1. It’s only a matter of time.

Government site, financial institution or a grocery chain. What do they, and all other organizations, have in common? They all collect and store data, have a responsibility to keep it safe and will be targets of a cyber-attack at some point in time. Sure, government sites and financial institutions may be subject to ongoing, specifically targeted attacks, but hackers know how to automate their work and set it loose into the ether to find weaknesses. They don’t necessarily care which organization they hit either. If an organization has data that the hacker can make use of or sell, or if there is a platform worth taking over, there is value to them in their efforts and they will continue.

Cybersecurity specialists must approach their job with this point of view in mind. It’s about prevention, constant updates and ongoing reassessments because it is going to happen and you must be ready to block and react if there is a penetration.

2. Education upgrades are a necessity.

Gone are the days when someone completed their education and stopped learning. Especially when it comes to IS and IT departments, the need for regular education upgrades is undeniable. Hackers continue to get smarter and so must those working in cybersecurity. This means taking CISA training, CISM training and other courses that lead to certifications. The CISA certification and CISM certification are provided through the industry leading cyber security organization that is constantly upgrading their curriculums. In turn, authorized partners that provide CISA training and CISM training will have the most up-to-date information and skills training to ideally lead to a successful result on exams and a CISA certification or CISM certification.

Earning designations like a CISA certification or a CISM certification may not seem terribly important, but they prove to others in your industry and those in your organization that you have the skills and abilities to keep up to the challenges and threats in the IT and IS sector. Having recognized certifications may also allow you to earn a larger salary and advance to higher positions within your existing employer’s organization or take advantage of new job opportunities.

3. Use the tools that make the job easier.

These aren’t necessarily tools designed or developed for cybersecurity or penetration testing professionals, but they often make those jobs easier. For example, using team-sharing collaboration tools like Trello or Slack make it easier to communicate, avoid duplication and keep efficiency high.

Port reference guides give the ability to understand the weaknesses in the more than 65,500 ports out there and protocol analyzers like Wireshark helps identify all the comings and goings within a network.

4. Your colleagues don’t mean to screw up.

Everyone wants to do the best they can at their job and when they aren’t in the IT or IS department, chances are they don’t care nearly as much as you do about security. Often it is the misguided efforts (or lack of effort) of fellow employees that cause leaks and data breaches.

They didn’t realize that using their dog’s name as a password wasn’t as secure as it needed to be, they just wanted to be able to remember it.

Help your colleagues by understanding their desire to do a good job and show ways to do that within the parameters of the IT and IS department. Most importantly, help them understand why it’s important. Think of that game so loved by two and three year olds – the why game. When people know the why around the importance of their action or inaction they are more likely to do as requested. There’s nothing worse than an employee who thinks you’ve asked them to change their password every month to make your life easier or better. You can’t tell them to avoid public charging stations without an understanding of how that can expose the organization. There’s no need to explain your full job, but give people an understanding of what they need to do and why.

5. Consider the online and the offline.

Cybersecurity is definitely about the online world, but the lines are blurring between online and offline security needs as well as security professional job descriptions. While online security may be your bread and butter, don’t dismiss the opportunity to gain an understanding of on-site security as well. This could be related to your job such as looking at hardware like computer systems that don’t allow for USB ports or any other potential external inputs or it may be outside of the IT and IS realm if you’re looking at things like parkade access systems.

Having an understanding of both online and offline security will make you even more valuable to the organization you work for. You’ll be able to assess and implement more holistic security options and/or be a more productive and thoughtful team member on a security planning team.

Organizations are becoming more aware that online security is a growing need and are willing to support further education in the field for IT and IS employees while they are also implementing a broader scope of security measures. Individuals looking to make a difference in the world of cyber security can take concrete steps towards their future by making use of existing tools, advancing their education and appreciating the realities of security where humans are involved.

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The current state of technology allows for instantaneous connections almost anywhere in the world. Because global connections open up a plethora of opportunities for maleficent individuals to thrive, it is critical there be well-trained, educated, ethical and hard-working individuals to combat the global threats to individuals (in their homes), businesses and governments. As we have become dependent on technology, we also recognize how critical it is that our systems are free and clear of hostile acts. Yes, there are many threats that could impact our lives. Combating profound wickedness is no easy feat unless you are a Certified Information System specialist.

Am I a good fit?

Much like the IT world, where there are no limits to the size of the internet, there are infinite opportunities for individuals interested in the Information Systems (“IS”) arena. Positioning yourself in the IS field, either as a Certified Information Systems Auditor (“CISA”) or Certified Information Security Manager (“CISM”), you will be part of a highly specialized group of individuals interested in the audit, control and security of IS.

Well-respected professionals, CISA and CISM certified individuals have a hand in creating their own future. From IT Auditor (CISA Certification) to Chief Architectural Officer (CISM Certification), you can choose from many jobs to be part of a team or to be a team member managing others.

CISA generally has IT auditors working in security, administration and related jobs. The CISA Certification is the standard that is achieved through progressive learning and work experience. Persons with CISA Certification can anticipate – as an IT Auditor – an average salary of C$90,475 per annum. Entry-level positions start at $70,000 per year while most experienced workers make up to $153,808 per year. Worldwide, less than 80,000 people have a CISA certification.

While the CISM Certification may seem like a natural progression from CISA Certification – better pay and more responsibilities – individuals pursuing this qualification must have a minimum of five years of information security experience and a desire to lead others. Three of those years (or more) must be in information security management work. Additionally, this person not only understands information security management but also comprehends the value to the bottom line in a company or organization’s performance. Salaries for CISM Certified average C$104k per annum.

CISA and CISM Certification exams

Expect the following on the CISA & CISM Certification exams:

CISA – 5 areas of concentration:
– The Process of Auditing Information System (21%)
– Governance & Management of IT (16%)
– Information Systems Acquisition, Development & Implementation (18%)
– Information Systems Operations, Maintenance & Service Management (20%)
– Protection of Information Assets (25%)

CISM – 4 areas of concentration:
– Information Security Governance (24%)
– Information Risk Management (30%)
– Information Security Program Development and Management (27%)
– Information Security Incident Management (19%)

Testing times, fees and exam re-takes may vary; however, both the CISA and CISM Certification exams costs are as follows:
– ISACA Members: $575 USD
– Non-members: $760 USD

Before and After

There are no pre-requisites for taking the CISA exam; however, five years of relative work experience is required.
When you sit for the CISM Certification exam you are expected to already be thinking like a manager.
After you pass the CISA and CISM Certification exams you have additional requirements ranging from Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Program to work requirements. Both CISA and CISM Certifications require you to maintain the Code of Ethics.
CISA – Valid for 3 years with requirements
CISM – Valid for 5 years with requirements

Continuing education and work experience requirements is a small price to pay for the value added in with your CISA or CISM Certification.

Are you a Hall of Famer?

There is no right or wrong in the path you choose. If you care about confidentiality, integrity, and availability than you are an excellent candidate for a career in information systems auditing, control, or security.

Whichever path you take – CISA or CISM Certification – you are courageous and on your way to making our lives safer from evildoers. You are a visionary navigating through unchartered waters. Be steadfast in your learning, work diligently and prosper as you strategically help to make cyberspace safer for us all. Dive deeper to discover high-tech success with your CISA or CISM Certification.

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