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10 Reasons Why You Should Consider Being a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
In this digital era where a considerable portion of our day-to-day activities from education and communication to banking and finances depend on information technology, a significant rise in cyber crimes and cyber threats can be witnessed. In order to avoid and prevent the risks posed by malicious activities such as phishing, DDoS, and data breaches, various cybersecurity systems have been developed and implemented by many organisations at present.
Along with the establishment of various cybersecurity solutions across businesses, the demand for cybersecurity professionals who are capable of operating and maintaining them has also shown rapid growth. If you are searching for a promising career path that comes along with many benefits, cyber security can be considered one of the best options ahead of you. In this blog article, we will reveal 10 reasons why you should consider obtaining the CISSP certification to become a professional in cyber security.
What Is CISSP Security Certification?
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification is a globally recognized program offered by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium, or ISC2. It is more like a PR certificate that grants you access to enter the cybersecurity industry. It is an indication of your possession of knowledge and skills in the subject, along with the ability to design, implement, and manage security systems that minimize the risk of cyber threats. The first step to obtaining this certification is to enroll yourself in the ISC2 CISSP course, which we offer at NTUC LearningHub. Covering the basic areas such as security and risk management, asset security, identity and access management, and more, this course will ensure that you are well prepared to enter the vast job market of the cybersecurity sector.
Becoming ISC2 certified in cybersecurity in a digitally advanced country like Singapore can significantly boost your career growth. Here are 10 reasons why you should consider following a cybersecurity course in Singapore and obtaining the CISSP certification.
1. Job Opportunities
Completing the CISSP certification opens doors to various job opportunities in the cybersecurity field. Some of the roles you can pursue include cybersecurity analyst, security consultant, IT auditor, security architect, security manager, and chief information security officer (CISO).
According to a Job Vacancy Survey conducted by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the demand for cybersecurity professionals in the job market has increased by 30 to 40% from 2015-2020. At present, organisations across industries, including finance, healthcare, government, and technology, actively seek CISSP-certified professionals to secure their systems and data.
2. International Recognition
As it is offered by the ISC2, the CISSP certificate is recognized globally as a standard of excellence in cybersecurity. Whether you're based in Singapore, the United States of America, or any other country, the value and recognition of your CISSP certificate will remain unchanged. It demonstrates your proficiency in cybersecurity principles and best practices, making you a desirable candidate for employers worldwide.
3. Career Advancement
Earning the CISSP certification offers you valuable opportunities for career advancement. At present, many employers prefer or require CISSP certification for senior-level cybersecurity positions. By becoming CISSP-certified, you can differentiate yourself from other candidates and position yourself for promotions and leadership roles within your organisation.
4. Attractive Salaries
CISSP-certified professionals often receive higher salaries compared to their non-certified counterparts. According to industry reports, the CISSP certification can lead to a significant salary hike, with some professionals earning up to 25% more than their non-certified counterparts. By investing in CISSP certification, you effortlessly secure a lucrative career in cybersecurity. Here’s a general overview of annual CISSP salaries in Singapore:
Job Position | Average salary for up to 4 years of experience | Average salary for 5-10 years of experience | Average salary for those with 10+ years of experience |
---|---|---|---|
Information Security Manager | S$80,000- S$90,000 | S$92,000 - S$110,000 | S$120,000+ |
Chief Information Security Officer | S$85,000 - S$96,000 | S$100,000 - S$120,000 | S$130,000+ |
Information Security Analyst | S$49,000 - S$55,000 | S$56,000 - S$70,000 | S$85,000+ |
Security Architect | S$48,000 - S$54,000 | S$55,000 - S$66,000 | S$70,000+ |
Security Engineer | S$60,000 - S$65,000 | S$67,000 - S$80,000 | S$90,000+ |
Information Security Officer | S$70,000 - S$75,000 | S$78,000 - S$89,000 | S$100,000+ |
Information Security Engineer | S$64,000 - S$69,000 | S$70,000 - S$80,000 | S$92,000+ |
5. Industry Credibility
The CISSP certification enhances your professional credibility within the cybersecurity industry. It signifies that you have the knowledge, skills, and experience to effectively address cybersecurity challenges and protect organisational assets.
6. Continuous Learning
Maintaining CISSP certification requires ongoing education and professional development. The ISC2 requires CISSP-certified professionals to earn continuing professional education (CPE) credits annually to stay current with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in cybersecurity. This commitment to continuous learning ensures that CISSP-certified professionals remain at the forefront of the industry and can effectively address evolving cyber threats.
