In this blog post, we will explore the key differences between a cybersecurity degree and certifications to help you make an informed decision about your career path.

Cybersecurity Degree: A Strong Foundation for Versatile Career Opportunities

A cybersecurity degree program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering various aspects of computer and network security, cybercrime, cyber law, cryptography, risk management, and ethics. This broad education equips graduates with a well-rounded understanding of the cybersecurity landscape and prepares them for a range of job opportunities.

Core topics typically covered in a cybersecurity degree program include network security, ethical hacking, data protection and privacy, digital forensics, and incident response. Beyond technical skills, pursuing a cybersecurity degree also fosters the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication abilities – all essential attributes for success in the cybersecurity field.

Graduates with a cybersecurity degree can pursue diverse roles, including security analyst, security engineer, network security specialist, cybersecurity consultant, or even aspire to become a chief information security officer (CISO). The breadth of knowledge gained from a degree program enables individuals to navigate various cybersecurity challenges, leveraging a deep understanding of industry best practices and cutting-edge concepts.

Cybersecurity Certifications: Specialization and Expertise Showcased

In contrast to a degree, cybersecurity certifications offer a more focused and specialized approach. Certifications target specific domains within cybersecurity, allowing professionals to hone their expertise in areas such as network security, ethical hacking, or incident response.

Cybersecurity certifications are offered by prestigious organizations and vendors such as (ISC2), CompTIA, ISACA, EC-Council, and SANS Institute. Some of the most sought-after certifications include Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and CompTIA Security+.

A significant advantage of pursuing certifications is the ability to demonstrate proficiency in a particular domain. Employers often value these credentials as they provide tangible evidence of an individual’s skills and knowledge. Additionally, certifications help professionals stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in cybersecurity through continuous learning and recertification requirements.

Choosing the Right Path: Aligning Career Goals and Aspirations

The decision between a cybersecurity degree and certifications ultimately hinges on your career goals and the specific role you envision for yourself in the cybersecurity industry.

A cybersecurity degree is an excellent choice if you seek a broad skill set and aspire to work in various roles within the field. The degree program will equip you with a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity principles and theories, empowering you to tackle diverse challenges in the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.

On the other hand, certifications are ideal if you already have a foundational knowledge in cybersecurity or wish to specialize in a specific area. By acquiring certifications, you can demonstrate your expertise in the domain and stand out in a competitive job market.

Where Do You Stand?

Ultimately, the choice between a cybersecurity degree and certifications is a personal one, dependent on your career goals, interests, and aspirations. By assessing your strengths, weaknesses, and preferences, you can chart a course that propels you towards a successful and fulfilling career in the dynamic and ever-important realm of cybersecurity. Whichever path you choose, remember that dedication to learning and a passion for cybersecurity will be your strongest allies in this exciting journey.

We Are A Certified EC-Council Academy In Cameroon

Seven Advanced Academy is an official representative of EC-Council in Cameroon. You can take any one of EC-Council’s 40+ certifications in our approved center.

For entry-level, our flagship certification is the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) offered for a duration of 7 months. Learn more about our cybersecurity program.

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In many cases, certifications are a great stepping stone into a particular cybersecurity field.

For beginners interested in starting a career in cybersecurity, there are several entry-level certifications that can help lay a solid foundation of knowledge and skills in a specialized cybersecurity domain. 

Some Popular Cybersecurity Certifications For Beginners

1. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

The CEH certification focuses on ethical hacking and penetration testing techniques. It provides insight into how hackers operate and how to defend against their tactics.

2. CompTIA Security+

This is another widely recognized entry-level certifications for cybersecurity. CompTIA Security+ covers basic cybersecurity principles, network security, cryptography, and more.

3. Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate

This certification from Cisco focuses on cybersecurity operations and covers security monitoring, incident response, and network intrusion analysis.

4. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

While CISSP is generally considered an advanced certification, it is still possible for beginners to take it. It covers a wide range of cybersecurity topics, including security policies, risk management, and more.

5. Certified Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)

Offered by CompTIA, this certification emphasizes the skills needed to detect and respond to cybersecurity incidents.

6. GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)

This certification from Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) covers essential knowledge of information security concepts and practices.

7. Certified Network Defender (CND)

The CND certification focuses on network security and defense strategies to protect an organization’s information assets.

Which Certification Do You Prefer?

Before diving into any specific certification, it’s essential to assess your existing knowledge and skills to choose the most appropriate one. Additionally, consider your career goals within the cybersecurity field, as different certifications may align better with specific job roles (e.g., penetration tester, cybersecurity analyst, network security specialist, etc.).

Study Cybersecurity At Seven Advanced Academy

Thanks to our partnership with EC-Council, we certify students in one of any EC-Council’s 40+ certifications.

