Is CISM Worth It? Find Out the Answer Here

Some individuals are better at controlling processes and supervising others than specific configurations or administrative duties. Individuals usually choose the technical side of the business or shift to a managerial position at some point in their careers. The ISACA Certified Information Security Manager, or CISM, certification is appropriate for IT workers who wish to advance their careers in management, particularly data security experts. Specialized certification in IT/IS management, such as the CISM, not only improves your understanding of IT operations but also makes you a far more appealing job candidate. You can check out CISM coaching offered online to learn more about the discipline and the edge it would give you as a working professional. 

In this article, we will discuss ‘Is CISM certification worth it?.’

CISM - An Overview  

The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) is a credential for IT security management and governance experts. The Information Systems Council Audit and Control Association (ISACA), a global organization dedicated to offering the best way for information systems management, awards the certification. The certification is intended for individuals who want to focus on the administrative aspects of information security rather than getting too deep into the internal workings of various data security aspects. The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification from ISACA denotes knowledge of information security governance, program development and management, incident management, and risk management. 

CISM-certified people are usually entrusted with overseeing an organization's information security, which involves developing and refining operational information security procedures and strategies. Once certified, applicants can demonstrate that they understand the link between an information security programme and the larger corporate goals and objectives. 

To become certified, you must complete five requirements, the first of which is the CISM certification exam. This exam covers the following four topics: 

• Information security management 
• Information risk management and compliance 
• Information security program development and management 
• Information security incident management 

The test consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, and participants will have four hours to finish it. The score will be invalid if you do not meet the following four standards. Participants must also apply for certification within five years of passing the examination. 

 Before taking the CISM exam, you must have substantial experience in the above categories. Since the CISM is vendor-agnostic and the exam questions aren't specific to any system or setup, you'll want to enroll in a CISM training course that simulates the examination. 

Applicants should have at least five years of expertise in information security governance, programme construction and management, incident management, and risk management, to name a few areas. The sole requirement for taking the CISM exam is five years of proven professional experience in information security management. However, some qualifying circumstances may lower the years of job experience necessary. Earning a CISA certification, for example, cuts it in by two years, and each skill-based security certification, such as CBCP or GIAC, cuts it by one year. 

Who Should Be CISM Certified?  

The CISM certification is for candidates entrusted with or oriented toward managing a company's or industry's information security. CISM certification is an excellent choice for IT professionals transitioning from technical to managerial roles. It's also a good certification for experienced program managers who wish to specialize in IT. 

Certified CISM holders will be best suited for high-level management jobs, such as authenticating and verifying all vital assets that must be retained or ensuring that fines for non-compliance with regulations are conveyed and implemented. 

Getting the CISM certification isn't simple, and with so many information security certificates to choose from, it's a good idea to look into the advantages of getting the right qualifications. Look at top cyber security courses to distinguish yourself as a professional with valuable experience managing enterprise IT risk and maintaining information system controls.

Is CISM Worth It?  

The CISM from ISACA is a fantastic certification for IT/IS professionals in IT governance and management. Anyone interested in advancing their profession in information security management should pursue the CISM. The CISM is valuable for IT/IS professionals with a strong technical background who wish to shift into management roles. 

 IT professionals can use CISM training to understand how to develop a programme around information security governance and management. Studying for the CISM can help an IT/IS expert understand what goes into developing, administering, and maintaining a robust security infrastructure because the CISM is all about managerial knowledge and duties. CISM training and exam preparation can help you comprehend the big picture of information security management while teaching you how to test, review, and amend documentation and infrastructure plans to suit a firm's security requirements. 

The CISM validates skills in information security governance, programme development and management, and event and risk management. The CISM may be the greatest tool in the IT industry for demonstrating that you can enter a network's security operations and handle procedures, expectations, and technical limits while avoiding failures.

CISM Job Benefits  

One of the most significant advantages of the CISM certification is that you will be part of a network of outstanding information security professionals. You'll be joining a selected group of professionals who have shown their abilities and knowledge. 

Furthermore, the CISM credential puts you on a route toward additional education and learning. Continual learning is critical in the field of Information Security, as it is developing and growing every day. As a result, new information and technology pathways have emerged. Attaining the CISM certification is a stepping stone for your future career. 

The candidate can check the benefits of CISM certification because it recognizes the high competence and abilities required of an Information Security professional. This certification provides the individual with verifiable evidence of career advancement and opens the door to a raise in compensation or promotion. 

ANSI approves the CISM certification under ISO/IEC 17024:2012. This ISO/IEC standard provides international recognition to the CISM certification. 

Since this certification is difficult to obtain, it demonstrates your dedication to your work and Information Security. Improved job opportunities and potential earning capacity are two more advantages. Cybersecurity Ventures predicted that cybercrimes will cause $6 trillion in losses to the global economy in 2021, which is expected to climb to $10.5 trillion by 2025. Cybercrime's growing expenses may result in consistent demand for knowledgeable and skilled information security specialists. The employment prospects differ depending on the position you hold or want to hold. CISM certification can help you get a competitive advantage for IT jobs at all levels. The typical pay range for CISM-certified professionals ranges from $52,402 to $243,610. Professionals with the CISM Certification earn $82,237 more per year than those with the CISSP certification. 

CISM Certification: Job Profiles  

1. Information Security Manager 

The primary individual tasked with maintaining the IT infrastructure within the corporation or business is the Information Security Manager. They are in charge of maintaining the safety and security of all systems and ensuring that data and security policies are up to date and adhere to the strictest compliance requirements. A manager of Information Security is accountable for the evaluation of security measures, IT Security policy development and implementation, monitoring systems and report analysis.

2. Information System Security Officer 

The role of an organization's ISSO is complex in various ways. Regarding matters involving system security, ISSOs serve as the main point of contact between departments. The Chief Information Protection Officer, the Business Process Owner, the Information Security Manager, and the ISSOs are in continual contact regarding all technical and administrative issues relevant to protecting the organization's information. 

3. Chief Information Officer 

The ability to manage uncertainty and security has evolved into a mission-critical problem for small and large business operations internationally in a climate with new business requirements, compelling industry-specific rules, and dangers emerging every day. The capacity to comprehend and express a wide range of complex and difficult security management issues that may significantly affect corporate success is a qualification provided by the CISM to business leaders. 

4. Information/Privacy Risk Consultant 

Process and policies are major priorities of this position. Any information security system has many potential points of failure, and it is the responsibility of an Information and Privacy Risk consultant to locate and reduce these threats. Information and Privacy Risk consultants will benefit greatly from the fundamental risk assessment skills, which are part of the CISM curriculum. The CISM instructs applicants on maintaining control of these systems, which makes up a significant portion of what this job t needs. Information Security, risk assessment, risk analysis, and threat assessment are some roles performed by an Information and Privacy Risk Consultant. 

Conclusion  

A great way to demonstrate that someone is serious about developing their information security management skills is to obtain the CISM certification. ISACA's CISM certification is one of the most famous IT credentials as it is designed for the Information Security Manager job profile. Knowledgehut’s CISM coaching offered online can help you pass the CISM test on your first attempt and distinguish yourself as an expert with relevant experience managing enterprise IT risk and maintaining information system controls.