As an aspiring Linux/Unix sysadmin and cybersecurity professional, what certifications and career path should I focus on first?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 15:46:13 -0400

These are the two certification paths I'm considering from New Horizons as of now.

CompTIA IT Fundamentals
CompTIA A+
CompTIA Network+
CompTIA Security+
Cisco CCENT

OR

CompTIA A+,
CompTIA Network+,
CompTIA Security+,
Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS),
Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA),
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

OR

Information Security Program
CompTIA Security+
Certified Ethical Hacker
CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner

I'd also want to do Linux+ later.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Mar 17 at 2017 3:48 PM

SrA Edward Vong — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 15:48:07 -0400

The admins that I work with have computer science majors, and some may hold Net+, Sec+, CCNA, and MCSA. Many however just have computer science majors.

Response by SSG Derek Scheller made Mar 17 at 2017 4:01 PM

SSG Derek Scheller — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 16:01:56 -0400

If you are trying to work with Linux/Unix then I would bypass the Microsoft certs and get Linux+, also I would go with option 2 haha. The main thing being though once your in that sysadmin role, I would do everything I can to enhance my cyber security knowledge and eventually try to move over to security analyst.

Response by PFC Alexander Oliveira made Mar 17 at 2017 4:08 PM

PFC Alexander Oliveira — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 16:08:53 -0400

the most widely accepted ones for any IT positions are A+ and Sec+. if you want to get into cyber security like I am I suggest you go for Sec+. pass it once then every 3 years you renew it and it stays valid. everybody likes Sec+ the most

Response by PO2 Robert Aitchison made Mar 17 at 2017 5:11 PM

PO2 Robert Aitchison — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 17:11:14 -0400

Second set will give you the most options when looking for a place to work.

Response by PO2 Michael Henry made Mar 17 at 2017 7:01 PM

PO2 Michael Henry — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 19:01:26 -0400

Find the job you want and see what they require. IT Fundamentals is a joke. It's a prep for A+. I am in the BSIT Security program at WGU. They require:
Cisco Certified Entry-Level Network Technician (CCENT)
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA®)
Cisco Certified Network Associate Security (CCNA® Security)
CompTIA A+
CompTIA Network+
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Project+
CompTIA Linux+
http://www.wgu.edu/online_it_degrees/information_technology_degree_security

If you want to work with Unix/Linux, ignore the Microsoft certs. A mix of all 3 programs would be best. Get your A+, N+, then either Security+ or Linux+ next. Get both however. If your future position(s) are going to include Cisco hardware, get Cisco certified, otherwise optional. After that focus on the 3rd program.

Online IT Security Degree | Information Security Degree | WGU College of Information Technology

Western Governors University is an accredited online university offering online degrees featuring an accredited online IT degree in information security with IT certifications included in your program.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2017 11:55 AM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 11:55:57 -0400

I can tell you that the A+, S+, N+, CCNA RS aren't worth it, at least where I've worked. CCNA Security or Cloud (something most people don't get) will look good.

Tbh, certs aren't really needed in the Private sector, if you've demonstrated you're able to do the job (with previous work experience, personal projects) and are willing to learn, you'll go far.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2017 6:11 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Mar 2017 18:11:04 -0400

SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint, would you happen to have any input on this from a Cybersecurity point ?

I'm really considering the third option right now.