Learn more about our 7 months customized cybersecurity program that covers both the CEH and the CND curriculum.

Remember that hands-on experience is equally important, so don’t limit yourself to just obtaining certifications. Practice and work on real-world projects to reinforce your learning and gain practical skills. 

Through EC-Council, you’ll have access to online resources and virtual labs. You shall have the opportunity to participate in Capture The Flag (CTF) events as a team. All these are great ways to gain hands-on experience in cybersecurity.

In fact, the FBI’s Internet Crime Report for 2022 revealed that the public reported a total of 800,944 cybercrime complaints.

In that report, Phishing attacks were the number one crime type, with 300,497 complaints reported. The total losses due to phishing attacks exceeded $10.3 billion.

To get an overview, take a look at the excerpt below.

As cybercrime continues to rise, there is a pressing need for skilled professionals who can combat these threats and safeguard our digital world.

In this blog post, we will delve into who an ethical hacker is, their critical role in cybersecurity, and the compelling reasons why you should consider becoming one.

Who is an Ethical Hacker?

An ethical hacker, also known as a “white hat” hacker, is an individual with exceptional technical skills and expertise in identifying vulnerabilities and weaknesses in computer systems, networks, and applications. Unlike malicious hackers who exploit these weaknesses for personal gain, ethical hackers work with permission to uncover vulnerabilities and help secure these systems.

The primary goal of an ethical hacker is to assess and strengthen an organization’s security infrastructure by simulating potential cyber attacks. They use the same techniques as malicious hackers but employ them ethically to expose potential entry points and weak spots in the system. This process, known as penetration testing or “pen testing,” enables organizations to proactively address security issues before malicious hackers can exploit them.

Why Should You Become an Ethical Hacker?

1. Combat Cybercrime

As cyber threats become more sophisticated and prevalent, there is an urgent demand for skilled professionals who can counter these attacks.

You may think that cyber insecurity is a problem for the developed world only. But that’s not true. According to  the 2023 Africa Financial Industry Barometer, developed in partnership with the Africa Financial Industry Summit and Deloitte, 97% of surveyed executives at top financial institutions in Africa consider cybercrime a significant threat. In fact, according to Symantec, A cybercriminal group continues to target banks and financial institutions in Francophone countries across Africa.

By becoming an ethical hacker, you can actively contribute to the fight against cybercrime and protect individuals, businesses, and critical infrastructure from devastating data breaches.

2. Lucrative Career Opportunities:

Cybersecurity is a profession that is never out of demand. Like doctors, ethical hackers are required 24 hours a day, seven days a week, regardless of the economy. According to KnowledgeHut, Ethical hacking has a 0% unemployment rate, indicating that if you pursue this field, you are sure to end up with a job in hand.

As organizations prioritize cybersecurity, they are willing to offer competitive salaries and benefits to skilled professionals who can help safeguard their digital assets.

3. Continuous Learning and Challenge

Ethical hacking is a field that thrives on continuous learning and adaptation. With ever-evolving cybersecurity threats, ethical hackers must stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and tools. This constant challenge keeps the profession dynamic and intellectually stimulating.

4. Make a Positive Impact

Ethical hackers have the power to make a positive impact on society. By using their skills for good, they play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive information, protecting user privacy, and securing critical infrastructures.

5. White Hat Reputation

Unlike malicious hackers, ethical hackers enjoy a positive reputation in the cybersecurity community. They are recognized for their contributions to a safer digital environment and often collaborate with law enforcement agencies and cybersecurity firms.

6. Global Demand

Cybersecurity knows no borders. As an ethical hacker, you have the opportunity to work with organizations and governments around the world. This global demand opens doors to exciting international career opportunities.

7. Ethical Hacking Communities

The cybersecurity community is known for its camaraderie and shared passion for securing the digital realm. Becoming an ethical hacker allows you to be a part of this vibrant and supportive community, where knowledge-sharing and collaboration are encouraged.

Do You Want to Become An Ethical Hacker

In conclusion, an ethical hacker is a cybersecurity professional with a mission to protect and defend against cyber threats. By embracing ethical hacking, you can embark on a rewarding and impactful career that safeguards the digital world.

By becoming an ethical hacker, you can make a tangible difference in the fight against cybercrime, and in doing so, help build a safer and more secure digital landscape for everyone. So, if you have a passion for technology, problem-solving, and the drive to protect others, consider taking the path of an ethical hacker and join the front lines of cybersecurity defense.

Where Can I Study Ethical Hacking in Cameroon?

