Let’s begin by putting things in perspective. Cybercrime accounts for billions of dollars in losses incurred by both SMEs and Fortune 500 companies the world over. If that doesn’t scare you, then think about the fact that critical infrastructure and production networks are now highly vulnerable to cybercriminals compared to previous years due to the evolving nature of internet crime, and the new breed of cybercriminals who come up every year.
Why is this important? First, what if you could identify these vulnerabilities and mitigate these threats? Pursuing Certified Information Systems Auditor certification is the single most effective way to attain the right kind of expertise to not just assess these vulnerabilities, but also to institute controls that improve compliance.
Think of the fact that the cybersecurity job market has increased by 400% in the past 3 years alone! CISA certification has now become necessary to become a valuable asset to any employer. Note that it is not in any proof that you have in-depth expertise in any specific software engineering, what it does mean is you have the knowledge and skills that come with CISA certification.
Who is CISA Certification for?
If you are a professional working in IT, or if you are simply looking to demonstrate a certain prowess in managing control operations and, most importantly, If you seek to develop mastery in performing IT security audits. It is crucial to understand that CISA is designed to integrate into the constant updates in technology, meaning that it is a constant learning curve that keeps IT professionals familiarized with changing industry trends.
Qualification
You essentially need 5 years of professional experience in any field that touches on information systems. Anything from security, assurance, control, systems auditing, or any of the various fields that are deemed relevant in this regard. This one-time exam is administered by ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association) and is mainly intended to equip professionals to not only identify vulnerabilities in information systems but also to find ways to effectively tackle these problems, as well as mitigate future threats.
Is it difficult to Attain?
On average, the CISA exam has about a 50% success. Which means that only half the people who take the test at any given time pass. That said, it would not be quite as valuable if every candidate went through, which is why if you are in the IT business, and you meet the quota, then you should take the test.
You should also note, that as mentioned earlier, CISA certification is not a one-off. Even after passing the exam, you will be required to adhere to certain extras, such as ISACAs continuing professional education policy, and the code of professional ethics, all of which are key requirements to maintain your certification status.
Bottom Line
If you want to advance your career in the field of information security, then attaining CISA certification is a huge leap towards achieving this end. This chip on your shoulder provides proof of expertise, knowledge, and valuable experience in the field.
