Why CISSP is a must have certification, now more than ever
The ISC2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification is essential if you're pursuing a senior role in Information Security.
CISSP provides an extensive overview of the Common Body of Knowledge (CBK), a compendium of information security practices and standards compiled and continually updated by ISC2.
CISSP is integral to developing an extensive understanding of information security and has gained importance as a key component in the selection process for management-level information security positions.
Here are the top reasons why CISSP is a must-have.
1. Industry recognition
A certification is only as good as its recognition. Unlike many standard certs, CISSP boasts industry-wide recognition, acknowledged in 2015 by SC Magazine (for the fifth time) as the Best Professional Certification Program.
This gold-standard credential is not only recognised by the world’s leading multinationals, such as Google, IBM, and P&G, but it’s also deemed a requirement in 56% of cyber jobs in the contracting industry. If you’re looking to take on the complicated world of IT security, CISSP is a must-have.
2. Job competence
The 2015 ISC2 Global Workforce Study report found that the attributes that best characterise successful information security professionals came down to a broad understanding of the security field, communication skills, and awareness of the latest security threats.
CISSP’s core content actively seeks to develop this wide range of information and security management. The CISSP CBK consists of the following eight domains:
- Security and Risk Management
- Asset Security
- Security Engineering
- Communication and Network Security
- Identity and Access Management
- Security Assessment and Testing
- Security Operations
- Software Development Security
The Global Workforce study also compares the job roles of ISC2 members and non-members.
The findings show those with an ISC2 certification such as CISSP, although in possession of a wide range of information, are more likely to take on specialised job roles.
Examples of such specialist positions include Security Consultant, Security Architect, Information Assurance Manager or Security Advisor.
Nannette Ripmeester, founder of Expertise in Labour Mobility, believes these specific skills are valued more by employers "because they are more difficult to teach."
Non-members are more likely to have generalist IT roles such as Network Administrator, Security Systems Administrator, or Technical Consultant.
3. ISC2 membership
After completing an ISC2 and pay the annual fee, you become an ISC2 member. This membership offers plenty of resources and benefits that can help further your knowledge and network.
Membership benefits include:
- Access to a vast network: With over 110,000 members across 160 countries, you will gain access to other CISSP-certified individuals and the shareable knowledge of this community
- The opportunity to earn CPEs, which are critical for maintaining your certification in good standing
- Discounts on industry conferences and access to free online events
- Access to industry-leading research, including the ISC Journal and the Global Information Security Workforce Study
- Access to Security Central, an exclusive resource that researches and tracks vulnerabilities using proprietary, state-of-the-art algorithms to aggregate, categorise and prioritise vulnerabilities affecting tens of thousands of products
- Industry recognition: events acknowledging distinguished information security professionals.
- Digital badges to share your credentials online
4. Earning potential
The CISSP certification proves you have the advanced skills, knowledge, and commitment required to command higher wages.
The challenging standards require students to have at least 5 years of experience in two of the eight ISC2 domains. Students must complete a 250-question multiple-choice exam to be officially certified.
Although a difficult process, requiring students to fully understand the CBK and framework of information security practices and standards, the return on investment makes it one of the most highly sought-after courses available.
CISSP-certified professionals command an average salary of £76,700 compared with £62,500 for similar job titles without it.
5. Growing demand for Cyber Security Professionals
As businesses become increasingly dependent on information technology, Cyber Security becomes increasingly important. Cybersecurity Ventures projects $1 trillion will be spent globally on Cyber Security from 2017 to 2021.
Editor-In-Chief, Steve Morgan, stated that “IT analyst forecasts are unable to keep pace with the dramatic rise in cyber-crime.” Forbes echoed this in a recent article, stating that the booming Cyber Security market is expected to grow from $75 billion in 2015 to $170 billion by 2020.
Despite the industry experiencing rapid growth, ISC2 found that by 2019 there will be a shortage of 1.5 million information security professionals. So, not only is CISSP a qualification that can propel your IT career, its current high demand in a growing industry makes 2016 the best time to start.
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