Hello,

The best way to go around such a niche qualification is to obtain a basic undergraduate degree in computer science or information technology. After that, the best option would be a certification program in either of the domains you mentioned. A professional certification is different from an institute sponsored certification in the aspect that this provides you with an internationally-recognized qualification in a very specific set of skills. IT certification holders are currently also some of the most highly-paid individuals especially in the domain of cyber security.

Some of the top certifications in the world for cyber security that you can look into are:

• CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional (ISC2)
  
• SSCP - Systems Security Certified Practitioner (ISC2)
  
• CISM - Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
  
• ECSA - EC Council Certified Security Analyst (EC Council)
  
• EC Council certificates (CCISO, CND, CEH etc.)
  
• GSEC - GIAC Secutiry Essentials (GIAC)
  
• Cisco Security certifications (CCNA - Security, CCNP - Security, CCIE - Security)
  
• DCPP - Data Security Council of India Certified Privacy Professional (DSCI)
  
• CWSP - Certified Wireless Security Professional (CWNP)
  

For penetration testing, there are three certifications which are the most highly revered in the international market and are also immensely intensive and practically-oriented:

• LPT Master - Liscenced Penetration Tester (EC Council)
  
• GPEN - GIAC Penetration Tester (GIAC)
  
• OSCP - Offensive Security Certified Professional (Offensive Security)