Seven Advanced Academy is a Certified EC-Council Training Center in Cameroon. Through us, you can certify in any of over 40 EC-Council Certifications. However, our flagship program is the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) well elaborated in a Cybersecurity course curriculum that also fits the context of ethical hacking training in Cameroon.

Learn more about our cybersecurity training. Chat on WhatsApp.

1. Which IT Security certifications can I take today at Seven Academy?

We train and certify a total of 40 certifications through our partnership with EC-Council. 

Why a lot of demand for the Certified Ethical Hacking (CEH) training?

Based on research, CEH which is a prerequisite into CHFI and ECIH was the most popular vendor neutral cyber security certification among employers in 2019.

2. Which organization backs Seven Advanced Academy’s Cyber Security training in Cameroon?

Our certifications are backed by EC-Council. Both as a training and a testing center. 

We partnered with EC-Council because individuals who have achieved EC-Council certifications work with organizations like the US Army, the FBI, Microsoft, IBM, and the United Nations.

Their certifications have received endorsements from various government agencies including the US Federal Government via the Montgomery GI Bill, National Security Agency (NSA) and the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS).

Moreover, the United States Department of Defense has included the CEH program into its Directive 8570 making it one of the mandatory standards to be achieved by Computer Network Defenders Service Providers (CND-SP).

3. What are the Cyber Security entry requirements?

There is no predefined eligibility criteria for those interested in this training. However, computer networking knowledge (N+) is preferred. For this reason, the admission committee will review applications on an individual basis.

Clause: Age Requirements and Policies Concerning Minors.

The age requirement for attempting the CEH exam is restricted to any candidate who is not at least 18 years old on the date of examination.

4. Should I take an online and in-person Cyber Security training at Seven Advanced Academy? 

While online training will be perfect for those who can’t attend classes on campus, in-person training is preferred by many.

Studying with classmates under the guidance of a certified EC-Council tutor will push you to work harder.

Moreover, sharing from your instructors experiences in Cyber Security in Cameroon and out of Cameroon is a plus.

5. Who is the Lead Cyber Security Instructor at Seven Advanced Academy?

Miss Fru Mangui is the Lead Cyber Security instructor at Seven Advanced Academy. She is an EC-Council Certified instructor.

She works closely with Mr. Landry Wambo who is a cyber security expert for our sister company Seven GPS.

Talk to the instructor on WhatsApp.

6. What makes this cyber security training different from others in the market?

Our EC-Council CEH curriculum for instance focuses on hacking techniques and technologies from an offensive perspective.

This advanced security hacking training is regularly updated. So, you can be sure it reflects the latest developments in the domain, including new hacking techniques, exploits, automated programs as well as defensive recommendations as outlined by experts in the field.

7. What jobs can a Certified Ethical Hacker get in Cameroon or overseas?

After your training, you can work as: 

• Information Security Analyst.
• Security Analyst.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Ethical Hacker.
• Security Consultant, (Computing / Networking / Information Technology)
• Information Security Manager.
• Penetration Tester.

8. What hacking techniques and technologies can you expect to master with CEH?

Hacking techniques represent ways and means by which computer programs can be made to behave in ways they are not meant to.

As you begin your training, you’ll come to understand that these techniques extend beyond the technology domain and can be applied to test security policies and procedures.

Hacking technologies on the other hand are used to refer to those tools and automated programs that can be used by perpetrators against an organization to incur critical damage.

Even though Python is celebrated, you’ll learn how to use a variety of languages to hack.

Also, Linux is our default training operating system.

9. Does Seven Advanced Academy have the right infrastructure in Cameroon for a Cyber Security Training?

One reason the EC-Council partnered with us to offer IT Security certifications is because of the infrastructure in place.



Visit our labs in person at Bali, opposite Hotel Serena, and discuss with your to-be instructor.

Visit the Training page.

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The first of these classed are scheduled for August 25, 2020 and September 1, 2020.

As you may already know, EC-Council is an official partner of Seven Advanced Academy.

The partnership that was signed last June permits students to study top programs in cybersecurity here in Cameroon without traveling abroad. 

All lovers of cybersecurity (students and non-students of Seven Advanced Academy) can benefit from these free webinars.

In these webinars, all questions about studying cybersecurity and getting a job will be answered.

Join upcoming webinars:

Kevin Cardwell | CEH | August 25, 2020 | 8:00 AM Cameroon time.

Eric Reed | CHFI | September 1, 2020 | 8:00 AM Cameroon time.

Do not miss this rare opportunity. Information is money. Tell your friends to attend.

To participate in this demo class free of charge simply click the links below to register for the two different events.  

August 25th event: Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

September 1st event: Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI):

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

For all upcoming webinars, talk to one of our cybersecurity instructors.

WhatsApp Now.

Read more about our Cybersecurity Training.