Have you been fascinated with the Internet since you opened your first browser and visited your first website? If you have been, then as time progressed, you’ve likely become even more interested in how the Internet works and the safeguards put into place to protect those who use it. This might even have led you to major in Information Technology and Security in college. Now you have a shiny degree and have been told by those working in the field that you need to attain certifications and almost all the professionals suggested you start with the CISSP, also known as the Certified Information Systems and Security Professional. Wondering what that is, why you need it, and how to get it? Keep reading.
Why the CISSP?
Attaining the CISSP is a foundation on which an IT security career can be built. By attaining this certification, an IT professional can join an organization that helps design and execute IT security throughout the world. Although it is possible to work as an IT security professional without the certification, a person’s career will plateau quickly and room for advancement will be limited. Anyone who wants to rise in the ranks of IT security would be wise to attain this certification. If a person went to the trouble of getting a degree in information technology and security, it just makes sense to continue that education and attain certification in the field.
Overview of Who Offers CISSP Certification?
CISSP certification is offered by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, also known as (ISC)2. The organization was founded in 1989 and is a non-profit membership association for information security professionals. The organization has more than 140,000 certified members who work to create and execute information security measures in the United States and other countries.
Along with the CISSP certification, (ISC)2 also provides certification in the following areas:
Systems Security Certification Practitioner (SSCP)
Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
Certified Authorization Professional (CAP)
Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP)
Healthcare Information Security and Privacy Practitioner (HISPP)
How to Get Certified
Work Experience/Associate of (ISC)2
In order to qualify to take the CISSP exam, an applicant must have a minimum of five years of professional work experience in the information security field. Their work history must include at least two of the 10 domains in the (ISC)2 CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK).
An applicant can qualify for a waiver of one year of work experience if they meet one of the following qualifications:
Have attained a four-year degree from an accredited college or university
An advanced degree in Information Security from a US National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Security (CAE-IAE)
Hold a credential from the (ISC)2 approved list:
Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)
CompTIA Security+
Certified Information Systems Auditor
The waiver means that, instead of needing five years of work experience, an applicant only needs four years.
Taking the Exam
The exam is given year-round at authorized testing centers around the world. That said, many applicants have to travel to get to the nearest authorized testing location.
The exam itself consists of 250 multiple-choice questions, based on the following CISSP domains:
Domain 1. Security and Risk Management
Domain 2. Asset Security
Domain 3. Security Architecture and Engineering
Domain 4. Communication and Network Security
Domain 5. Identity and Access Management (IAM)
Domain 6. Security Assessment and Testing
Domain 7. Security Operations
Domain 8. Software Development Security
Test takers have six hours to complete as many questions correctly as possible. To pass, an applicant must score a minimum of 700 points out of a possible 1,000. If an applicant has studied the testing guide provided by the (ISC)2 or another study organization and taken at least one practice test, the questions should at least be familiar.
You can sign up to take the exam on the Pearson VUE website. Applicants will have to create an account and then follow the prompts to register for the exam. The exam costs $549 if you register early or $599 if you miss the early registration deadline. If you take the exam at a testing location there are several security protocols you must follow such as providing a valid ID; taking nothing with you into the testing location including drinks, cell phones, or books; and only a proctor can let you in or out of the testing facility.
Code of Ethics and Endorsement
After an applicant has taken and passed the CISSP exam, they have to get a written endorsement. The endorsement must come from an active (ISC)2 credential holder who can attest to the applicant’s industry knowledge. Along with this endorsement, applicants must agree to adhere to the code of ethics established by the (ISC)2.
The code is broken down into four canons:
Protect society, the commonwealth, and the infrastructure
Act honorably, honestly, justly, responsibly, and legally
Provide diligent and competent service to principals
Advance and protect the profession
Basically, (ISC)2 members agree to act and perform their duties at the highest level of ethics and integrity. They are bound to treat fellow members, employers, and the public properly and to act truthfully and with solidly ethical actions.
Annual Maintenance Fees
Annual maintenance fees are used to keep the (ISC)2 organization going. The fees also cover programs that help keep members informed and trained in the latest security protocols. There are two tiers of membership fees broken down according to membership level.
Certified (ISC)s member
Annual maintenance fees are a flat $125, due on the anniversary of their certification. Certified members only pay $125 regardless of the number of certifications they hold with the (ISC)2.
