Cybercrime has been on the rise, with global companies losing over $400 billion annually. The most prominent examples of cybercrime are The Home Depot, Target, and J.P. Morgan that suffered great losses. Over time, various companies in the private sector and even the government organizations have raised alarms about the increasing quantity and severity of cyber-attacks. As a result of this growing problem, there has been a sharp increase in the demand and need for cybersecurity in almost every industry.
Regardless of the size of companies, cybersecurity professionals are required to protect business data from any sort of attacks and breaches by hacking and online theft. Since cyber-crime has become a critical point of concern for businesses, the increase of demand cybersecurity professionals has increased three times over the past few years.
If you are thinking of boosting your career as a cybersecurity professional, you must consider completing the CISSP certification.
What is the CISSP Certification?
Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP) is a well-known certification recognized by organizations worldwide, which is offered by International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2. CISSP authenticates the candidate abilities in all areas of cyber-security. The certified professionals are capable of working with the controls, design, and management of the enterprise information system infrastructure and architecture to meticulously secure data assets.
CISSP is regarded as the baseline for the ISSEP program for U.S. National Security Agency. It is accredited for ANSI ISO/IEC 17024:2003 and is designed to meet the stringent standards of ISO/IEC. The U.S Department of Defense also provides approval for both the Information Assurance Technical (IAT) and Information Assurance Managerial (IAM).
How CISSP Certification can Boost Your Cybersecurity Career
Recognized Worldwide
CISSP is a well-known and recognized certification all around the world and is acknowledged by corporations, such as IBM, P&G, Google, and many others. Enterprises usually prefer hiring a CISSP professional with robust information system training, as they are more skilled, knowledgeable, and show higher commitment in different cybersecurity positions.
Keep the Data and Communications Secured
Another reason for high value of CISSP professionals is that they possess the ability to secure all the business data and the company is meeting all the information security requirements. This helps to create a positive impact on the customers and clients, especially for the companies that interact with clients on a regular basis and want their communications, interactions and all other private details to be secured.
A Preferred Human Resource for Organizations
While hiring, organizations consider CISSP professionals more due to their higher capabilities in serving in information and cybersecurity roles. According to ISC standards, candidates must possess the optimum blend of skills and knowledge to deal with any evolving cyberthreat. In essence, these professionals are generalists with the ability to specialize in various fields of IT and are considered to be the most valued employees, according to HR departments of corporations.
Better Risk Management
CISSP professionals are well-informed in all the arenas of information security. When it comes to risk aversion or management, CISSP professionals are considered well-equipped for the job as they have in-depth knowledge of compliance with standards, like HIPPA, FISMA, DoD directive 8570.1, SOX, FERPA, GLBA and many others. Having a firm grasp over international standards allows professionals to design and implement
Score a High Pay Scale
IDC suggests that due to the drastic increase in cyber threats and attacks on security systems, organizations have put hiring CISSP certified professionals a top priority. A market survey has shown that CISSP certified professionals are one of the highest paid in the IT industry – their median income is around $98,000 approximately. Due to more threats to information systems, companies are willing to pay more to hire the right professionals, leading to higher demand and salaries to CISSP certified professionals.
Stay Up-to-Date with Cybersecurity Trends
Staying on top requires being constantly up-to-date with how the cybersecurity landscape is changing and what is trending in the market. To maintain the CISSP certified status, one must earn CPE credits every year. To gain these credits, the approved professional must attend information security training sessions. conferences, watch webinars, and study supplemented media and others. This not only helps earn credits and maintain the CISSP certified status, but also aids professionals to learn something new and stay on top of their game.
Opportunity to Work in Diverse Roles
Since information security is an evolving domain, CISSP professionals may find their jobs also evolving with time. Also (ISC)2 has stated that CISSP certification serves as a differentiator for candidates, as they have higher competency in the field and hold a stronger position in the market.
CISSP certified professionals can work in a wide range of roles in the cyber- and information-security domain, such as:
- Security Architect
- Security consultant
- Network Architect
- IT manager/Director
- Chief information security manager
- Director of security
- Security auditor
- Security systems engineer
- Security analyst
- Security manager
CISSP Member Benefits
CISSP members enjoy a wide range of benefits, such as:
- Discounted and Free Events
- Discounts on (ISC)2 Education
- Networking Opportunities
- Info-Security Professional Magazine
- Free Webinars.
- Participate in (ISC)2 Global Awards Program
These member benefits enable you to rise above the ranks and increase your worth in the market.
Becoming a CISSP-certified Professional
Certified Information Systems Security Professional certification requires not only the candidate passing the 6-hour 250 question exam but also requires having at least five years of full-time service in cybersecurity and hands-on experience in minimum two of the eight cybersecurity knowledge domains.
The exam encompasses 10 areas, containing:
- Disaster recovery and business continuity plans
- Investigation laws and ethics
- Access controls system and methodology
- Operations security
- Cryptography
- Networking and telecommunications security
- Security models and architectures
- Physical security
- Systems and application security development
- Best management practices
Clearing the examination will make you an all-rounder in cybersecurity, allowing you to score a highly paid job and move ahead in your career. However, it is best that you opt for a proper information security training geared towards equipping you acing the CISSP certification exam.