Professional Development Spotlight: What is CISSP Certification and what are the benefits for Cyber Sec Professionals?

Cyber Security is in a state of constant evolution with continually emerging technology, vulnerabilities and threats, so it’s no surprise that industry professionals are training to match the pace.

While cyber security undergrad programs are flooding university curriculums, there are some certifications that require significant industry experience to acquire and one of these is the (ISC)2 CISSP Certification. Heralded by many professionals and organisations as the golden standard for cyber, we have put together an overview of the course training and benefits for those looking to upskill.

What is CISSP?

CISSP stands for Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification and was developed and is run by the (ISC)2, or International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium. It helps to show that to a high standard, a candidate has the ability to design, implement, protect and manage cybersecurity systems.

CISSP is a globally recognised certification and is highly sought after by professionals and employers alike. In order to become certified an individual must have 5 years full-time industry experience in 2 or more of the following 8 ‘domains’ of the ISC2 CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK). Alternatively CISSP will accept four years of employment plus an undergraduate cyber-related degree.

How does the program work?

You will need to have 5 years full-time experience in two or more of the following 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

Who is it for?

CISSP certifications are designed for experienced security professionals, managers and executives looking to prove technical expertise across the board in cyber. Many professionals in the following positions enrol in the courses and exams:

Chief Information Security Officer

Chief Information Officer

Director of Security

IT Director/Manager

Security Systems Engineer

Security Analyst

Security Manager

Security Auditor

Security Architect

Security Consultant

Network Architect

What are some of the benefits of the certifications for cyber professionals looking to enrich their learning, their resumes and their careers?

As with all upskilling, apart from the sense of accomplishment of completing your training - one of the most exciting benefits of CISSP certification is becoming a more competitive candidate for roles you might be seeking out (see our blog on the importance of up and cross-skilling here). Along with this, more qualified and certified candidates can often command a higher salary and move on to higher positions with more responsibility. CISSP certifications are also increasingly becoming a prerequisite when applying for positions in cyber. According to a workforce study conducted by (ISC)² in 2021, “72% of cybersecurity professionals are required by their employer to hold a certification.”

How do I find out more?

For more information on CISSP certifications visit ISC2 website here: https://www.isc2.org/certifications/cissp 

If you’d like any more information about finding your next role, reach out to the Decipher Bureau team. With offices across Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra - and an experienced team around the world, we’d love to help you out.

Our 2023 Annual Salary Guide is out now! With the most up to date employment and hiring trends and salaries for your role in the cyber security industry, download your copy here: https://www.decipherbureau.com/opportunities/salary-guide/