Best Cybersecurity Certifications for MS in Cybersecurity Graduates
| 5 Min Read

Cybercrime is skyrocketing, and it’s not slowing down. Now more than ever, businesses need highly qualified cybersecurity professionals to protect their information from cyber threats. Earning your MS in Cybersecurity online from Middlebury Institute is one step toward a variety of high-level careers, but it’s not the only step. Completing one or more cybersecurity certifications is crucial to demonstrate the true breadth and depth of your expertise.
As artificial intelligence and other technologies continue to advance, cybercriminals will be able to create increasingly complex attacks with less effort. In the past year, digital security breaches have increased by 75%.1 Statista reports that, by 2028, the worldwide cost of cybercrime is expected to reach $13.82 trillion, which is a significant increase from 2024’s $9.22 trillion.2
Firms are actively seeking experts in cybersecurity analysis, incident response, application security, and risk management to run their security operations.3 Keep reading to learn how the best cybersecurity certifications can improve your career trajectory and prepare you to defend organizations from global cyber threats.
Why Are Cybersecurity Certificates Important?
As cyber threats become more sophisticated, so must cybersecurity experts. Adding cybersecurity certificates to your résumé shows potential employers and clients your specialized skill sets—and that you’re at the forefront of the latest technological developments. In fact, many of today’s cybersecurity employers require applicants to have both a master’s degree and foundational professional certifications. Employers want experts who know how to defend their sensitive information. Here are a few common cyber threats employers are concerned about:
- Data breaches
- Phishing
- SMS phishing (“smishing”)
- Ransomware attacks
- Identity fraud
- Hacking
- Deepfakes
- Cryptojacking
- Drive-by downloads
That’s why the Middlebury Institute online cybersecurity master’s degree offers a career-relevant curriculum that prepares you to sit for industry-recognized certification exams. Specifically, the certifications offered by both the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) and the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2).
Additionally, it’s the ideal time to add cybersecurity certifications to your résumé. IBM reports that businesses save an average of $2.2 million when they establish appropriate cybersecurity measures.1 With millions of dollars at stake and 62% of employers reporting gaps3 in their cybersecurity workforce, it’s easy to understand why the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the job outlook for Information Security Analysts will rise by 33% from 2023 to 2033—a much faster growth rate than the 4% average for all other occupations.4
Equipped with an MS in Cybersecurity and key cybersecurity certifications, you’ll be able to confidently pursue careers in cybersecurity in a broad range of industries, such as finance, insurance, management, consulting, computer systems design, and more.
What Cybersecurity Certifications Should I Get?
Explore the most recognized cybersecurity certifications below and discover which ones align with your IT security career goals.5 Since Middlebury Institute is an authorized partner of CompTIA, MIIS students benefit from certification-aligned curricula and receive discounted exam vouchers for the CompTIA Security+ and CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) exams.
CompTIA Security+
This entry-level certification covers essential baseline skills needed to perform core security functions. Showcase your ability to secure networks, applications, and devices to ensure data integrity. You’ll be prepared for roles like systems administrator, security engineer, and IT auditor.
CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
Designed for cyber professionals tasked with incident detection, prevention, and response, this certification covers advanced persistent threats and security analytics. Advance as a security analyst or explore other positions like threat intelligence analyst and vulnerability analyst.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Become an ISC2 member, gain access to a professional network of like-minded peers, and learn how to design, implement, and manage a state-of-the-art cybersecurity program. Qualify for roles such as chief information security officer, senior security consultant, and information assurance analyst.
Certified Information Systems Auditor® (CISA®)
Develop your ability to apply risk-based approaches when auditing, monitoring, and assessing IT and business systems. This certification also addresses cutting-edge innovations like AI and blockchain. Whether you want to become an IT audit manager, an information security analyst, or something else, you have options.
Google Cybersecurity Certificate
This beginner-level certification is ideal for those with no relevant experience who are breaking into the cybersecurity field. You will identify and mitigate common risks, threats, and vulnerabilities with artificial intelligence and other tools.
Certified Information Security Manager® (CISM®)
Affirm your ability to analyze risks, implement effective policies and governance, and proactively respond to cyberattacks with a focus on emerging technologies like AI, cryptocurrencies, and more. Prepare for positions like IT manager, information risk consultant, and data governance manager.
GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
This certification covers password management, cryptography, cloud operations, network architecture, incident handling and loss, mobile device security measures, and more. It’s optimal for beginning to intermediate practitioners pursuing IT systems roles with cybersecurity-related responsibilities.
Jump Start Your Career in Cybersecurity
Sure, cybercrime is skyrocketing—but that means the demand for cybersecurity professionals is at an all-time high. Don’t miss the chance to advance your cybersecurity career in a booming job market. Plus, you can strategically double the impact of your time, energy, and money with a 100% online MS in Cybersecurity program. Earn a valuable graduate degree with a program that also readies you for many respected cybersecurity certifications, like the CompTIA Security+ and CySA+.
Sources
- IBM. “Cost of a Data Breach Report 2024.” Retrieved June 26, 2025, from https://www.ibm.com/reports/data-breach.
- Statista. “Cybercrime Expected to Skyrocket in Coming Years.” Retrieved June 26, 2025, from https://www.statista.com/chart/28878/expected-cost-of-cybercrime-until-2027/.
- ISACA. “Track These 7 Trends for Proactive Cybersecurity in 2024.” Retrieved June 26, 2025, from https://www.isaca.org/resources/news-and-trends/industry-news/2023/track-these-7-trends-for-proactive-cybersecurity-in-2024.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Information Security Analysts.” Retrieved June 25, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm.
- National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies. “Cybersecurity Certifications.” Retrieved June 26, 2025, from https://niccs.cisa.gov/resources/cybersecurity-certifications.