The best way to go about getting certified as an information security manager is to make sure that you obtain both a Management Information Security Officer (MISCO) and a CISSP certification. The former is granted by the Security Industry Authority (SIA), while the latter is granted by the Computer Systems Security Association (CISSA). There are two certifications offered for security management professionals, which are the Microsoft Certified System Security (MCS) and the National Information Technology Security Certification (NISCC). The CISSP certification requires that candidates pass a series of tests and then must demonstrate that they understand and execute mission-critical skills in Information Security Management.
The most important thing to keep in mind when looking to get certified as a management information security specialist is that you need to study well. Not only does having a solid foundation in technology education to help, but it will also help you to demonstrate your understanding of the material to your prospective employers. There are several online courses that you can take to prepare for these exams, including courses from the respected Information Security Training Institute (ISIT). You may even want to enlist the help of a mentor, who can watch your progress and help make sure you are studying the right material.
Once you have received your Management Information Security Officer (MISCO) or CISSP certification, you can start looking for jobs. While there are a number of places you can apply to work at once, it is important to be realistic in your expectations, as not all employers are likely to accept your qualifications for Information Security Management positions. Some information security positions, such as Computer Information Management (CIM), require additional training and may not accept certifications.
The best way to determine how competitive your job will be in your area is to contact a local information security professional group or an employment agency with which you have a business relationship. They will be able to provide you with several openings within your field and help you determine whether or not the position is one you truly qualify for. When you are ready to take your certification exam, you should review the tips below before you take your test.
One of the most important things that you can do to prepare for the certification exam is to familiarize yourself with several IT policies, procedures and basic server and desktop management. This will give you a good foundation on which to build your knowledge and prepare for the questions that will be asked on the exam. You should also create practice tests that you can do to ensure that you are ready for the actual exam. Creating these tests beforehand will allow you to practice and learn on your own without having to spend a great deal of money on lab fees or other course materials.
One of the most important tips for becoming a certified information security manager is to understand the difference between internal and external IT resources. External resources are those outside of your company that will provide assistance to your company. Internal resources are those inside of your company that you hire to manage these resources. Many businesses make the mistake of thinking that if they hire someone that they will have full control over who is responsible for internal IT. This is not true and you should be aware of the direction your company’s information security will be headed in. If you want to be a successful information security manager, you need to understand your responsibilities to those outside of your company.
Finally, you need to be dedicated and prepared to make the sacrifices necessary for you to obtain the information security manager certification. Most individuals that try and become an information security manager will give up their jobs or quit the business before they finish obtaining their certification. This means that you need to have the motivation and fortitude to give it your all. This is not an easy job, but it is one of the most rewarding when you are done. All the tips that you have read are just some of the many things you can do in order to be a successful information security manager.
