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Organizations hire professionals to boost enterprise security with the increasingly growing threat of cyberattacks. The average number of cyber attacks an organization faces every week in Q2 2024 reached 1,636, a significant 30% increase from last year’s numbers over the same quarter.
Cybersecurity is a constantly evolving field and, at the very least, requires a professional with many varying skills and certifications in various areas. Of those, the most well-respected is the CISSP or Certified Information Systems Security Professional.
This blog discusses the top 5 CISSP alternatives that will add significant value to your cybersecurity knowledge and open the door to great career opportunities. Each option is unique, representing a different perspective and focusing on cybersecurity.
CISSP Overview
The CISSP is a globally recognized certification for cybersecurity professionals. It is awarded by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium, better known as ISC2. A certification of this type means that the said professional holds profound knowledge of cybersecurity concepts and practices, based on which they are considered an eligible expert in the field. The major domains detailed by the CISSP include
- Security and risk management.
- Asset Security
- Security Architecture and Engineering
- Communication and Network Security
- Identity and Access Management (IAM)
- Security Assessment and Testing
- Security Operations
- Software Development Security
Eligibility Requirements
- At least five years of cumulative, paid work experience in at least two of the eight domains.
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college will substitute for one year of experience.
- Requires sponsorship from an active member of ISC in good standing within six months of the exam date.
The CISSP Examination
- Format: 100 to 150 multiple-choice items
- Duration: Three hours maximum
- Content: Assess both knowledge-based and performance-based questions in security.
Maintaining CISSP Certification
- Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits required for maintenance
- Active subscription to ISC2.
The CISSP course provides career advantages in getting better opportunities for positions such as CISO, Security Consultant, and IT Director. It is also considered a sign of perfection in the cyber world, opening the door to higher salaries. It also lets professionals attain recognition at the industry level.
CISSP Alternatives
If CISSP is not suitable for you, these alternative certification courses can also help you establish your superiority in the field of cybersecurity:
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
CEH v12 – Certified Ethical Hacking course provides the penetration tester and system analyst with legitimate means of hacking computer systems and networks. Hands-on training will provide security professionals with the skills to review an organization’s defenses from an attacker’s perspective. In this way, identifying such weaknesses well in advance will prevent malicious hackers from exploiting them.
Through this course, one can learn the methodologies and tools used by actual hackers in penetration testing. By learning to take advantage of security weaknesses, this training will offer deeper insights into an attacker’s tactics. This way, it also provides greater value for security professionals and imparts the capability to prepare for and counter real-world threats.
However, it should be noted that the focus is highly technical; security management and strategy are not much in focus. That is what makes it ideal for those who enjoy the challenge of finding and then ethically exploiting vulnerabilities.
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
The CISM designation is for the security professional wishing to progress into management. You will gather skills to design and implement your organization’s information security program. Organizational leaders engage in security strategy, including critical areas such as risk assessment, development of security policy, managing vendors, and incident response, among others. CISM gives you the knowledge and capabilities to sail through and succeed in the leadership landscape of cybersecurity.
That means CISM enables the person to strategize and manage the security posture of a whole organization. It goes deep into information security governance and best practices in making decisions. It grants credibility toward leading roles within the cybersecurity domain and enables entry into management and director-level positions.
It is, however, essential to note that CISM is best suited for mid-level to senior-level people with at least a few years of experience in information security management, better with proven leadership. This does not apply to persons so focused on the technical implementation of security controls; if a person is very much focused on technical issues, then one might consider that CISM will complement their expertise with a leading perspective added to it.
Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
The CCSP Certification Training Course has become extremely popular with the increasing adoption of cloud technology. Certified individuals will know how to secure cloud environments, along with other key topics such as cloud security architecture, identity and access management of cloud platforms, data encryption at rest and in transit, incident response in the cloud, and many others.
The certification allows you to gain deep knowledge of concepts in cloud security, best practices, and compliance requirements. This will help you efficiently secure cloud infrastructure and applications in today’s cloud-centric world. It opens the opportunity for higher marketability in positions related to cloud security, with several opportunities presented in this fast-growing field.
However, there are a few things to consider. The CCSP is highly specialized in cloud security and, hence, less versatile than other certifications such as the CISSP. The CCSP requires a certain number of years of experience related to cloud computing topics. Prior experience or knowledge of cloud platforms will be helpful; this includes AWS, Azure, and GCP.
4. CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Security+ certification lays a wide foundation, ensuring you have sound knowledge of fundamental security concepts such as network security, cryptography, access control, threats, and vulnerabilities. Validating your understanding of essential security principles makes you an asset to any IT team. It goes a long way in enhancing your resume as an entry-level cybersecurity professional, showing your dedication towards the field.
However, the Security+ course is entry-level, and applying for senior management positions might not be possible with this certification alone. It’s a gateway to all other higher versions, like CISSP or CISM. Thus, this course offers a solid foundation for anyone willing to have a career in cyber security.
5. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
The CISA Certification: Certified Information Systems Auditor targets IT auditors and security professionals involved in security assessments. This certification will equip you with the necessary skills to conduct information systems audits. You can work with an IT security auditor who evaluates an organization’s security controls to uncover weaknesses and assure security, confidentiality, integrity, and regulatory compliance. CISA provides in-depth knowledge of control frameworks, audit methodologies, and risk management practices.
Various benefits come with CISA accreditation. The qualification makes you adept at information systems audit, which is in high demand in the compliance-conscious world. You develop vast knowledge concerning IT control frameworks and best practices. This helps you comprehend and identify security-related risks in the organization.
The CISA centers on auditing information security and is less technical than other certifications, such as the CEH. Generally speaking, it is recommended to have some experience either in auditing in IT or in performing security assessments before pursuing the CISA.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity is a field that gets updated now and then, and staying at the curve would mean additional certificates and learning for those involved in ensuring organizations’ data and asset security. Although professionals highly covet CISSP, there’s much value to be derived from other certifications concerning experience and expertise.
All the CISSP alternatives reviewed in this blog offer different insights and suit different career directions. Therefore, by considering your professional goals and fields of interest, you can make the right choice based on your aspirations.
Continuous learning and professional development are the ways to succeed in cybersecurity. Other investments in certifications may also help increase career prospects and value toward protecting an organization’s critical digital assets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What certification is similar to CISSP?
One of the best CISSP alternatives is the Certified Information Security Manager, CISM. One can also opt for a cybersecurity master’s program. Both deal with information security management; however, their scope is different from each other. CISM focuses on management and governance, while CISSP covers various security topics.
Which is better, CISSP or CISM?
CISSP is broader in scope, covering a wide range of security domains, which makes the latter a better fit for a wide range of job roles. CISM focuses on management and governance in the areas of security. You can choose your course based on whether you want to get a broad view of security or would want to specialize in management.
Is CISSP better than CISA?
Whereas CISSP is broader and covers several security domains, CISA focuses on auditing information systems. CISSP will be more applicable in generic security roles, while CISA is best suited to professionals specializing in IT audits.
Which is better, CISSP or GSEC?
CISSP has broader coverage of security topics and is widely recognized for advanced security roles. The GSEC certification covers more technical aspects and hands-on security practices. If you want to have a broad view of security, then CISSP is best, whereas if you want detailed knowledge in technical aspects, GSEC will be a good choice.
