How to Become a Certified Information Systems Security Professional?

Information systems security protects information and information systems against unauthorised access of the information in storage, processing or transit and denial of service to authorised users. An information systems security detects any such threats to the information system and solves them. Information security includes both computer security as well as communication security. In other words, information systems security keeps confidential information of an organisation and its authorised users.

As cyber-attacks are on a steady rise and are getting more and more sophisticated, companies and organisations worldwide are on a constant lookout for securing their information. However, they cannot lose the trust of their customers. Here comes the importance of a certified information systems security professional. They are in high demand and well paid in the global market.

  • Analyse why you want to become a certified information systems security professional
  • Meet the certified information systems security professional prerequisites
  • Update your knowledge on the certified information systems security professional exam
  • Build certified information systems security professional skills
  • Stay up to date with the latest trends of certified information systems security professionals
  • Get your certified information systems security professional certification
  • Enrol in a course on certified information systems security professional

Step 1. Analyse why you want to become a certified information systems security professional

A CISSP certification ensures that you are well equipped with all the tools and resolving skills needed to protect the information of your employees. You can effectively design, implement and manage a best in the class cyber security program. It is a validation of your expertise in this field. With a CISSP certification, you become an ISC member. With this certification, you can unlock a broad array of exclusive resources, educational tools, and networking opportunities.

It is imperative to become a certified information system security professional if you want to speed up your career in cyber security and prove your skills. Advance your career and earn the salary you wish to, besides getting the support of a community of cybersecurity leaders throughout your career.

Step 2. Meet the certified information systems security professional prerequisites

  • Minimum 5 years of direct full-time work experience in two or more ISC information security domains.
  • One year may be waived for having a four-year college degree or a master's degree in information security.
  • Attestation regarding professional experience and acceptance of the CISSP code of ethics.
  • No criminal history or related background
  • You may write the exam with no work experience, though not recommended, then you have six years to meet the five years' experience if you want to use the CISSP designation or use the ISC logo on your resume.

Step 3: Update your knowledge on the certified information systems security professional exam.

After meeting the prerequisites for the CISSP exam, one has to have updated knowledge about the exam. The ISC conducts the certified information systems security professional exam. ISC is the International Information System Security Certification Consortium. It is one of the toughest and most sought after certifications in information system security worldwide.

The CISSP curriculum is divided into several security topics known as domains. The topics are decided according to their relevance to information system security professionals worldwide. Some of the main fields covered are:

  • Security and Risk Management
  • Asset Security
  • Security Architecture and Engineering
  • Communication and Network Security
  • Identity and Access Management
  • Security Assessment and Testing
  • Security Operations
  • Software Development Security

The CISSP exam contains multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 3 hours. It would help if you achieved a pass mark of 700 out of 1000 in all the domains to get a CISSP certification. The qualification thus bought has to be endorsed by another ISC certification holder in good standing.

Step 4- Build certified information systems security professional skills

Since we have already discussed the prerequisites needed for CISSP certification, let's look at the skills required and acquired by a CISSP professional. The following are some skills required for a CISSP aspirant:

  • Project management
  • Management of employees
  • Leadership qualities
  • Good educational standards
  • Supervision
  • Decision making and discretion
  • Ethical judgement
  • Creative writing and oral communication
  • Research and development

Some skills gained after successful completion of the CISSP exam are as follows.

  • Access controls system and method.
  • Systems and application security development.
  • Cryptography.
  • Disaster recovery and business continuity plans.
  • Investigation laws and ethics.
  • Security models and architectures.
  • Physical security.
  • Best management practices.

Step 5- Stay up to date with the latest trends of certified information systems security professionals.

The only thing that does not change is changing itself! CISSP does not differ from CISSP. To have up-to-date knowledge about the latest trends in CISSP is advantageous for a CISSP aspirant and holder at the same time. It is vital for an aspiring candidate of CISSP because the domains and exams keep on changing, and one has to stay vigilant to make sure that their hard work is not gone futile. For a CISSP holder, knowledge about the latest trends in CISSP is necessary because missing out on significant updates can affect the validation of their certification.

Step 6- Get your certified information systems security professional certification.

CISSP wins awards and accolades as a leading certification in information technology year after year. Many publications consistently ranked it in the top 10 information technology certifications. With over 25 years of record, CISSP proves you are at par excellence in your cyber security career, both in terms of knowledge and experience. The following points make it clear why you should get your certified information system security certification without delay.

  • The growing demand for CISSP all over the world
  • You will maximise your earning potential
  • You will maximise your career potential
  • You will stand tall among your counterparts
  • You will understand all aspects of the cyber security scenario
  • You will have demonstrated years of hands-on cyber security expertise
  • You will become a member of the largest association of cyber security professionals in the world today
  • You will stand out as the best

Step 7- Enrol in a course on certified information systems security professional

If you are trying to take your career to heights, enrol yourself in CISSP Training programmes provided by leading institutions around the globe. They equip you with knowledge about elements that can minimise security threats and techniques for identifying network-based attacks. You can achieve a working knowledge of data security through these training courses. Learn about the essential techniques and technologies and the security tools required to become a certified professional.

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