In an era of increasingly sophisticated and hyped technologies and tools, it’s easy to forget that our most valuable cybersecurity assets are still people. The right individuals, with the right combinations of skill and experience, are by far the most important element of your organization’s security, and one of the most useful certifications out there is the CISSP.
One of the best ways to identify and vet a potential security expert is by looking at their qualifications like the CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) certification.
In this article, we’ll look at what the CISSP is, why it’s so relevant, and what to look for when hiring a CISSP professional.
What Is a CISSP & Why Should Businesses Have One?
People who hold the globally recognized CISSP certification have been through a challenging accreditation process, designed to prove that they have a range of valuable IT security skills and practical experience using those skills to keep organizations safe.
To become CISSP accredited, you’ll need a solid track record of working with many different security tools, practices, and processes. Types of CISSPs include chief information security officers, security analysts, directors of security, network architects, and more.
Businesses today face more and greater cyber threats than ever before. Working with skilled, experienced security professionals is now necessary if you want to keep your data and assets safe, avoid costly downtime, and comply with key regulations.
A CISSP knows how to protect key assets, manage security infrastructure, and is competent with a range of tools. Connecting with one, then, is a reliable way to ensure quality. The key is to know what to look for.
What to Look for in a CISSP
There are lots of CISSPs out there. While a CISSP certification is a great place to start, you’ll need to consider a few other factors. Here are some green flags to look for in your next CISSP.
Other Qualifications
It’s important to consider other qualifications and certifications in addition to the CISSP. Of course, the specific role you’re hiring for or the project you’re looking for help with is relevant — look for credentials that specifically tie into that role.
Some general IT security qualifications include the CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor), GSEC (GIAC Security Essentials), and CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker).
Experience With Relevant Technologies
Your chosen CISSP should have a competent grasp of the technologies and tools he or she will be working with in your organization. This is something you can learn by looking at his or her LinkedIn page, personal website, or resume.
You can also ask more specific questions during an interview or discovery call.
Willingness & Enthusiasm to Keep Learning
The cybersecurity space is defined by constant change. Unlike other areas of IT, which change in response to trends and technological progress, security is forced to change by the rapid evolution of cybercrime technology and methods.
Look for a CISSP who is a passionate and committed learner. He or she will need to not only learn the intricacies of your own IT infrastructure but also be prepared to keep learning as it grows and as new risks emerge.
Communication & Teamwork
Whether you’re hiring a CISSP to be a permanent team member or working with one as a contractor, his or her ability to work alongside others is a critical factor.
Managing IT tasks, communicating key information, and implementing initiatives across the organization are all important responsibilities for a security professional, and these soft skills are often just as important as hard technical knowledge.
Networking Skills
We’re not talking about the ability to forge professional connections here (although that’s a nice bonus) — instead, networking refers to knowledge of IT networks and how to manage them.
Your chosen CISSP should be able to demonstrate a strong background in networking, backed up by concrete examples and possibly even further certifications like the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).
AI Skills
AI is making groundbreaking progress all over the world, and cybersecurity is just one of many areas being profoundly disrupted by it.
CISSPs today should have a strong understanding of how AI impacts security, as well as familiarity with AI tools and solutions. The organizations that thrive in the coming years will be those that can harness AI for their security — and your future CISSPs should help you achieve this.
Work With DYOPATH
At DYOPATH, our IT professionals possess CISSP certifications along with numerous other relevant qualifications. We’re well-placed to guide you through your security challenges and help you tap into a range of managed IT services.
Schedule a call with us to learn more and get started.