Since its introduction in 1994, the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification has been the gold standard for security credentials. For cybersecurity specialists, adding those letters to resumes is not an easy task. Those who have taken the CISSP certification exam frequently describe it as challenging. Five years of full-time, compensated job experience in a security-related profession are necessary for certification.
The time and work required to obtain CISSP certification, despite the difficulties, is definitely worth it. The current global dearth of cybersecurity specialists ensures job security for information security professionals who hold the CISSP certificate. They also receive incomes that are higher than usual for their positions.
What is the CISSP Certification?
The CISSP certification is a credential awarded by the Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2 to validate certified professionals’ skills and knowledge in cybersecurity. The credential proves that the individual can proficiently design, engineer, implement, and manage information security systems to protect a company from potential cyber threats and attacks.
The CISSP was the first certification to meet the requirements of the ISO/IEC Standard 17024. In addition, it is a vendor-neutral certification that provides information security professionals with technical skills and hands-on experience. As a result, the CISSP certification is recognized and sought-after worldwide.
What Does a CISSP Professional Do?
CISSPs are responsible for the safety of the information on an organization’s computer system. Therefore, they must ensure that all data pertaining to the organization, its employees, and its customers remains private and protected.
Certified information system security professionals may research, design, implement, manage, and review an organization’s information security systems to prevent unauthorized use. They will typically be responsible for informing users about security processes, explaining potential threats, installing software, applying security policies, and monitoring networks. Additionally, CISSPs will analyze security systems to identify potential faults, recommend enhancements to mitigate vulnerabilities, implement modifications, and document improvements.
The exact role and responsibilities of a CISSP depend upon the organization. For example, in larger organizations, CISSPs may have additional duties, supervise a team of other security professionals, and be responsible for the team’s management.
What Is the Average Salary of a CISSP?
Becoming CISSP certified can be quite lucrative, depending on the location and the company. The average salary for someone with this certification in the U.S. is about $130,000 annually. In some of the country’s larger metropolitan areas, CISSP certification holders earn even more. For example, the average annual salary for a CISSP in Washington, D.C., is closer to $140,000, at $139,825. But, of course, employees with this certification with years of experience can expect to earn far more. Some CISSPs earn as much as $195,000 each year.
Why Are CISSP Certified Employees So Important?
A CISSP is an experienced information security professional. Typically, a CISSP has more than five years of work experience in security and has a comprehensive understanding of the IT threat landscape, including persistent and emerging threats and security controls and technology to minimize attack surfaces. CISSPs may also be responsible for creating policies that set a framework for security controls and overseeing or performing risk management and software development security.
Organizations that employ security professionals with the CISSP credential often experience numerous benefits. CISSP-certified employees are qualified to better protect the organization’s important data by ensuring safety and compliance. This is a benefit because it fosters greater trust among the organization’s clients, improving brand credibility.
More from
IT & Software
category
