Going to Become a Certified Cybersecurity Professional? (ISC)2 Can Offer to Make You an Interesting Offer

If you choose to do a search engine query about the (ISC)2, you will definitely get the answer that it is the largest not-for-profit association of certified cyber security pros. That’s why, among all those who are concerned about the security of networks, systems, and data from cyber-attacks, the certification program offered by the (ISC)2 is so in demand. And this is not an unfounded statement, as in September 2021 it was announced that CCSP Cloud Security alone has been earned by more than 10,000 people. And these qualified specialists stand out in the job market, as they have already demonstrated that they understand cloud platforms and are able to provide them with effective protection.

But if you are reading this article, it means you are interested in cybersecurity and understand its importance, especially today when the virtualization of all areas of life has moved to the next level. Businesses and organizations of all types and sizes are facing increasingly sophisticated attacks every day. That’s why employers are striving to have qualified specialists in cybersecurity among their employees. Therefore, let’s take a look at what training and qualification opportunities (ISC)2 offers.

Actual (ISC)2 Certification Pathways

(ISC)2 qualifications are of tremendous benefit to practitioners seeking professional growth, as well as to the company where they work. And if we go deeper into history, the first, and at the same time, the most sought-after accreditation is CISSP. Also known as Certified Information Systems Security Professional, this certification covers the most essential skills and knowledge that a professional must acquire during a minimum of 5 years of work experience in order to provide decent protection for his or her organization. Then, there are several designations available for certified candidates to choose from, which will help them cover a narrower area of information security and prove their expertise.

• Information Systems Security Architecture Professional or CISSP-ISSAP
• Information Systems Security Management Professional or CISSP-ISSMP
• Information Systems Security Engineering Professional or CISSP-ISSEP

In addition, the (ISC)2 qualification program includes 5 key designations.

• Systems Security Certified Practitioner or SSCP qualifies the candidate’s ability to implement, monitor, and manage IT/ICT infrastructure with help of various information security policies and procedures.
• Certified Cloud Security Professional or CCSP proves the candidate’s expertise in designing, as well as managing data, infrastructure, and apps in the cloud.
• Certified Authorization Professional or CAP demonstrates the candidate’s ability to manage and authorize information systems in a risk management framework.
• Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional or CSSLP confirms the candidate’s ability to develop software ad security solutions with help of advanced practices.
• HealthCare Information Security and Privacy Practitioner or HCISPP shows the candidate’s expertise in managing, evaluating, and implementing numerous security and privacy management instruments for general health information.

Recent Innovations: Overview

In the fall of 2021, (ISC)2 announced the release of a new pilot program for entry-level cybersecurity certification. The main goal of this direction is related to the shortage of qualified personnel in this field, especially in junior and entry-level job roles. And this certification track will help young professionals, students, and newcomers to this field to demonstrate their understanding of cybersecurity fundamentals. Moreover, this certificate will help employers be confident that the applicant has the right technical concepts and the sufficient ability to learn on the job. At the same time, the CISSP designation was previously offered as an entry-level certification despite the impressive experience requirements of applicants, but the new accreditation will support candidates’ professional ambitions and provide them with greater motivation on their way to obtaining a more advanced qualification like CISSP.

According to the (ISC)² Cybersecurity Career Pursuers Study, about half of new professionals in the field have no working experience in the IT sector. And the new designation is designed to solve this problem. So, for example, businesses can send their employees to upgrade their skills through this certificate.

However, (ISC)2 reports that the process of releasing a new accreditation pathway is quite complex and consists of several steps. To begin with, a detailed process of research, study, and verification is required to ensure that the new designation meets the requirements of the industry and the clear standards of the cybersecurity community. What’s more, the (ISC)2 is going through a thorough process of candidate experience requirements, as this vendor plans to adhere to its high standards with respect to. To that end, by October 20, 2021, a survey was published on the official website for real cybersecurity experts in the (ISC)2 community whose participation is needed to determine candidate requirements and key competencies for aspiring specialists.

Unfortunately, the scheme for the pilot exam is not available, and the publication date is not yet known. Therefore, interested candidates should periodically monitor the (ISC)2 blog, social media, and communities to keep up with the latest news.

In any case, this accreditation deserves the attention of professionals seeking to establish themselves in the field of cybersecurity and reach professional heights. If you aspire to the same, do not miss this chance.