, Cloud Computing, Authentications, Active Directory, Operating Systems, Data Management, Computer Security Incident Management
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Threat Modeling, Network Security, Incident Response, Vulnerability Management, Computer Security Incident Management, Hardening, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Threat Management, Cyber Attacks, Cybersecurity, Network Protocols, Cloud Security, Vulnerability Assessments, Bash (Scripting Language), Debugging, Linux, Interviewing Skills, Python Programming, SQL
Build toward a degree
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

University of Maryland, College Park
Skills you'll gain: Cybersecurity, Cyber Security Policies, Cyber Risk, Cyber Attacks, Cyber Governance, Cyber Security Strategy, Security Management, Infrastructure Security, Data Security, Threat Modeling, Computer Security, Security Awareness, Risk Management, Enterprise Security, Vulnerability, Governance, General Networking, Public Safety and National Security, Threat Detection, Artificial Intelligence
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Cybersecurity analysts protect computer networks and systems from cyber threats. They identify vulnerabilities in organizations, implement defensive measures, investigate incidents, and coordinate responses to cyberattacks. Becoming a junior cybersecurity analyst is an excellent first step in your cybersecurity career. You’ll build the foundational skills you need to transition into a more advanced or specialized role, such as security engineering or architecture. Learn more about how to prepare for an entry-level cybersecurity analyst role and how Coursera can help:
Find your career track: How to Start Learning Cybersecurity: Custom Course Guide
Watch on YouTube: How to Become a Cybersecurity Analyst
Ready to start learning? Explore our catalog of cybersecurity courses or accelerate your career growth with a Coursera Plus subscription. When you enroll in either the monthly or annual option, you’ll get access to over 10,000 courses.
If you’re interested in computers, networks, and how they work, a career in cybersecurity could be a good fit for you. Jobs in the field tend to be in-demand and high-paying. The median salary for an information security analyst, for example, is $120,360 per year [3].
If you're just starting out in cybersecurity, consider a beginner-friendly Professional Certificate like the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate, IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate, or Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate to build foundational skills and get hands-on experience with cybersecurity analyst tools. Once you've established familiarity with cybersecurity technology and best practices, the CompTIA Security+ is considered among the best entry-level, vendor-neutral credentials.
Read more about key cybersecurity certifications: 10 Popular Cybersecurity Certifications
As you begin a career in cybersecurity, you’ll find a variety of different roles and specializations to pursue. Earning a degree in cybersecurity could be a step toward career opportunities like:
You probably won’t need to know how to code for most entry-level cybersecurity jobs. The ability to read and understand code becomes increasingly helpful as you advance in the field. Some programming languages you might consider learning include JavaScript, HTML, Python, C, and C++.
The skills, practices, and technologies you’ll use as a cybersecurity professional will continue to evolve along with computer and network technology. The desire to learn, ability to problem solve, and attention to detail will serve you well in this field. Other, more technical skills and technologies to learn include:
*US Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Outlook Handbook, Computer and Information Technology Occupations: Information Security Analysts, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm.” Accessed February 6, 2024.