(ISC)² Blog

How gamification can improve employee cybersecurity compliance

As published in the July/August edition of InfoSecurity Professional Magazine By Crystal Bedell As a former cyber analyst for the government, Masha Sedova has seen firsthand what a Russian state-sponsored attacker is capable of. So, when she was charged with building a security culture at Salesforce in 2012, she knew an employee newsletter and animated videos wouldn’t prepare end users in the event of a targeted corporate attack. “I thought, ‘There’s no way this will work. It’s a waste of time,’” says Sedova, co-founder of Elevate Security in Berkeley, Calif. “In order for an organization to withstand an attack like... Read more →

Update: New (ISC)² Official Training Provider S4 Inc.

Earlier this week, S4 Inc. announced that it has been added to (ISC)²’s roster of Official Training Providers. Based in Colorado Springs, S4 is celebrating its 20th anniversary and has supported US Government, DoD and DHS agencies since 1999. S4 is now offering its first official (ISC)² Training Seminar for the CISSP certification beginning on September 30th, 2019. Other instructor-led training seminars will also be available later this year for the CCSP, CSSLP and CAP certifications. If you’re in the local area, you can register here. S4 will also host an open house this Friday, September 20, at its 8800... Read more →

Looking to Break into Cybersecurity Without Direct Experience? Find Out How

The cybersecurity skills gap means companies are scrambling to fill security positions, and that presents an opportunity for you to find security work – even without direct experience. Faced with a critical shortage of qualified candidates, organizations are increasingly taking chances on nontraditional applicants and training them for security roles. One way to bridge a cybersecurity experience gap and get started? Make the case for your transferable skills. Success in security requires a mix of technical and soft skills. These can potentially come from ANY previous job. Analytical skills, enthusiasm for exploring technical questions and issues, and diagnostic experience will... Read more →

VMware Acquisitions Highlight the Importance of DevSecOps

In the digital age, security can no longer be an afterthought. As organizations modernize their IT environments through digital transformation initiatives, it’s become more critical than ever to bake security into new applications from the start. Virtualization giant VMware recognizes this new reality, which explains why it has decided to acquire two companies that give the company a stronger foothold in digital transformation and cybersecurity. One of the companies, Pivotal Software, brings to VMware a platform for developing applications in the cloud. The other, Carbon Black, has a cloud-native endpoint protection platform that ensures this is done securely. Together, the... Read more →

Most Cyber Workers Plan to See Out Their Careers in the Field

Recruiting cybersecurity professionals is a major challenge because of the scarcity of qualified candidates, but at least employers don’t have to worry about them wanting to change professions. Most cybersecurity workers (64%) plan to finish out their careers in cybersecurity, according to (ISC)² research. Of course, this creates a new challenge for employers – how to retain their cybersecurity staff. With a worldwide shortage of nearly 3 million, there’s always a chance workers will leave for better pay or more attractive working conditions. To prevent this, employers must put serious effort into retention with measures such as robust training, professional... Read more →

3 Pro Tips for Moving from IT to Security

Already have a background in IT? Here are three tips for moving toward a more security-focused role. Take a cue from Goldilocks: Go after the industry certification that’s “just right.” This entails pursuing a credential that helps augment technical skills with security practices. Many choose the SSCP for its balance between the foundational and technical. SSCP allows you to prove a technical understanding without having to seek a more entry-level certification. Change your perspective to layer security into the work you’re already doing. Moving from IT to security is a natural evolution. Once you’ve gained the requisite knowledge and put... Read more →

SSCP vs. CISSP Exams: How are they different?

You’re considering a cybersecurity certification and the SSCP and CISSP are both on your list. After comparing the material, you’re thinking there’s a good bit of overlap between the two. But is there, really? And if you sit for one exam would you be able to sit for the other without additional study or preparation? These are excellent questions. In fact, we hear them a lot. And the reality is, there ARE commonalities, which is true for most things in the field. However, these two certifications are wholly different and were developed from two distinct perspectives. In many ways, the... Read more →

Commit. Plan. Succeed.

With half the year already in the rearview, it’s a great time to reflect on your goals. Is achieving the CISSP, CCSP, SSCP or another elite (ISC)² certification part of your plans? If so, do you have a winning strategy in place? Here are three tips to help you get – and stay – on track as you pursue next steps. Set an exam date. Registering now can keep you motivated and focused on your certification goals. And the sooner you pass the exam, the sooner you’ll prove your cybersecurity expertise to employers and peers! Develop a study plan. Work... Read more →

The Challenges of Raising User Security Awareness

One of the toughest challenges of cybersecurity is to raise awareness among users. Technology solutions are instrumental in achieving a solid security posture, but they only get you so far. There’s always the risk a user will make a split-second bad decision and open the door to attack. User awareness was the topic of a recent (ISC)² webcast, Delivering Security Awareness that Works. Participants shared their experiences in modifying user behavior and the challenges they face on a daily basis to save users from their own potentially harmful actions. User Risks One theme quickly emerged: Cybersecurity teams must be on... Read more →

2019 Security Congress – The Agenda is Live!

You’ve been curious. You’ve waited patiently. And now you’ll know exactly which sessions you can look forward to at our ninth annual Security Congress in Orlando! The full agenda for this conference is now online for you to browse and you won’t want to miss this year’s event. Security Congress will advance a global perspective and vision as our premier conference for thousands of cybersecurity professionals from all over the world. With 18 tracks, 175 sessions and more than 200 speakers, this will be the biggest program ever. Featured sessions include: A panel discussion on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: How... Read more →

EMEA Skills Gap Puts Cyber Workers at a Disadvantage Against Attackers

A severe cybersecurity skills gap in EMEA (European, Middle East and Africa) is making it hard for cybersecurity staff to cope with their workloads or acquire the skills they need to handle emerging technologies, according to a new report by Symantec. Cybersecurity workers believe they are at a serious disadvantage against attackers. Simply finding the time to learn emerging technologies, such as those related to mobility and cloud, is a challenge for a workforce whose experience as a group ranges from 10 to 30 years, the report says. “Declining skills are highly problematic for cyber security professionals, who are effectively... Read more →

Going for (ISC)² Certification? Get the facts before you choose a training provider.

