Silent Signal
Speciality: Penetration Testing and Security Assessments
Hungarian cybersecurity company headquartered in Budapest; specializes in penetration testing, security assessments, code analysis, vulnerability testing, and social engineering; emphasizes world-class R&D and comprehensive ICT security services.
ISO 9001 and Cybersecurity/IT
Origin
ISO 9001 is a quality management system standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), first published in 1987. However, it's important to note that ISO 9001 itself is not a cybersecurity or IT-specific certification—it's a general quality management standard applicable to any industry. For cybersecurity and IT specifically, ISO created ISO/IEC 27001 in 2005, which focuses on information security management systems. ISO 9001 was created to establish consistent quality management practices across organizations worldwide, while ISO/IEC 27001 was developed to address the growing need for standardized information security controls.
Industry Value
ISO 9001 is valued across industries for demonstrating an organization's commitment to quality, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement, which can indirectly support IT operations. For actual cybersecurity and IT security certification, ISO/IEC 27001 is the recognized standard, valued because it provides a systematic approach to managing sensitive information, demonstrates due diligence to clients and stakeholders, and is often required for government contracts or business partnerships. ISO/IEC 27001 certification signals that an organization has implemented internationally recognized security controls and risk management processes, making it essential for building trust in an increasingly security-conscious business environment.
ISO 27001: Information Security Management Certification
Origin
ISO 27001 was developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and was first published in 2005. It evolved from the British Standard BS 7799-2, which was created in the late 1990s. The standard was developed in response to the growing need for organizations to systematically manage and protect sensitive information in an increasingly digital business environment. ISO 27001 has since been revised, with major updates released in 2013 and 2022 to address evolving cybersecurity threats and best practices.
Industry Value and Importance
ISO 27001 is globally recognized as the leading standard for information security management systems (ISMS) and is valued for providing a systematic, risk-based approach to protecting sensitive data. Organizations that achieve ISO 27001 certification demonstrate to clients, partners, and regulators that they have implemented comprehensive security controls and are committed to maintaining confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information. The certification is particularly important for organizations handling sensitive data, as it helps meet regulatory compliance requirements, reduces security incidents, builds customer trust, and often provides a competitive advantage in procurement processes where information security assurance is required.
CISSP Certification Overview
Origin
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) was created by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium, commonly known as (ISC)², in 1994. The certification was developed in response to the growing need for a standardized, vendor-neutral credential that could validate the expertise of information security professionals. (ISC)² designed the CISSP to establish a common body of knowledge for the cybersecurity field and provide a benchmark for measuring professional competence in information security.
Industry Value
The CISSP is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious and recognized certifications in cybersecurity, often required or preferred for senior-level security positions. Its value stems from its comprehensive coverage of eight security domains, including security operations, asset security, and security architecture, which demonstrates a candidate's broad expertise across the entire security landscape. The certification is accredited to ISO/IEC Standard 17024 and meets U.S. Department of Defense Directive 8570 requirements, making it particularly valuable for government contractors and enterprise organizations. Employers value CISSP-certified professionals because the rigorous examination process and experience requirements (minimum five years) ensure holders possess both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in managing and implementing security programs.
Origin of the OSCP
The Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) certification was created by Offensive Security, a company founded by Mati Aharoni and other security professionals in 2007. The certification was developed to address the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical penetration testing skills in the cybersecurity industry. Offensive Security designed the OSCP to be a hands-on, performance-based certification that requires candidates to demonstrate actual hacking skills in a controlled lab environment rather than simply answering multiple-choice questions.
Industry Value and Importance
The OSCP is highly valued in the cybersecurity industry because it proves that holders possess real-world penetration testing abilities. Unlike traditional certifications, the OSCP's 24-hour practical exam requires candidates to successfully compromise multiple machines in a simulated network environment and document their findings professionally. This hands-on approach has made it a gold standard for entry to intermediate-level penetration testers, and it's frequently requested or required by employers hiring for offensive security roles. The certification's difficulty and practical nature have earned it significant respect among security professionals and hiring managers.
OSCE Cybersecurity Certification
The Offensive Security Certified Expert (OSCE) certification was created by Offensive Security, the same organization behind the well-known OSCP certification and Kali Linux distribution. Originally launched in 2008, the OSCE was designed to validate advanced penetration testing skills, particularly in exploit development and creative attack techniques. The certification required candidates to complete the Cracking the Perimeter (CTP) course and pass a rigorous 48-hour hands-on exam. In 2020, Offensive Security retired the original OSCE and replaced it with OSCE³ (OSCE Cubed), which requires earning three separate expert-level certifications: OSEP, OSWE, and OSED.
The OSCE certification family is highly valued in the cybersecurity industry because it demonstrates advanced practical skills beyond basic penetration testing. Unlike multiple-choice exams, the hands-on testing format proves that holders can actually perform complex security assessments, develop custom exploits, and think creatively like real-world attackers. Employers recognize OSCE-certified professionals as possessing expert-level offensive security capabilities, making the certification particularly valuable for senior penetration testers, security researchers, and red team operators. The certification's difficulty and practical nature have established it as a respected credential that signifies true technical expertise rather than just theoretical knowledge.
