Certification Path for Information Security Professionals

Certification Path for Information Security Professionals

A big hello to budding Information security professionals. Many of you must be pondering about Information security-related certifications which can help you build a strong foundation or looking for a differentiator edge in this fast-moving industry. Well, In this blog Certification Path for Information Security Professionals I have tried answering these questions by highlighting the path that you should follow:

Contents:

• Step 1: Setting the foundation
• Step 2: Strengthening the foundation
• Step 3: Attain greater Heights

Step 1: Setting the foundation

The better and deeper you understand the computer networks, the more mature and adept the Information security professional you become. CCNA certification would be your first step from setting the foundation perspective followed by Security+ Certification. Below is a brief detail about the same:

1. CCNA
CCNA gives you the foundation you need to take your career in Information Security. CCNA certification covers a breadth of topics, including

• Network fundamentals
• Network access
• IP connectivity
• IP services
• Security fundamentals
• Automation and programmability

For more information on CCNA, please refer to this link

2. Security+
Security+ helps you build the fundamentals around core Information security, it is miles wide and an inch deep. Perfectly suited for professionals starting their career in Infosec. The Security+ exam includes the following domains and topics:

• Threats, attacks and vulnerabilities
• Identity and Access Management
• Technologies and Tools: Troubleshoot common security issues or deploy mobile devices securely
• Risk Management
• Architecture and Design
• Cryptography and PKI

For more information, please refer to this link

Step 2: Strengthening the foundation

The next step is to strengthen your foundation built on Network and Information security fundamentals, you would need to add skills related to Information security Compliance and Standards.

3. ISO27001 Lead implementer certification
ISO27001 Lead implementer certification would help you do the same. Please remember ISO27001 is the mother of all Information and Cyber Security related frameworks including NIST CSF.

In the program you will learn about:

• What is information security management (ISMS)
• Why ISMS is important to an organization
• What are the benefits and background of ISMS
• What are the key concepts and principles in ISO/IEC 27001:2013
• What are the main requirements of ISO/IEC 27001:2013
• How to conduct a base line review of the organization’s current position with regard to ISO/IEC 27001:2013
• How to interpret the requirements of ISO/IEC 27001:2013 from an implementation perspective in the context of their organization

For more information, please refer to this link

Step 3: Attain greater Heights

As of now you have built your fundamentals and have also enriched your skills in the field of Computer Networks, Information Security, and Information security Compliance. The next phase is to have a quantum jump and attain greater heights. CISSP and CISA certification will help you achieve the same.

4. CISSP
CISSP is one of the most prestigious and valued certifications in the field of Information Security. It is highly valued, and you can be proud of this achievement. The CISSP exam covers the below domain and helps you master the Information security:

1. Introduction to Security and Risk Management
2. Asset Security
3. Security Architecture and Engineering
4. Communication and Network Security
5. Identity and Access Management (IAM)
6. Security Assessment and Testing
7. Security Operations
8. Software Development Security

For more information, please refer to this link

5. CISA
CISA can showcase your expertise and assert your ability to apply a risk-based approach to planning, executing, and reporting on Information security-related audit engagements. It will also help gain instant credibility in your interactions with internal stakeholders, regulators, external auditors, and customers.

CISA exam covers below domains:

• Information System Auditing Process
• Governance and Management of IT
• Information Systems, Acquisition, Development and Implementation
• Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience
• Protection of Information Assets

For more information, please refer to this link

Summary

In this post, I have explained what are the certifications that budding Information Security Professionals should focus on, with this we will take a pause and will meet again with a view around Cloud Security-related certifications. All the Best. Happy Reading!

You can also refer to this article on How to Become a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

For any further questions related to these certifications, please feel free to get in touch here