Whether you’re going for CISSP, SSCP, CCSP or another elite (ISC)² certification, the training route is an excellent way to prepare. (ISC)² certifications are highly regarded in the cybersecurity industry, and countless training companies offer exam prep for them. With so many options, it can be unnecessarily hard to make the right choice. Often, we think the more choices we have, the better. But too many cybersecurity training options have created confusion and led to false claims that border on unethical as companies compete for your business. When it comes to assertions trainer providers make about their courses for our... Read more →

Investing in the Next Generation of Cybersecurity Leaders

by Dr. Mansur Hasib, CISSP, PMP, CPHIMS Program Chair, Cybersecurity Technology, The Graduate School, University of Maryland University College In order for any discipline to advance and grow, each generation of established thought leaders must mentor and invest in the next generation. The new generation can infuse new ideas, varied approaches, and innovative new ways to explain and present material. This is exactly what happened in a dramatic way at the 2019 Secure Summit DC hosted by (ISC)² . John McCumber and Susan Lausch of (ISC)² invited me to organize a contingent of 30 graduate cybersecurity students and recent graduates... Read more →

The Time Is Now to Build on Women’s Cybersecurity Gains

By Deshini Newman, Managing Director, EMEA, (ISC)² There’s never been a better time to be a woman in cybersecurity than now. Granted, there are many gains to be made still, but recent research about progress already made by women in the field is very encouraging. Although the industry is dominated by men, so many computing pioneers, such as the people who programmed the first digital computers were women. Ada Lovelace (1815–1852) is credited with being the world's first computer programmer. She detailed applications for the Analytical Engine that relate to how computers are used today. Likewise, luminaries such as Grace... Read more →

Building a Strong Culture of Security – from the Professional Development Institute

(ISC)²’s Professional Development Institute (PDI) launched earlier this year and aims to provide valuable, accessible education and training to cybersecurity professionals. One of the PDI courses currently available is Building a Strong Culture of Security. Like all PDI courses, it is free for (ISC)² members and associates, and available for purchase at $400 for the general public. Technology alone cannot protect an organization. It takes knowledgeable and aware team members to each do their part in ensuring critical assets are protected, and that goes beyond the security team. This self-paced, interactive course is intended for use by security professionals as... Read more →

Your Key to Professional Growth: Invest in Your Group B CPE Activities

by Dr. Chris Veltsos, CISSP, member of (ISC)² Advisory Council of North America It’s easy to feel stressed, or conversely feel stuck in a rut, when it comes to the topic of professional development. We all know “we should/must do it” but aren’t exactly sure on how to go about it. And compared to security domain specific knowledge, skills, and abilities (group A CPE credits for holders of (ISC)² credentials), it’s easy to delay thinking and planning your activities regarding those strange group B CPE credits. Here’s to changing that reality, and in the process your mindset about their place... Read more →

New Cybersecurity Reports Point to Increased Need for Retraining and Vulnerability Management

By now you’re well aware of the widely-reported (ISC)² research that shows there is a global cybersecurity shortage of 2.93 million professionals. Identifying, recruiting and training skilled talent to adequately secure organizational data assets obviously remains a top priority in our industry. Well, over the past few weeks, both Tripwire and IBM have published reports that focus on different layers of the problem and add to the conversation. In its Cybersecurity Skills Gap Survey 2019, Tripwire found that 80% of IT security professionals believe it’s becoming more difficult to find skilled cybersecurity professionals. Not a surprising figure. The interesting wrinkle... Read more →

The Top 10 EMEA Webcasts of the Last 12 Months

Today’s IT security landscape is tough terrain to navigate at the best of times. Cybersecurity professionals need all the guidance, insight and education they can get to help them stay on top of arguably the most challenging points where business and technology collide. As always, (ISC)2 is your partner on this journey, providing resources such as our series of webcasts to keep you up-to-date on the latest trends, issues, tactics and threats in cybersecurity. Want to know where to start? Here are the top 10 EMEA webcasts from the last year: Machine Learning in Infosec: Debunking Buzz and Demystifying Use... Read more →

Announcing the (ISC)² Professional Development Institute

Today is an exciting day for (ISC)² members as your membership just got a whole lot more powerful. We are happy to announce the launch of the (ISC)² Professional Development Institute, known simply as PDI. PDI will be your go-to resource for timely and relevant continuing educational opportunities to keep your skills sharp and curiosity piqued. Best of all, these courses will all be available to members at no cost. With three courses already available — Building a Strong Culture of Security, DevSecOps: Integrating Security into DevOps, and GDPR for Security Professionals: A Framework for Success — we are thrilled... Read more →

2018’s Top 10 Webcasts

Cybersecurity professionals are busy enough even without having to keep up with the constant changes in the threat landscape and advances in security technology. But keep up you must, and that’s why (ISC)² have webcasts throughout the year on various security-related topics. Based on ratings by cybersecurity professionals, here are the top 10 webcasts from 2018: State of the Internet/Security 2018: Web Attacks Learn how reptiles and hackers target the hotel industry by hitting the library, and how to fight back. This webcast includes case studies on how the aviation industry deploys crawler management solutions to protect their websites. Delivered... Read more →