It is no surprise that the cybersecurity industry is lucrative, especially with the shortage of experts and the ever-growing demand for cybersecurity.
With the industry being so lucrative, this is a driving factor why many cybersecurity professionals are continually upgrading themselves and attending courses. If you have already been in the cybersecurity industry for a few years, CISSP is an excellent certification to help you progress in your career.
What is the CISSP?
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) course gives you a solid background on security concerns, communications, infrastructure, basic cryptography and operations, as well as the hands-on experience needed to design, implement and manage a security program.
In the five-day course, crucial elements of cybersecurity like security operations and asset security are taught, ensuring that you have a sturdy foundation in cybersecurity. After passing the examinations, you would be endorsed by a certified professional and recognised for your CISSP title.
Who is the CISSP certification for?
There are several methods to obtain the CISSP certificate through the (ISC)2. Firstly, you should have at least five years of paid full-time work experience in at least two of the eight CISSP CBK (Common Body of Knowledge) domains and be able to show proof of that. This emphasises how vital on-the-job experience is, for the examinations as well as the certification.
You will also need to pass the 6-hour long CISSP examination with a minimum of 700 out of 1000 points.
CISSP for students and career changers
Fret not, students and mid-career professionals can also work their way to the CISSP certification without relevant experience. One recommended path would be to get the entry-level A+, Network+ and Security+ certifications from CompTIA. With that strong foundation, you can apply for a security-related position and gain hands-on experience.
Despite not being an official requirement, the (ISC)2 Systems Security Certified Professional (SSCP) credential is also a good pre-cursor to the CISSP as it covers many of the same topics as the CISSP. This gives you a higher chance in passing the CISSP examination when you eventually rack up enough work experience.
With the various pathways one can take to obtain their CISSP certification, there are less barriers stopping you from being internationally certified and recognised.
Advice from CISSP certified individuals
It is common for one to feel unsure whether the CISSP certification is what you need for your career path. Many CISSP certified individuals have felt that way but still took the big leap for their career.
If you have decided to make that leap, the BridgingMinds Career Conversion Programme (CCP) taking place in late October 2020 is a great place to start! Consisting of several career advancement tracks, the specially selected cybersecurity courses will be just what you need to take your career forward.
