CISSP For Dummies

As popular as the CISSP certification is, many people still don’t know about it. And many who may have heard of it don’t understand what it’s all about. Tell people about your CISSP certification, and explain the certification process to your peers. And here are some facts you can share with anyone and everyone you meet:

• CISSP is the top-tier information security professional certification.

• Over 42,000 security professionals around the world are CISSP certified.

• The CISSP certification started in 1989.

• The organization that manages the CISSP certification has other certifications for professionals who specialize in various fields of information security. The organization also promotes information security awareness through education programs and events.

Promote the fact that you are certified - or are trying to be. How can you promote it? You can simply put the letters CISSP after your name on your business cards, stationery, e-mail signature, resume, blog, and Web site. While you’re at it, put the CISSP or (ISC) ² logo on there, too.

 Technical Stuff   If you hold the CISSP certification, you are ISO/IEC 17024:2003 compliant. Find out more by going through press releases from 2005 on the (ISC) ² Web site.

Promoting other certifications

Some of your peers may not be ready to pursue the CISSP certification. They may not have the career experience or knowledge required to go for the CISSP now. Certifications that may be suitable for your friends are:

• Associate of (ISC)2: If you can pass the CISSP or SSCP certification exams but do not yet possess the required professional experience, you can become an Associate of (ISC)2. Read about this on the ISC Web site.

• SSCP (Systems Security Certified Practitioner): This midlevel certification is for hands-on security techs and analysts.

These two certs may be steppingstones for your colleagues, and eventually they may be ready for the big one.

Wearing the colors proudly

There’s a lot of neat stuff at the (ISC) ² online store, from jackets to shirts to mugs to caps. There is something for everybody there. The organization introduces new items now and again, and runs closeout specials on the stuff no one wanted in the first place.

Consider adding a few nice khaki shirts that sport the (ISC) ² and CISSP logos to your wardrobe. Or a bright yellow CISSP grip for your computer bag. Or really splurge and consider buying an (ISC) ² or CISSP bag!