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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:

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.