3 IT Security Certifications Small VARs and MSPs Must Have to Show Clients They Are Serious About Data Security

LAKE WORTH, FL - Standing out among all of the other small VARs and MSPs can be very difficult for a local IT business. However, third-party credentials, such as IT security certifications, make this much easier and are a proven way to differentiate a small VAR or MSP. Simply put, these certifications show existing clients and potential small business clients that a computer consulting business is very serious about data security. Within today's Internet-centric world, IT security has quickly become a fast-growing field among top IT certifications, leading to rapidly-growing demand both for IT professionals and IT services businesses.

• CompTIA Security+ - This exam covers network security, cryptography, identity management, and compliance. It is vendor-neutral with no prerequisites. However, two years of networking experience are recommended.
• CISSP - This is a vendor-neutral certification that is administered by (ISC)2. At least five years of security experience is required. The exam covers the 10 areas in the Common Book of Knowledge (CBK).
• CEH - This qualification is administered by the EC-Council, with a focus on web and application protection, preventing the penetration of networks and applications, as well as seeking out vulnerabilities. The Certified Ethical Hacker qualification includes 19 modules focusing on subjects like viruses and session hijacking.