Today, it is determined that there will be one million job openings of security and technology in 2018 for the second year in a row. However, the lack of proficient IT experts is forcing managers and administrators to think about ways to recruit and retain talent. At the same time, IT security professionals want to improve their ability to be not only useful but also multi-purpose. Though there are different certification courses that make decisions difficult at the same time, however, it is important to be careful when deciding on the courses and feeders they usually belong to. It takes money, time and works to get certified. Following are some of the technical comparison of the certifications that one should obtain to stay updated:
Certified Information System Analyst (CISA) Certification
The certification of CISA is intended to design for the IT auditors, compared to the CIA used by internal auditors in general roles, CISA is, on the other hand, intended for the professionals. It was established in 1969 in the areas of information system auditing, security, risk, confidentiality, and management, where ISACA issues CISA and 3 other certifications correspondingly. However, ISACA has more than 150,050 members in around 185 states. Thus, ISACA specifically launched the CISA certification training in 1978. Since then, more than 150,050 individuals have received online CISA certification training to validate their knowledge regarding information systems and security, though, in order to obtain the credential people have to appear in the test which is itself not too complicated, it is just part of the test the experience is rigorous.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
CISSP is world-widely identified as one of the areas of computer security, it would say that it is the most technical among the others, thus the test itself is also the most technical. However, similar to the CISA exam, 5 years of work experience is required, as you already know, CISSP certification training is committed to be a certified information systems specialist, therefore, it is a certificate created by the international group on information system security. Most of the CISSP data covers five CIA areas, and if you take CISA, one will notice that CISSP is easier, and in general, CISSP certification training is more technical. Even if it is the same information, it deals with the securities side, not the audit side, and this is considering as the key to the complexity of the test.
CISSP vs. CISA Certification
To decide which certification to use between a CISSP and CISA, the short answer is it depends on the requirements. Both are information security certificates but are on opposite sides of the spectrum. CISA certification training, as the name implies, is an overview of information systems, while CISSP certification training emphasizes the creation, operation, and maintenance of secure information systems. Thus the content overlaps, but the emphasis is on the other. Both credentials are valued in the industry, but both certify different skills. Therefore, this type of work is sought in the field of network security, IT or information security review. The CISSP certificate is called 10km wide and one inch heavy, meaning its domain name covers the entire scope of network security, and this makes CISSP suitable for almost all fieldwork, unlike the CISA certification, which is only suitable for IT auditors.
Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) Certification
CIA is a globally known as Certified Internal Auditor, and internationally recognized as the credentials for internal auditors, however, the Institute of Internal Auditors (I.I.A) issues a CIA certificate. As the IIA is an American organization with residents and members around the world, you can expect people to appreciate the CIA almost anywhere you want to live and work. Although more people know about the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) comparatively to the CIA, thus the CIA has a reputation in the internal audit sector. So, if you are planning to become an auditor general or other auditor and do not have a CPA, you will have to work for the CIA.
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) Certification
CISM is internationally knowns as an advanced certification that provides security to individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and experience required to develop and maintain an information security business program. However, the certificate is intended for information security managers, prospective managers or IT consultants who are supposed to support the management of the programs of information security. The holders of CISM must adhere to the Code of Conduct of ISACA, agree to ISACA’s diversion policy, and comply with work experience requirements, and in order to maintain the CISM certification, individuals must maintain appropriate knowledge and skills in managing information security, perform 20-C.P.E hours per year, and adhere to the ISACA Code of Conduct. If you are taking the CPA Exam soon, knowing the CPA Exam requirements by state is useful.
CIA vs. CISM Certification
The CIA is considered as standard certification for computer systems auditors, but the CISM is an intermediary or even more qualified for someone who wants to become an information security expert. Thus the CIA is designed for auditors, but according to ISACA, CISM is supposed to be for someone who has transcended the purpose of a practitioner, who is no longer technical or specialized and has consumed a leading job along with information security program. However, the job description of the CIA may include financial or accounting aspects, while a CISM job description may involve scheduling or gathering information. Despite the differences, the CIA and CISM require certification of five years of relevant experience in their respective fields. CISM and CIA require multiple CPE’s in order to maintain certification, however, there are many ways to earn CPE credit: You can join websites on web security topics, attend conferences, or attend local CIA or CISM meetings. You can also earn money by participating in some online security events and supporting other members. CISM and CIA follow your own guidelines and you must familiarize yourself with them and be prepared to commit to maintaining your certification as part of the progress selection process.
