(Carolyn Duffy Marsan, NetworkWorld) Interest in IT security certifications is booming, as more U.S. companies tighten up the protection surrounding their critical network infrastructure and as a growing number of employees view security expertise as recession proof.

Three of the top 10 IT certifications in terms of demand among U.S. employers are security related, according to Foote Partners, a consultancy that tracks IT employment trends. These include the Red Hat Certified Security Specialist – which ranks as No.2 on the Foote Partners list – as well as the CompTIA Security+ (No.3) and the GIAC Security Essentials Certificate (No.6).

Worries about security breaches are prompting companies to get more IT employees trained and certified in information security, says David Foote, CEO of Foote Partners. "Employees are looking at security certifications as career safety," he adds. "Security is a great long-term career move because there's a steady drumbeat of regulations and compliance."

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