7. CISSP Member Benefits
By becoming a certified cybersecurity professional, you will be entitled to various exclusive benefits offered by the ISC2. They include:
- Networking Possibilities
- ISC2 Discounts on Education
- Free Webinars
- Journal of Information Security
- Free and Discounted Events
8. Networking Opportunities
The International Information System Security Certification Consortium often hosts events, conferences, and virtual forums. CISSP-certified professionals can make them valuable opportunities for networking, connecting, collaborating, and sharing knowledge with peers. This way, you can receive insights, support, and career advice throughout your journey.
9. Engage with a Global Community
The CISSP certification grants you membership in a global community of cybersecurity professionals. As part of this community, you will have access to resources, tools, and forums where you can engage with like-minded professionals from around the world.
10. Contribution to Organisational Security
Moreover, investing in CISSP training for employees is an important step for many organisations to further bolster their organisational security posture. Here are the key reasons why upskilling employees with CISSP certification and promoting a culture of cyber awareness is pivotal for companies:
- Improved Protection of Sensitive Business Information
When employees are enrolled into the CISSP certification course, they learn how to protect sensitive business information from malicious hackers. Employees will learn the strategies commonly used by hackers to steal important information. For example, hackers will often attempt to circumvent established security methods to make off with sensitive information. During their CISSP certification, employees will learn how to avoid them successfully.
For example, during phishing attacks employees may be lured into opening a malicious link when hackers disguise themselves as a credible source. These malicious links may contain harmful viruses and malware which can cripple organisational workflows and ultimately the company. Other commonly used attacks include social engineering attacks where employees are deceived into revealing sensitive information over emails or phone calls. Hence, CISSP training creates awareness amongst staff so they discern between credible sources and potential threats.
- Risk Identification and Mitigation
The CISSP course will also empower employees to critically evaluate a business network to pinpoint potential areas for a security breach. Vulnerabilities can exist in various forms within the business network including the hardware, software and backend operational systems.
For example, a vulnerability in software can include an expired antivirus protection which heightens the risk of viruses and malware. On the other hand, a risk in hardware can present as a malfunction within the organisation’s computers or hard drives. These can lead to a loss of important data and unnecessary downtime for the business. Hence, when employees are able to proactively identify these vulnerabilities, it helps organisations to address and mitigate these vulnerabilities.
- Enhance Company Reputation and Client Trust
Any organisation that is holding onto confidential user information is tasked with securing these details, hence the leaking or theft of data can cause untold damage to the company’s reputation. This will erode customer trust which is quite difficult to regain. When employees are trained in CISSP certification, they are taught how to take proactive steps to protect client and business-related information.
CISSP Requirements: How Can I Get My CISSP Certification in Singapore?
If you are interested in advancing your career in cybersecurity, you can simply get started with the ISC2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) course at NTUC LearningHub. This is a SkillsFuture cybersecurity course in Singapore that gives you eligibility to sit for the CC exam. This course is open to anyone, especially those who are coming from a security or ICT background. Unless you are entering the course just for knowledge, it is recommended that you possess the following requirements at enrollment:
- A minimum of five years cumulative paid work experience in two or more of the eight domains of the CISSP CBK
- A four-year college degree, a regional equivalent, or an additional credential from the ISC2 approved list
However, if you do not have the required work experience to become a CISSP, you still stand a chance to become an Associate of ISC2 by passing the CISSP exam.
Upon completing the course with a minimum attendance of 75%, you will receive a valuable Certificate of Completion from NTUC LearningHub and a Statement of Attainment (SOA) from SkillsFuture Singapore. Depending on your professional goals and interests, you can pursue further qualifications by sitting for the CISSP exam conducted by the ISC2 once you complete this course.
Join NTUC LearningHub and Be a Professional in Cybersecurity!
Ready to take your cybersecurity career to the next level? Join NTUC LearningHub and start your journey today! Along with our CISSP course, we offer various other courses related to it, such as the Implementing and Administering CISCO Solutions (CCNA) course and the EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) course. Whether you are looking to reach new heights in your career or seeking knowledge on the subjects of your interest, visit our website and explore the endless opportunities awaiting you.
10 Reasons Why You Should Consider Being a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
In this digital era where a considerable portion of our day-to-day activities from education and communication to banking and finances depend on information technology, a significant rise in cyber crimes and cyber threats can be witnessed. In order to avoid and prevent the risks posed by malicious activities such as phishing, DDoS, and data breaches, various cybersecurity systems have been developed and implemented by many organisations at present.
