Whiz kid: Going straight from high school to IT security

This feature first appeared in the Spring 2014 issue of Certification Magazine.

Among the skills sought for work in penetration testing — the branch of cybersecurity in which gifted “ethical hackers” attempt to strengthen network or website security by finding and exploiting weaknesses — are excellence in programming, deep familiarity with operating systems, knowledge of computer …

Teens polish cert smarts by competing in SkillsUSA

Whether it’s marching band, or debate squad, or cheerleading camp, or varsity athletics, kids in high school like to compete. Sure, it looks good on college applications, and parents and teachers like to encourage students to excel. For those who really catch the vision, however, for the ones who stay the course and take daylong …

CertStudent: Parts in a box for Christmas

 CertStudent  is a regular feature that profiles students of all ages who are pursuing certification at schools, in training programs, and on their own time (and own dime). Know an interesting  CertStudent ? Let us know at editor (at) certmag (dot) com.

This week’s student was first featured in the Spring 2014 issue of Certification …

Dear CertMag: I don’t encounter many other women in IT

 Dear CertMag  is a weekly feature that addresses common questions about certification and related IT issues. Have a question? Send an e-mail to editor (at) certmag (dot) com.

Dear CertMag: My love affair with computers and technology goes all the way back to middle school. I work in data storage and I’ve had a handful …

Seven security certifications to set your sights on

The IT job market is starting to heat up and security professionals are one of the career fields in high demand. The recent rash of high profile security breaches is causing executives and company boards to demand an increased focus on cybersecurity practices and IT shops are struggling to keep up. Earning a security credential …

Dear CertMag: I want to advance my IT networking career

 Dear CertMag  is a weekly feature that addresses common questions about certification and related IT issues. Have a question? Send an e-mail to editor (at) certmag (dot) com.

Dear CertMag: After graduating college, I started on handling IT services at the city offices in my hometown. I like network management and I have a couple …