Associate (ISC)2 member
Annual maintenance fees are $50, due on the anniversary of becoming an associate.
How to Prepare for the Test
The best way to prepare for the test is to study for it. Both Pearson and the (ISC)2 offer study guides for purchase. You can also take practice tests that are provided with the study materials. As a general rule, an applicant should study a portion of the material each night for several months. Taking a practice test before you start studying will provide a baseline and help reveal the areas where you need to focus your studying efforts. After several weeks of studying, take another practice test and see where you still need work. Using this method will best help you prepare for the exam. Cramming for the test just weeks or days before the exam is discouraged. It’s also ill-advised to rely on your work experience for a passing score, as your work experience might not sync perfectly with the testing materials. You’ll also want to make sure all your needed paperwork is in order and that you were truthful on your application. This is especially important because a portion of new applicants are audited. If during the audit it is found that you weren’t truthful in your application, membership to the (ISC)2 will possibly be revoked.
Advantages to CISSP Certification
Earning the CISSP certification can benefit an information security professional in a variety of ways. As with other professions, you are taken more seriously if you have an advanced degree or specialized training in an area. Attaining the certification shows that you went the extra step to study, sit for, and pass an exam as well as going through the screening process and being accepted for membership with (ISC)2. For many in the information security field, this is an important distinction. Along with making you look more credible, it also makes you more marketable. Companies want its employees to stay in tune with the latest goings-on, so the CISSP certification shows that you’re willing to do so, especially considering the certification has to be renewed every three years. As part of the renewal process, certified professionals have to log 120 continuing education credits focused on security and information technology. Setting yourself up as an expert that stays informed also equates to more money. The certification means you can command a higher salary than a worker who doesn’t hold the certification.
Typical CISSP Responsibilities & Duties
A Certified Information Systems Security Professional’s duties might vary a bit from one employer to another, but there are some core duties and responsibilities a professional will have regardless of where they’re working.
Some of these duties include:
Understanding dangers to the security of data and information
The skills to repair and/or fortify frameworks where breaches occur or could occur
The ability to work with various sorts of PC systems
A willingness to follow the code of ethics adopted by CISSP
Have the expertise to configure, build, and deal with the general security stance of an association or organization.
Along with these skills and duties, CISSP professionals need soft skills such as written communication, verbal skills, the ability to multitask, and the ability to work independently as well as with a group.
The CISSP research study application is based upon the Official CISSP Study Overview and likewise includes flashcards, study questions, along with approach assessments - covering each of the domain names in the CISSP CBK. The CISSP technique examinations application consists of 4 unique 125-question technique exams, a tailored test building specialist as well as fast examinations for when you have just a few minutes to work out.
It supplies a clear feeling of subjects that might be covered in key courseware. You will definitely additionally get to more than 100 practice queries, consisting of understanding checks, pre along with message analyses. Research for the CISSP assessment anytime, anywhere with Authorities CISSP Flash Cards! This unique, interactive way examines your proficiency of sector terms while giving you immediate comments concerning whether or not your service is proper.
Licensed Details Solution Protection Professional (CISSP) is an info defense certification created by the International Info Equipment Security Accreditation Consortium, likewise known as (ISC). The CISSP category is an internationally acknowledged, vendor-neutral conventional attesting to an IT safety and security professional's technological skills as well as hands-on experience implementing in addition to managing a security program.
Internet Web Content Proceeds Below Becoming CISSP-certified demands greater than passing the Certified Details Devices Security Professional certification exam. Candidates are needed to have a minimum of 5 years of permanent, hands-on experience in at the minimum two of the 8 cybersecurity knowledge domain names. The (ISC) recommends a four-step course to accreditation for prospects, starting with establishing that the CISSP credential is the appropriate credential for them.
The next action that (ISC) suggests is preparing as well as signing up for the qualification examination. Prep work can be accomplished with self-study along with utilizing CISSP practice publications as well as research study overviews, in addition to online practice examinations. Various leads similarly sign up in CISSP training programs to get ready for the test. To earn the CISSP credential, the possibility needs to pass the certification exam, in addition to total the CISSP assessment setup, sign up for the (ISC) code of concepts, response background credentials inquiries in addition to get a referral from an energetic (ISC)- approved specialist.