Along with the establishment of various cybersecurity solutions across businesses, the demand for cybersecurity professionals who are capable of operating and maintaining them has also shown rapid growth. If you are searching for a promising career path that comes along with many benefits, cyber security can be considered one of the best options ahead of you. In this blog article, we will reveal 10 reasons why you should consider obtaining the CISSP certification to become a professional in cyber security.
What Is CISSP Security Certification?
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification is a globally recognized program offered by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium, or ISC2. It is more like a PR certificate that grants you access to enter the cybersecurity industry. It is an indication of your possession of knowledge and skills in the subject, along with the ability to design, implement, and manage security systems that minimize the risk of cyber threats. The first step to obtaining this certification is to enroll yourself in the ISC2 CISSP course, which we offer at NTUC LearningHub. Covering the basic areas such as security and risk management, asset security, identity and access management, and more, this course will ensure that you are well prepared to enter the vast job market of the cybersecurity sector.
Becoming ISC2 certified in cybersecurity in a digitally advanced country like Singapore can significantly boost your career growth. Here are 10 reasons why you should consider following a cybersecurity course in Singapore and obtaining the CISSP certification.
1. Job Opportunities
Completing the CISSP certification opens doors to various job opportunities in the cybersecurity field. Some of the roles you can pursue include cybersecurity analyst, security consultant, IT auditor, security architect, security manager, and chief information security officer (CISO).
According to a Job Vacancy Survey conducted by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the demand for cybersecurity professionals in the job market has increased by 30 to 40% from 2015-2020. At present, organisations across industries, including finance, healthcare, government, and technology, actively seek CISSP-certified professionals to secure their systems and data.
2. International Recognition
As it is offered by the ISC2, the CISSP certificate is recognized globally as a standard of excellence in cybersecurity. Whether you're based in Singapore, the United States of America, or any other country, the value and recognition of your CISSP certificate will remain unchanged. It demonstrates your proficiency in cybersecurity principles and best practices, making you a desirable candidate for employers worldwide.
3. Career Advancement
Earning the CISSP certification offers you valuable opportunities for career advancement. At present, many employers prefer or require CISSP certification for senior-level cybersecurity positions. By becoming CISSP-certified, you can differentiate yourself from other candidates and position yourself for promotions and leadership roles within your organisation.
4. Attractive Salaries
CISSP-certified professionals often receive higher salaries compared to their non-certified counterparts. According to industry reports, the CISSP certification can lead to a significant salary hike, with some professionals earning up to 25% more than their non-certified counterparts. By investing in CISSP certification, you effortlessly secure a lucrative career in cybersecurity. Here’s a general overview of annual CISSP salaries in Singapore:
Job Position | Average salary for up to 4 years of experience | Average salary for 5-10 years of experience | Average salary for those with 10+ years of experience |
---|---|---|---|
Information Security Manager | S$80,000- S$90,000 | S$92,000 - S$110,000 | S$120,000+ |
Chief Information Security Officer | S$85,000 - S$96,000 | S$100,000 - S$120,000 | S$130,000+ |
Information Security Analyst | S$49,000 - S$55,000 | S$56,000 - S$70,000 | S$85,000+ |
Security Architect | S$48,000 - S$54,000 | S$55,000 - S$66,000 | S$70,000+ |
Security Engineer | S$60,000 - S$65,000 | S$67,000 - S$80,000 | S$90,000+ |
Information Security Officer | S$70,000 - S$75,000 | S$78,000 - S$89,000 | S$100,000+ |
Information Security Engineer | S$64,000 - S$69,000 | S$70,000 - S$80,000 | S$92,000+ |
5. Industry Credibility
The CISSP certification enhances your professional credibility within the cybersecurity industry. It signifies that you have the knowledge, skills, and experience to effectively address cybersecurity challenges and protect organisational assets.
6. Continuous Learning
Maintaining CISSP certification requires ongoing education and professional development. The ISC2 requires CISSP-certified professionals to earn continuing professional education (CPE) credits annually to stay current with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in cybersecurity. This commitment to continuous learning ensures that CISSP-certified professionals remain at the forefront of the industry and can effectively address evolving cyber threats.
7. CISSP Member Benefits
By becoming a certified cybersecurity professional, you will be entitled to various exclusive benefits offered by the ISC2. They include:
- Networking Possibilities
- ISC2 Discounts on Education
- Free Webinars
- Journal of Information Security
- Free and Discounted Events
8. Networking Opportunities
The International Information System Security Certification Consortium often hosts events, conferences, and virtual forums. CISSP-certified professionals can make them valuable opportunities for networking, connecting, collaborating, and sharing knowledge with peers. This way, you can receive insights, support, and career advice throughout your journey.
