The job opportunities in cybersecurity are rapidly growing, along with the constant need for protection against cybercrimes. It’s a fact that digitalization is inevitable. However, it also leaves businesses, the government, and other organizations prone to attacks from cybercriminals. Therefore, the demand for skilled and competent cybersecurity experts is relatively high among organizations of different scales. In the field of cybersecurity, the CISSP certification has turned highly coveted. If you plan to progress far as a cybersecurity professional, this is one of the certifications that you would certainly want to obtain.
What is the CISSP certification?
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification is for information security analysts. The International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC) had launched this certification to ensure standardized knowledge for the computer security professionals. The exam consists of 250 questions from different areas. These include:
- Networking security
- Physical security
- Access control methodology and systems
- Management practices
- Telecommunications
- Disaster recovery planning
- Business continuity planning and disaster recovery planning
- Operations and more
The broad range of topics that the exam covers ensures that the professionals who obtain this certification possess all the skills necessary for the job.
Things that you should know about this certification
This cyber security course syllabus can be quite challenging if you lack experience or knowledge. In the end, it would be worth the effort. Here are five things that you should know if you are considering pursuing the CISSP certification.
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Experience
This is not an entry-level course and hence requires the candidates to possess a certain level of experience. You would need a minimum experience of five years in at least two of the domains that the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge mentions. If you possess a four-year college degree in the same field, collegiate availability, or regional equivalent, you can avail of a waiver for a year of experience.
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ISC2
The associated organization with this certification is ISC2. They are a highly coveted organization for certifications as they focus on imparting quality education rather than making a profit. For years, they have been providing certification programs to help the most talented professionals succeed. This is why, if you are planning to opt for a cyber security course, a certification from ISC2 would be very valuable.
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Prerequisite skills
As mentioned earlier, the certification exam calls for professionals with excellent skills in this field. The prerequisite skills for this certification include:
- Software Development Security
- Asset Security
- Security and Risk Management
- Communication and Network Security
- Security Architecture and Engineering
- Security Assessment and Testing
- Identity and Access Management (IAM)
- Security Operations
You must undergo the necessary training and develop these skills to perform well in the exam and earn the certification.
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Career growth
Essentially, CISSP is a certification that can add significant value to your career. Professionals with this certification typically enjoy a lucrative income. Once certified, you may apply for various advanced job roles. The CISSP certification would also enable you to negotiate for a better salary and secure promotions with ease. If you meet the cyber security course eligibility criteria, pursuing it would undoubtedly be a wise choice.
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Acceptance and reputation
While pursuing certifications in the IT field, choosing them based on how widely they find recognition is crucial. If your certifications do not have any value to employers, they wouldn’t be of much help in your career growth. However, the CISSP certification happens to be one of the most recognized certifications in cybersecurity. Even industry leaders like Google and IBM consider the CISSP certification valid proof of a professional’s skills and experience.
Is it wise to build a career in cybersecurity?
It is always wise to develop the skills necessary for the most demanded services. Essentially, this implies that pursuing cybersecurity certifications would be a good choice. Developing your skills in cybersecurity would help you fulfill the job responsibilities for various roles. Enterprises of every scale that function online require the services of cybersecurity professionals. Essentially, you would enjoy ample career opportunities as a freelancer or as an employee. The proper certifications can also make you a part of a global community of cybersecurity experts.
How to get yourself certified in this course?
Firstly, you would want to find an EC Council–approved IT institute for training. Quality training would be crucial in ensuring your success. Ideally, it is best to opt for an institution that has been around for a while and carries a good track record. You might also want to check whether the institute offers other courses in cybersecurity as well. Choosing the right institution would already put you a step forward towards earning the certification.
Apart from undergoing an online cybersecurity course, you might also want to join communities and discussion forums. This would expose you to other professionals in the industry, including those who already obtained the certification and those who are pursuing it.
