The rise of digital transformation spearheaded by prevailing conditions has thrown the need for cyber security into sharp focus. The COVID-19 pandemic has given a significant push to digital transformation and the business world is heading towards an entirely digital space. Though a number of benefits are associated with this transition, there is a rise in cybercrimes as well. From phishing, malware, trojans, to outright fraud, companies have become a victim in the rising tide of different kinds of cyberattacks. This is the reason cyber security is of utmost importance for firms these days to strengthen their security defenses.
Cyber security is one of the most promising career domains at present and offers a number of job opportunities worldwide. People can explore career options as an ethical hacker, information security analyst, system administrator, security manager, IT auditor, forensic expert, incident responder, among others. Moreover, all these job roles are associated with high salary packages, an important factor professionals consider when starting their career in any domain. In fact, there are even better growth opportunities if you add industry-recognized cyber security certifications to your resume. Among the various certifications available, CISSP is the one that leads the pack. The CISSP certification often sits at the top of the cybersecurity certifications pyramid and comes with a host of career benefits.
Let us know more about the CISSP certification and how to prepare for this valuable credential.
The CISSP Certification
The International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium or (ISC)² is the organization that offers the globally acknowledged CISSP certification. Earning the CISSP validates that you are capable of designing, implementing, and managing a state-of-the-art cybersecurity program. It shows that a candidate has proven knowledge of various security practices and principles. If you are seeking a career as a security manager, security analyst, network architect, security auditor, or security consultant, then this credential is for you. It meets the US Department of Defense (DoD) Directive 8570.1 as well.
To add this credential to your resume and reap the various career benefits associated with it. You need to fulfill certain eligibility criteria and then pass the CISSP certification exam. The exam is based on the following eight domains (as mentioned in the (ISC)2 Common Body of Knowledge):
- Security and risk management
- Asset security
- Security architecture and engineering
- Communication and network security
- Identity and Access Management
- Security Assessment and testing
- Security operations
- Software development security
As part of the eligibility requirements, a candidate needs to have a minimum of five years of experience in minimum of two of the eight knowledge domains mentioned above related to cybersecurity. The exam consists of 250 multiple choice questions and the time allowed is six hours. The passing score of the exam is 700 out of a 1000 point maximum.
CISSP Exam Prep
After having a clear idea of what the CISSP certification is all about, one usually ponders over how to prepare for it. Indeed, CISSP is a highly-recognized credential worldwide and clearing its exam is not a piece of cake. However, you can take some steps to ease your journey towards becoming CISSP certified. Let’s take a look at them.
Go through the exam content outline thoroughly
The CISSP Exam content outline is available on the ISC2 website and lists everything that you need to know about the CISSP exam. What is covered in each of the eight domains is mentioned in the document and you must patiently understand what the candidate is expected to know. You will also come across the percentage weight of questions asked from each domain so that you can priotize the topics accordingly.
A common approach doesn’t work for each domain
The CISSP tests if you have an in-depth understanding of cybersecurity or not. Remember that one single approach will not work in solving the questions of all domains. While some of the domains are interpretive and contextual emphasizing cybersecurity principles, standards, or best practices, others are fact-based. So, take a different approach as per the domain requires.
Follow a study plan
It is important to follow a study schedule so that you can complete your preparation on time. A study plan gives you a direction so that you know what topics are to be covered each day. Sticking to the schedule ensures that you are consistently dedicating your efforts towards each domain of CISSP. This way, you will not miss out any important topic and be confident that your preparation is thorough. Allot more time to the domains in which you need more focus.
A training course is your friend
If you feel independent study will not work for you, then it is better to take up an online CISSP certification training course. An instructor-led course will help you build a strong foundation in cybersecurity and grasp knowledge of all the eight domains of CISSP CBK. When there are CISSP certification holders themselves to teach you, then you can be confident of getting the best guidance and tips and tricks that work in the CISSP exam.
After following all the above steps, do not forget to take up some practice tests to reinforce your learning. CISSP is worth your efforts and gives you a competitive edge when seeking any ambitious cybersecurity role. Visit for CISSP Certification in Kuala Lumpur.