The CISSP exam is 6 hours long as well as includes 250 multiple alternative inquiries and advanced ingenious concerns inspecting the possibility's understanding in addition to understanding of the eight domain names of the (ISC) Typical Body of Knowledge, that include safety as well as safety and security and also threat monitoring, property safety as well as safety, protection style, interactions and network safety, identification and also availability management, safety assessment and additionally screening, safety and security operations, and software application development security.
The CISSP exam is supplied in English, in addition to various other languages, containing French, German, Brazilian Portuguese, Spanish, Japanese, streamlined Chinese, Asian and a design for the aesthetically impaired. The qualification test is executed by Pearson VUE as well as conducted at Pearson VUE exam facilities. Since this writing, the test establishes you back $699, though certain prices and tax obligations differ based upon the place of the test.
The CISSP credential stands for 3 years after the effective final thought of the demands. After 3 years, CISSP credential proprietors can recertify as long as they have in fact paid the yearly upkeep fee as well as sent their 40 hours of CPE credit history records each year. Since the CISSP qualification assessment is targeted to functioning cybersecurity specialists that have substantial hands-on experience in the field, candidates should certainly not rely upon official CISSP training to obtain the abilities along with comprehending they need to pass the certification examination.
After passing their chosen test by gaining at least 700 factors-- out of 1,000-- prospects ought to undertake an equivalent suggestion procedure as with CISSP. Prospects must likewise earn 20 Continuing Specialist Education and also discover credit scores each year as well as likewise pay a $35 yearly upkeep fee to maintain their accreditation.
We have actually created ISC2 CISSP technique exams to assist you plan for the Details Remedy Security Professional accreditation exam. This method examination provides you with a possibility to become aware of the problem topics and likewise formats located in the real ISC2 Accredited Details Devices Safety As Well As Security Expert (CISSP) test. It likewise helps you determine subjects in which you are already well ready as well as likewise subjects on which you may require even more training.
We have actually carefully maintained the subject weights, passing rating, test period as well as inquiry layout in our simulated exam based upon the ISC2 Information Solution Security and safety and security Professional accreditation syllabus. Just, our ISC2 CISSP approach examination establishes readiness and confidence for the real certification exam. To obtain acquaintance with our on the web practice examination system, we request you to attempt our sample ISC2 CISSP accreditation strategy test.
The instance method exam covers the fundamentals of ISC2 Details Systems Safety and security and also security Professional accreditation test. To examine your preparedness in addition to examining your subject understanding with real-time circumstance based question-answers, we very advise you to prepare with ISC2 CISSP certification method test. We supply one of one of the most practical techniques to prepare as well as also pass your ISC2 Details Tools Security Specialist qualification test by providing technique examinations with adhering to functions.
Our area participants that have really removed their ISC2 CISSP certification test include making method exams updated with most recent queries. To ensure you clear your ISC2 Qualified Information Tools Safety As Well As Safety And Security Expert (CISSP) accreditation test in the starting effort, we consistently update the costs issue financial institution by accumulating inputs from simply recently recognized leads, accredited area participants, and also ISC2 Cybersecurity specialists.
This checked treatment supplies us the self-confidence to offer 100% complete satisfaction as well as refund guarantee. Our on the net substitute technique examination is made to educate leads concerning the capabilities needed to pass the ISC2 Accredited Info Tools Safety Specialist (CISSP) evaluation, in addition to convince them to think outside the package and also see the bigger photo.
Right here you are free to make blunders, get from them, and additionally utilize the understanding before seeking the actual ISC2 Qualified Info Equipment Safety And Also Safety And Security Specialist (CISSP) exam. To complete one of the most efficient results in Details Equipment Security And Safety Professional, you need to experience the sort of concern you will definitely be asked to deal with as well as plan for the ISC2 CISSP assessment online with the absolute best method worries from each in addition to every topic.
You require a variety of practice to wind up being comfy with the moment test setup along with make on your own ready for the genuine ISC2 CISSP accreditation test. Our ISC2 CISSP method examination system creates a thorough result for each and every examination to assist you understand your locations of stamina and weakness in each substitute examination.
A Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is an individual who has earned the highest level of security training and has completed a minimum number of credits to become certified. The CISSP can work in either a private or public company.
