Introduction
As per (ISC)2 Cybersecurity Workforce Report 2023, 75% of cybersecurity professionals view the current threat landscape as the most challenging it has been in the past five years, and only 52% believe that their organization has the tools and people needed to respond to cyber incidents over the next two to three years. Organizations are struggling to find people with good cloud computing and security skills
Snip from (ISC)2 Workforce report. For full report click here.
Career Advancement
Cybersecurity roles often come with attractive salary packages and opportunities for career advancement according to industry reports cybersecurity professionals earn significantly more than their counterparts in traditional IT roles Additionally the field offers a variety of specialized career paths from ethical hacking to security consulting, providing ample room for growth and development
How CISSP Facilitates the Transition
For IT professionals the transition to cybersecurity involves acquiring specialized knowledge and skills The CISSP certification is designed to bridge this gap by covering a broad range of cybersecurity topics it ensures that candidates have a solid understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of information security. Most of the IT Infrastructure workforce is aware of ground implementation of IT and Security and hence it is relatively easy for them to pass CISSP and make a successful transition in Cybersecurity.
Credibility and Recognition:
Earning CISSP certification significantly boosts your credibility in the cybersecurity community it demonstrates to the employer and peers that you have the knowledge and skills to handle complex security challenges. This recognition can open doors to advanced job roles and responsibilities. If you want to achieve the tag of Cybersecurity subject matter expert, CISSP is the best certification for you. This is the gold standard which provides you overall view of how security is implemented in companies.
Network Opportunities
Becoming a CISSP-certified professional grants you access to a global network of cybersecurity experts this community provides valuable opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and career development
Engaging with this network can help you stay updated on industry trends
And best practices. Cybersecurity is a. challenging area, and we have to acknowledge the fact that one cannot become an expert in every cybersecurity domain. Hence Networking with the right people and learning from their experience is an invaluable asset.
Meeting the CISSP eligibility criteria
Before pursuing the CISSP certification ensure that you meet eligibility criteria. The candidates must have a minimum of five years of cumulative paid work experience in two or more of the eight CISSP domains however if you hold a relevant degree or another approved certification you may be eligible for a one-year waiver.
Does this mean, CISSP is not for executives with less than 5 years of experience? Absolutely not, even freshers are eligible to appear and pass the CISSP exam, the only difference is they will be called CISSP Associates and will get 6 years to prove their CISSP Experience and get certified.
Once you pass the CISSP exam, you must complete the Endorsement Application. For more details, you can refer to this Endorsement Process Video.
How can you easily achieve the CISSP Certification
CISSP certification is a challenging certification, and you can adopt various strategies to Pass the CISSP certification.
Self-Study: In this approach, you can pick up popular CISSP books like Official Common body of Knowledge (CBK), Shon Harris, or Official Study Guide from Sybex. This approach is usually heavy and since Cybersecurity concepts can sometimes be difficult to grasp, misinterpreting a concept can cost you much. Also, this approach does not prepare you for passing the Tricky CISSP Exam by (ISC)2
Bootcamp Training: Many people prefer taking bootcamp training which ranges from 40-60 hours. Though this approach seems to be good, the challenge remains as these boot camps are short, and digesting so much within this short time can be challenging for even an experienced professional.
End-to-End Preparations Approach: We highly recommend this approach; however, you will rarely find this approach in the industry. We at Cybernous are addressing the same challenge through our Flagship and tested program “CISSP Success Toolkit (CST)”. The program includes everything you need for your CISSP success. The major advantage is that it is the only program that not only provides you required knowledge but also proves you for the exam challenge. This approach includes:
100-day success plan for busy IT professionals. You just need to spend 1-2 hours a day.
The program comes with 60+ hours of Live exam practice
Having a coach during your CISSP journey is a real game-changer. This program comes with expert 1:1 mentoring
In today’s day and age, reading is boring. You don’t need to go through any heavy-weight book in this approach.
You can explore more at www.cybernous.com
Here are some steps if you are embarking on this journey through the Self-study approach.
Study and Preparation:
Preparing for the CISSP exam requires dedication and a strategic approach here are some tips to guide your preparation:
Understand the exam format:
The CISSP exam consists of 100-150 multiple-choice and advanced innovative questions you have three hours to complete the exam, and it is offered in a computer-based format at Pearson VUE testing centers
Create a study plan:
Developed a study plan that covers all eight domains and systematically allocate sufficient time for each domain based on your familiarity with the topics consistent and focused sessions are key to the vast amount of information required for the exam
Use Official Study Material:
Utilize official (ISC)2 study material such as the CISSP official study guide and CISSP practice test these resources are specifically designed to align with exam objectives and provide accurate and reliable information
Join Study Groups and Forums
Joining CISSP study groups and online forums can enhance your preparation engaging with peers who are also preparing for the exam allows you to exchange knowledge, clarify doubts, and gain different perspectives on complex topics
Take Practice Exam:
Practice exams are crucial for assessing your readiness and identifying areas that need improvement regularly taking practice tests can help you become familiar with the exam format and manage your time effectively during the actual exam
Registering for the exam:
Once you feel confident in your preparation register for the CISSP exam through (ISC)2 website choose a convenient date and location for your exam and ensure that you complete the registration process well in advance
Maintaining Your Certification:
After Passing the CISSP exam you must maintain your certification by earning continuing professional education (CPE) credit this requirement ensures that you stay updated with the latest developments in cybersecurity and continue to enhance your skills.
Leveraging CISSP For Career Transition
With CISSP certification you can explore a variety of cybersecurity roles including:
Security Specialist
Security Consultant
Security Manager
Security Architect
Cybersecurity director
Chief Information Security Officer
Research these roles to understand the responsibilities and skills required and identify positions that align with your career goals and interests
Enhancing Your Resume and Online Presence:
Update your resume and LinkedIn profile to highlight your CISSP certification and relevant experience emphasize your expertise in the eight CISSP domains and any hands-on projects or achievements that demonstrate your capabilities in cybersecurity
Conclusion
Transitioning from IT to cybersecurity is a strategic move that can lead to a rewarding lucrative career. However, CISSP is a challenging exam, and you need to find the right approach to pass CISSP on the first attempt. While a Self-study or boot camp approach can help you in your CISSP journey, there are more failures than successes. We recommend the mentored end-to-end CISSP preparation approach through the CISSP Success Toolkit program.
How CISSP Certification Helps You Transition into Cybersecurity Leadership Roles in 2025