OSWP Cybersecurity Certification
Origin
The Offensive Security Wireless Professional (OSWP) certification was created by Offensive Security, the same company behind the renowned OSCP certification. Launched in 2008, the OSWP was developed to address the growing need for professionals skilled in wireless network security assessment. Offensive Security created this certification to provide hands-on, practical training in identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities in 802.11 wireless networks, maintaining their philosophy of "Try Harder" and emphasizing real-world penetration testing skills over theoretical knowledge.
Industry Value
The OSWP is valued in the cybersecurity industry because it demonstrates proven practical ability in wireless network penetration testing through a hands-on exam format. Unlike multiple-choice certifications, holders must successfully crack WEP and WPA/WPA2 encryption and document their methodology in a professional penetration testing report. This certification is particularly respected because it validates actual technical competency rather than memorization, making OSWP holders attractive candidates for penetration testing roles, security consulting positions, and network security positions where wireless infrastructure assessment is critical.
The GPEN Certification: Origin
The GPEN (GIAC Penetration Tester) certification was created by the Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC), an organization founded in 1999 as part of the SANS (SysAdmin, Audit, Network, and Security) Institute. GIAC developed the GPEN to validate the technical skills of cybersecurity professionals who perform penetration testing and ethical hacking. The certification was designed to ensure that practitioners possess both the theoretical knowledge and hands-on abilities needed to conduct proper security assessments and identify vulnerabilities in networks and systems.
Industry Value and Importance
The GPEN certification is highly valued in the cybersecurity industry because it demonstrates practical, real-world penetration testing skills rather than just theoretical knowledge. Employers recognize GPEN-certified professionals as capable of conducting thorough security assessments, understanding attack vectors, and properly documenting findings. The certification meets DoD 8570/8140 requirements for certain Information Assurance positions, making it particularly valuable for government contractors and federal positions. Its focus on hands-on methodology and current attack techniques makes GPEN holders sought after for offensive security roles, penetration testing teams, and security consulting positions.
GWAPT Cybersecurity Certification
Origin
The GIAC Web Application Penetration Tester (GWAPT) certification was created by the Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC), an organization founded in 1999 as part of the SANS Institute. GIAC developed GWAPT to address the growing need for skilled professionals who could identify and exploit vulnerabilities in web applications. The certification was designed to validate hands-on technical skills in web application security testing, reflecting the real-world challenges that security professionals face when assessing modern web-based systems.
Industry Value
GWAPT is highly valued in the cybersecurity industry because it demonstrates practical expertise in web application penetration testing, one of the most critical areas of information security. Organizations prize this certification because holders have proven their ability to identify common and advanced vulnerabilities in web applications, which remain a primary attack vector for cybercriminals. The certification's emphasis on hands-on skills rather than just theoretical knowledge makes GWAPT holders particularly attractive to employers seeking security professionals who can immediately contribute to protecting their web-based assets and conducting thorough security assessments.
CISA Certification Overview
Origin and History
The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification was created by ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association) in 1978. ISACA developed this credential in response to the growing need for standardized expertise in auditing, controlling, and securing information systems. As one of the oldest IT audit and security certifications available, CISA was designed to validate the knowledge and skills of professionals responsible for assessing an organization's IT and business systems vulnerabilities and implementing appropriate controls.
Industry Value and Importance
CISA is highly valued in the industry because it demonstrates a professional's ability to assess risk, implement controls, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. The certification is globally recognized and often required or preferred for roles in IT audit, cybersecurity, risk management, and compliance positions. Many organizations, particularly financial institutions, government agencies, and publicly traded companies, specifically seek CISA-certified professionals to meet internal audit requirements and regulatory obligations. The credential's emphasis on both technical knowledge and practical application makes it particularly relevant for professionals who need to bridge the gap between IT operations and business governance.
CISM Certification: Origin
The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification was created by ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association) in 2003. ISACA developed CISM to address the growing need for a certification specifically focused on information security management and governance, rather than just technical security skills. The certification was designed to recognize professionals who design, manage, and oversee an enterprise's information security program, filling a gap between technical security certifications and the strategic, managerial aspects of cybersecurity.
Industry Value and Importance
CISM is highly valued in the cybersecurity industry because it demonstrates expertise in security risk management, governance, incident management, and program development from a management perspective. Many organizations, particularly large enterprises and government agencies, specifically seek CISM-certified professionals for leadership roles in information security. The certification is globally recognized and often commands higher salaries compared to non-certified peers. Its focus on aligning security practices with business objectives makes it particularly relevant for professionals aspiring to senior security management positions, including Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) roles.
CRISC Certification Overview
Origin and Creation
The Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) certification was created and launched by ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association) in 2010. ISACA developed this credential in response to growing demand from organizations for professionals who could identify and manage IT risks and implement effective information systems controls. The certification was designed to fill a gap in the market for a specialized credential focused specifically on enterprise risk management within IT environments, distinguishing it from ISACA's other certifications like CISA, which focuses more on auditing.
Industry Value and Importance
The CRISC certification is highly valued because it validates a professional's expertise in four critical domains: IT risk identification, assessment, evaluation and response, and control design and implementation. Organizations prize CRISC holders for their ability to bridge the gap between technical IT operations and business risk management, helping enterprises make informed decisions about technology investments and security measures. The certification is particularly sought after in regulated industries like finance, healthcare, and government, where managing IT risk and demonstrating compliance are essential. Many employers list CRISC as a preferred or required qualification for risk management, compliance, and IT governance positions, often associated with higher salary potential.