9. Engage with a Global Community
The CISSP certification grants you membership in a global community of cybersecurity professionals. As part of this community, you will have access to resources, tools, and forums where you can engage with like-minded professionals from around the world.
10. Contribution to Organisational Security
Moreover, investing in CISSP training for employees is an important step for many organisations to further bolster their organisational security posture. Here are the key reasons why upskilling employees with CISSP certification and promoting a culture of cyber awareness is pivotal for companies:
- Improved Protection of Sensitive Business Information
When employees are enrolled into the CISSP certification course, they learn how to protect sensitive business information from malicious hackers. Employees will learn the strategies commonly used by hackers to steal important information. For example, hackers will often attempt to circumvent established security methods to make off with sensitive information. During their CISSP certification, employees will learn how to avoid them successfully.
For example, during phishing attacks employees may be lured into opening a malicious link when hackers disguise themselves as a credible source. These malicious links may contain harmful viruses and malware which can cripple organisational workflows and ultimately the company. Other commonly used attacks include social engineering attacks where employees are deceived into revealing sensitive information over emails or phone calls. Hence, CISSP training creates awareness amongst staff so they discern between credible sources and potential threats.
- Risk Identification and Mitigation
The CISSP course will also empower employees to critically evaluate a business network to pinpoint potential areas for a security breach. Vulnerabilities can exist in various forms within the business network including the hardware, software and backend operational systems.
For example, a vulnerability in software can include an expired antivirus protection which heightens the risk of viruses and malware. On the other hand, a risk in hardware can present as a malfunction within the organisation’s computers or hard drives. These can lead to a loss of important data and unnecessary downtime for the business. Hence, when employees are able to proactively identify these vulnerabilities, it helps organisations to address and mitigate these vulnerabilities.
- Enhance Company Reputation and Client Trust
Any organisation that is holding onto confidential user information is tasked with securing these details, hence the leaking or theft of data can cause untold damage to the company’s reputation. This will erode customer trust which is quite difficult to regain. When employees are trained in CISSP certification, they are taught how to take proactive steps to protect client and business-related information.
CISSP Requirements: How Can I Get My CISSP Certification in Singapore?
If you are interested in advancing your career in cybersecurity, you can simply get started with the ISC2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) course at NTUC LearningHub. This is a SkillsFuture cybersecurity course in Singapore that gives you eligibility to sit for the CC exam. This course is open to anyone, especially those who are coming from a security or ICT background. Unless you are entering the course just for knowledge, it is recommended that you possess the following requirements at enrollment:
- A minimum of five years cumulative paid work experience in two or more of the eight domains of the CISSP CBK
- A four-year college degree, a regional equivalent, or an additional credential from the ISC2 approved list
However, if you do not have the required work experience to become a CISSP, you still stand a chance to become an Associate of ISC2 by passing the CISSP exam.
Upon completing the course with a minimum attendance of 75%, you will receive a valuable Certificate of Completion from NTUC LearningHub and a Statement of Attainment (SOA) from SkillsFuture Singapore. Depending on your professional goals and interests, you can pursue further qualifications by sitting for the CISSP exam conducted by the ISC2 once you complete this course.
Join NTUC LearningHub and Be a Professional in Cybersecurity!
Ready to take your cybersecurity career to the next level? Join NTUC LearningHub and start your journey today! Along with our CISSP course, we offer various other courses related to it, such as the Implementing and Administering CISCO Solutions (CCNA) course and the EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) course. Whether you are looking to reach new heights in your career or seeking knowledge on the subjects of your interest, visit our website and explore the endless opportunities awaiting you.
Upskilling for a new career post-retirement
Retirement creates the perfect opportunity to pursue long standing interests. This was proven to be true for 62-year-old Boon Huat. A former senior manager in the motor vehicle industry, retiree Boon Huat decided to utilise the extra time he had to explore his interest in coffee. An avid coffee drinker, he was always keen to learn more about how to perfect the art of brewing a good cup of coffee. Thus, he enrolled into Workforce Skills Qualification (WSQ) Provide Speciality Coffee Service and WSQ Prepare and Serve Local Hot and Cold Beverage courses at NTUC LearningHub. Through the courses, Boon Huat was enlightened on the different brewery skills needed to make a wide range of hot and cold beverages with consistency and serving the beverages. He was able to seamlessly ride through the course and with the support of his seasoned trainers, enabling him to successfully complete the two courses. The course did not just fulfill his interest to expand his horizons, but it paved the way to a career in a new industry. As a naturally driven person, Boon Huat readily grabbed the opportunity when he was offered a job in the food services industry. Today, he works as a barista where he not only brews coffee for his patrons but also serves them sandwiches and toasts, putting his newly acquired knowledge to practice. “Through the course, I now have wider knowledge of coffee and coffee brewing skills. I have definitely been able to apply what I have learned from the course and have been able to brew better coffee with more practice. I am excited for what this new career and industry brings.”
