ISC2 Blog

Study: Pandemic Boosts Cybersecurity Demand

Demand is up for cybersecurity solutions and services as businesses try to cope with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a survey of technology firms, industry association CompTIA found that customer inquiries regarding cybersecurity were up by 36% in April -- second only to inquiries about communications, collaboration and A/V technologies. The increased demand for cybersecurity and collaboration technologies makes sense in light of the sudden increase in work-from-home (WFH) numbers. The ranks of remote workers shot up as a result of stay-at-home and lockdown directives issued by governments in efforts to manage the spread of COVID-19. Recent (ISC)2... Read more →

In support of federal legislation to support our cybersecurity workforce

(ISC)² has sent a letter to Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) in support of proposed bipartisan legislation that would direct the Secretary of Commerce, in coordination with relevant agencies, to establish “grand challenge” competitions to achieve high-priority breakthroughs in cybersecurity, including expanding our cybersecurity workforce, defending against artificial intelligence threats, and protecting our nation against cyberattacks. The proposed Cyber Leap Act of 2020 can be read here: https://www.commerce.senate.gov/services/files/60A3EF97-3FE3-47D9-A5B9-04E2A8AE2200 In a press release issued by Senator Rosen, who is a member of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, she said about the bill: “We put our nation at risk if we... Read more →

5 Ways to Break Down the Cybersecurity Experience Barrier

Appropriate experience is one of the biggest hurdles to overcome when trying to land a job in information security. In fact, a poll from Tripwire finds most job seekers (80%) say they need more experience to be considered for many of the roles they apply for in infosec. The survey, conducted via Twitter, also found lack of certification or appropriate training (20%) were other issues keeping people from security jobs. There’s no question landing that first gig in security can be difficult. But there are practical ways to stand out and get the attention of hiring managers, even without a... Read more →

Bank On It

As published in the March/April 2020 edition of InfoSecurity Professional Magazine By Shaun Aghili, DBA, CISSP-ISSMP, CCSP, CISA and Bobby Swar, Ph.D. In May 2018, two major banks in Canada—Bank of Montreal and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce—received email threats from malicious hackers claiming to have gained access to customers’ sensitive information. The attackers demanded $1 million in cryptocurrency from each bank or they would publicly release customers’ information. The successful attacks on these banks led to 90,000 customers’ account information being compromised and an undisclosed amount of money lost as the result of the security breaches. In recent years,... Read more →

5 Career Tips for First-Time Cybersecurity Job Seekers

It’s a great time to work in cybersecurity. Demand for security professionals continues to grow, and the need for qualified people with certain security certifications is strong. But getting that first opportunity to work in security can be challenging. That’s because security is a field where personal relationships count just as much as experience and education. So how can you get a leg up and develop the qualifications necessary to land a job? Here are 5 suggestions for forging your path to gainful security employment. Train and Join an Association One of the first places to start when you’re preparing... Read more →

Let Your Voice Be Heard

Last week, (ISC)2 launched the annual Cybersecurity Workforce Survey and we need to hear from you. When the study is released later this year, it will be shared with government agencies and security policy makers, as well as referenced in countless media reports. The report is often used by organizations of all sizes around the world as a benchmark for security hiring strategies. To participate, please take the survey here: ow.ly/i23d50zEj6F Your participation in the survey will help shape the conversation around the cybersecurity workforce during the year to come. Build awareness for the issues that matter most to professionals... Read more →

The First Line of Defense: Are Humans Doing a Good Enough Job?

As published in the March/April 2020 edition of InfoSecurity Professional Magazine By Crystal Bedell Humans have long been touted as the weakest link in security. But in many ways that axiom oversimplifies the issue of the human element and makes end users collectively the bad guy when, for the most part, they’re only trying to do their jobs. Understanding why humans behave the way they do, and allowing them to inform a security strategy, can strengthen the human element so that people aren’t the weakest link but a helpful component of your security arsenal. “We put people in front of... Read more →

What You Need to Know: CISSP Comparable to U.K. Master’s Degree Standard

(ISC)2 recently announced the CISSP certification has been formally recognized as comparable to the U.K.’s Master’s degree standard, following the completion of an independent benchmarking process. We’ve compiled information here to help members – especially those in the U.K. and across Europe – understand this achievement. What does the CISSP being assessed as comparable to the U.K. Master’s Degree Standard mean for me and other CISSPs? While the value and importance of a globally-understood cybersecurity certification is well known within the (ISC)2 community, reinforcing the meaning of the certification in relation to other forms of education, and professional distinction and... Read more →

3 Ways to Find a Cybersecurity Mentor

The needs of those pursuing a cybersecurity career are unlike any other field. Stress is high, and the knowledge and skills it demands are evolving and changing all the time. That’s why it’s a great idea to have a mentor to serve as a sounding board at critical points throughout your career. A mentor can provide feedback on career management that you might not find in a job and also help you forge relationships with key contacts in the industry. Here are three key steps to cultivating this important professional relationship. Do Your Research Before you even try to find... Read more →

5 Skills Companies Are Hiring for in 2020

There has never been a better time to become an information security professional. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for security experts is expected to grow exponentially through 2028. So, what are the hottest attributes employers are seeking out in 2020? Here are 5 of the most sought-after skills companies want for their security and IT teams today. Cloud Security Businesses are increasingly moving workloads to the cloud, and it has become an integral part of IT strategy that is only expected to grow. IDC predicts public cloud adoption will reach nearly $500 billion in just... Read more →