9 Ways CISSP Certification Can Boost Your Cybersecurity Career

The uncertainty brought on by the pandemic has pushed most of the world to aggressively digitize and adapt to the online world. This includes utilizing various techniques to keep cyber activities safe. However,  one can only safeguard their operations to an extent. Cyber offenders used the pandemic’s disorder to their advantage, especially considering the weak state of many organizations and the growth in remote working professionals. 

As a result, various scams have wreaked havoc, causing many organizations to suffer because they were caught off guard. Here are a few notable scams that caused unrest in 2020: information-stealing scams, malware and ransomware attacks, vulnerabilities around work-from-home (absence of security protection in home networks), and selling fake products.

Studies show a 350 percent workforce gap exists within cybersecurity. With a massive workforce gap, the demand for professionals with relevant certifications is at an all-time high. Organizations are actively hiring CISSP professionals to keep their operations afloat; acquiring the relevant skills associated with CISSP could prove beneficial if you are interested in a cybersecurity career.

What is CISSP?

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is a benchmark in the world of cybersecurity certifications. This certification, which is administered by The International Information System Security Certification Consortium, helps you get equipped with skills to surpass cybercrime threats. Adding CISSP to one's certification list showcases experience and expertise in cybersecurity. 

Who Can Take the CISSP Exam?

• Candidates with five or more years of experience in two or more of the eight domains of CISSP CBK.
• Candidates with a four-year degree or regional equivalent or a qualification from (ISC)2 list (can have only four years of work experience).
• If the candidate does not have five years of work experience, they can take the test with the Associate of (ISC)2 program. Once qualified, the candidate will have six years to gain the knowledge required.

*CISSP certification expires in three years and must be renewed before expiring. This can be done by earning 120 continuing professional education (CPE) credits; 40 credits must be acquired each year. Or, in the place of credits, you can retake the certification exam.

9 Ways CISSP Can Boost Your Cybersecurity Career 

1) Industrywide Acceptance and Global Acknowledgement

CISSP has always been a highly sought certification. The International Accreditation Forum, many IT professionals, and even major corporations like Google, IBM, P&G, and US ISSEP have recognized and accepted CISSP as a benchmark of the cybersecurity industry. Having ANSI/ISO/IEC standards, this certification adds value to your career.

By acquiring this certification, you can try your hands at various information security roles, such as Information Systems Security Professional, Information Security Manager, Security Engineer, and Chief Information Security Officer.

2) Elevated Earning Potential

Since cyberattacks and threats have risen during the pandemic, organizations have realized they have a great need for CISSP certified professionals. Many of them are willing to pay more to employ the best professionals, resulting in competitive demand and wages.

The average CISSP certified individual’s pay is estimated at $116,573, making it the world's third-highest IT professional income. Global Information Security and Workforce Research showed that CISSP practitioners received about 25% more than those without certification.

3) Enhanced Understanding of the Cybersecurity Landscape

CISSP oversees the elements of the cybersecurity sector. This certification shows that you have the necessary expertise to deal with the worst challenges and cyber threats a company may face.

As mentioned earlier, to maintain a CISSP certification standing, one must earn CPE credits every year. The certified expert must participate in information security training sessions, conferences, webinars, etc. to earn these credits. Such a standard helps keep CISSP certified candidates up to date with all aspects of the cybersecurity landscape. All in all, this credential guarantees that you recognize all facets of information security.

4) Versatile Job Opportunities

Cyber Security and Information Security are the fastest-growing domains. According to a survey, there are more than 20,000 cybersecurity jobs with CISSP preference. 

Here are some of the work domains that you can apply for if you are a  CISSP certified candidate:

• Security consultant
• Network Architect
• Director of Security
• IT security engineer
• Security systems engineer/administrator
• Security analyst & Information assurance analyst
• Security managers
• Security architects
• IT directors and managers
• Chief information security officers
• Security auditors
• Senior IT security operations specialist
• Senior information security risk officer

Along with the above positions, there are many other fields and roles for a certified CISSP practitioner, some with as much as a 25% higher chance of selection from non-CISSP accredited professionals.

5) Access to Hands-On Cybersecurity Experience

Apart from maintaining the credential, exercises such as webinars and training sessions, which are necessary to retain CISSP certification, also lead to continuous hands-on training. Because of this, CISSP professionals get the chance to learn emerging cyber concepts, i.e., keeping up-to-date and evaluating different cybersecurity areas.

6) Job Security

Over the last few years, employment requirements have rapidly increased within the information security sector. As the world continues digitizing, cybersecurity professionals will remain in high demand in the coming years. Eighty percent of information security jobs are secure, meaning they have had little to no change in their employment status. 

7) Keep Abreast of the Latest Trends

The CISSP represents a five-year experience in information security. To maintain CISSP certification, you should get 40 CPE credits each year and 120 CPE credits over three years.

You can achieve these credits through participation in training sessions, webinars, conferences, and development programs.

Doing all these credit activities also helps you keep abreast of all the latest cybersecurity trends. With the hands-on experience and paid sessions necessary to maintain your certification, you get a chance to raise your profile, leading to a higher likelihood of desired employment.  

8) Better Risk Management

In CISSP certification, there are eight domains; risk management is one of the major domains. Because of this CISSP practitioners are well-equipped as they gain in-depth knowledge of standards enforcement such as HIPAA, FISMA, DoD Directive 8570.1, SOX, FERPA, GLBA, and many others. 

They get their insights from industry experts, which makes them fully resourced in this domain. Such insight is advantageous for the CISSP holders for it can help them get a job in the risk management domain.

9) Learn More With (ISC)2 Membership

Apart from the advantages mentioned above, taking the CISSP certification also has the following benefits:

• With an (ISC)2 membership, you can earn discounts on conferences, meetings, and summits. In addition, you receive offers on CBK books and guides, etc.
• You can access free webinars on current security threats from industry experts.
• Free Events
• Connect with people from the same community.
• Enables you to join or begin a local (ISC)2 chapter.
• Get to volunteer at renowned organizations.
• Showcase your expertise on Linkedin with digital badges
• Get your hands on an award-winning InfoSecurity Professional magazine.
• Get perks and discounts on car rentals, spas, restaurants, and hotels, etc.

The (ISC)2 community has more than 140,000 members. It also provides development courses through PDI. 

Conclusion

Getting CISSP certified will open doors to a sea of possibilities, offering you various benefits that can be applied to work, knowledge, & life. It is a reliable choice if you're looking to upskill in a more secure and high-paying job. CISSP does not only help you explore different domains of information security, but it'll also push you towards continuous learning, especially if you keep up with the cybersecurity trends. Staying ahead of the curve with CISSP will pave a path for you in the world of cybersecurity. 

Get CISSP Certified with GreyCampus

Now that you know what CISSP is and how it can help you advance your career, get ready to get CISSP Certified with GreyCampus!

• Step up your cybersecurity learning process with hands-on training from industry experts,
• Learn from practical applications and real-life projects; design, implement, and manage cybersecurity programs,
• Get an in-depth understanding of CISSP domains,
• Practice with simulated exams,
• Sharpen your information security skills with the meticulously-designed program curriculum. 

CISSP domains you will be learning with this certification course include Cryptography, Physical Security, Security Architecture and Design, Access Control, Software Development Security, Information Security Governance and Risk Management, Telecommunications and Network Security, Operation Security, Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery, Legal, Regulations and Investigations and Compliance.

 

Want to Build a Career in Cybersecurity? Get CISSP Certified Today!