Learning Never Stops: Reskilling for a Career Switch
Calvin Tan, the owner of a board game shop since 2017, found his business significantly affected during the pandemic. Recognising the lasting effects and prolonged challenges of global disruptions, he grew increasingly worried and began to consider his options, including the possibility of permanently closing his shop to seek out an alternative source of income.
Formerly a Project Management professional, he planned to return to the same profession However, he knew that he needed to update his skills to boost his employability and to keep up with the latest trends in Project Management. Due to his prior experience attending several courses offered by NTUC LearningHub (NTUC LHUB), Calvin began to research on courses related to his desired profession. Subsequently, Calvin enrolled in courses related to agile and project management. Despite being unfamiliar with the Agile methodology, Calvin was eager to learn something new that would improve his job prospects.
With his newly acquired skills, Calvin landed an Assistant Project Manager role in the IT software development industry in 2021. He credits his continued success in his profession to the courses he took at NTUC LHUB which enabled him to contribute meaningfully at the workplace. In his present role, Calvin is involved in various projects that utilises a wide range of methodologies, namely Waterfall and Agile methodologies. Recognising that the Agile approach has yet to gain widespread adoption among companies in Singapore, he leverages his expertise to enlighten clients about its advantages. For instance, he explains to them how Agile’s iterative modifications can lead to results that better match their expectations. Even after securing employment, Calvin upskilled further by undergoing NTUC LHUB’s PMI-Agile Certified Practitioner course.
Now, determined to continuously upskill, Calvin sets himself yearly personal targets in his career with at least two on learning new skills. Calvin attributes his desire to continuously upgrade himself to being inspired by a fellow coursemate, a senior in his late 50s who embodies the “Never Stop Learning” attitude.
“Tech is an ever-evolving sector. What you learn today can become obsolete tomorrow. This is something I tell my friends – that I must know what is happening tomorrow, yesterday,” he shared. “The day you stop learning is the day you begin to fail”.
Learning Never Stops: Reskilling for a Career Switch
Calvin Tan, the owner of a board game shop since 2017, found his business significantly affected during the pandemic. Recognising the lasting effects and prolonged challenges of global disruptions, he grew increasingly worried and began to consider his options, including the possibility of permanently closing his shop to seek out an alternative source of income.
Formerly a Project Management professional, he planned to return to the same profession However, he knew that he needed to update his skills to boost his employability and to keep up with the latest trends in Project Management. Due to his prior experience attending several courses offered by NTUC LearningHub (NTUC LHUB), Calvin began to research on courses related to his desired profession. Subsequently, Calvin enrolled in courses related to agile and project management. Despite being unfamiliar with the Agile methodology, Calvin was eager to learn something new that would improve his job prospects.
With his newly acquired skills, Calvin landed an Assistant Project Manager role in the IT software development industry in 2021. He credits his continued success in his profession to the courses he took at NTUC LHUB which enabled him to contribute meaningfully at the workplace. In his present role, Calvin is involved in various projects that utilises a wide range of methodologies, namely Waterfall and Agile methodologies. Recognising that the Agile approach has yet to gain widespread adoption among companies in Singapore, he leverages his expertise to enlighten clients about its advantages. For instance, he explains to them how Agile’s iterative modifications can lead to results that better match their expectations. Even after securing employment, Calvin upskilled further by undergoing NTUC LHUB’s PMI-Agile Certified Practitioner course.
Now, determined to continuously upskill, Calvin sets himself yearly personal targets in his career with at least two on learning new skills. Calvin attributes his desire to continuously upgrade himself to being inspired by a fellow coursemate, a senior in his late 50s who embodies the “Never Stop Learning” attitude.
“Tech is an ever-evolving sector. What you learn today can become obsolete tomorrow. This is something I tell my friends – that I must know what is happening tomorrow, yesterday,” he shared. “The day you stop learning is the day you begin to fail”.