The basic responsibilities that come with being an information systems security professional include checking the security and privacy of information, preventing unauthorized access to information systems, and performing system administration, maintenance, repair and upgrade. The CISSP can specialize in any of those areas or in many other areas. Some of the areas that a CISSP might specialize in are the following.
A person with this certification is trained to test security measures, monitor computer networks, and design software and hardware systems. They are also trained to protect against attack. Their training may also cover information security risk management, computer network security, and information security management.
The CISSP is trained to provide security training to organizations. This information security training is generally offered in both online and classroom format. It may also include courses about ethical hacker training, computer network security, and information security management. They should be capable of presenting these courses in an interactive way so that individuals attending can learn at their own pace.
In order to be certified as an information systems security professional, a person must pass a written exam as well as a test covering information security management, and a test covering information security. Each of these exams consists of a written and an oral exam. There is also a practical exam, which is given after completion of both of these exams.
The type of CISSP training program that an individual can participate in will depend on his or her individual needs. For some people, the basics of information security will be sufficient. For others, specialized training is needed. To find out what type of information security training would be needed for someone, he or she can contact a local IT college and get their advice.
The number of credits that must be completed to earn a CISSP certification is determined by the type of information security training that has been taken as well as the length of time that the individual has been working in the security field. The longer the amount of time that a person has been working as a security professional, the more credits that must be completed. for that individual's certification.
To become certified as a certified information systems security professional, a person must pass an exam. The exam consists of a written and a practical exam. It is normally given at the discretion of the institution in which the individual has earned the CISSP certification.
People who want to gain the expertise required to work in the Information Systems field will often take this certification course as an elective. Elective courses offer individuals the chance to learn and gain new skills that can help them find employment. The Information Security Institute offers many courses in a variety of areas that people can take as electives.
The Information Security Institute also offers CISSP courses in which a person is able to earn an associate degree or a bachelor's degree in Information Security. from their organization. This degree will give someone the necessary skills to secure top positions in the Information Security field.
A certified information systems security professional can use this degree or certificate to obtain employment in a number of fields. The CISSP training program can be used to train individuals for positions in engineering and administration, network administration, computer science, and even private security firms. There are a number of companies that will hire individuals with CISSP certifications because they have knowledge of the various methods used to protect information.
The Information Security Institute offers information security training in a number of formats so that individuals can continue to educate themselves. They have certified instructors to make sure that students have a smooth and enjoyable experience. The Institute will ensure that the students learn the skills and knowledge that they need to succeed in the IT world.
Careers and Salaries for CISSP Professionals
CISSP professionals can make a decent salary even at the beginning of their careers. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of an IT professional with less than five years of experience is $96,000. Salaries differ according to various factors. An information security expert with more than five to nine years’ experience can earn $87,005 but that increases dramatically after 10 years where the annual salary jumps to an average of $102,591, and generally tops out at $117,000 for someone with 20 or more years’ experience. A salary can also be affected by geographic location. Two IT Security professionals, one in Atlanta, the other in NYC might have the same education, work experience, and hold the same certifications but the professional in Atlanta earns $96,372, while the NYC IT professional brings in $119,840. Finally, a title can also determine how much a professional earns. Security Architects earn the highest salaries, coming in at an average of $110,451. Information Security Managers and IT Directors can expect to earn $105,000 on average, while a security engineer earns an average of $92,293.
Demand for CISSP professionals is expected to grow at a rate of 32%, which is much faster than job growth in other industries, according to the BLS. It is anticipated and an additional 35,500 IT professionals will be needed by 2028.
Next Steps
Once you have attained the CISSP, you might be wondering “What’s next?” As we mentioned above, the (ISC)2 also offers certification in the following areas:
Systems Security Certification Practitioner (SSCP)
Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
Certified Authorization Professional (CAP)
Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP)
Healthcare Information Security and Privacy Practitioner (HISPP)
If you think your focus is going to shift, obtaining a certification in those possible areas would be ideal. For example, if you are considering working in the healthcare field, attaining the HISPP certification would make you more marketable in that industry pool. Plus, in the IT field, there is no such thing as too much education. Globally speaking, there are still many people who are just discovering the Internet; their online experience needs to be as safe as possible, and an IT professional’s expertise is needed to ensure that.