Security Assured Inc.

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.

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.

CCSP Certification Overview

Origin

The Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) certification was created through a collaboration between (ISC)² (International Information System Security Certification Consortium) and the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA). Launched in 2015, the certification was developed in response to the rapidly growing adoption of cloud computing and the increasing need for security professionals with specialized knowledge in cloud environments. (ISC)² partnered with CSA to ensure the certification addressed real-world cloud security challenges and aligned with industry best practices.

Industry Value

The CCSP is highly valued because it validates expertise in cloud security architecture, governance, risk management, and compliance—critical skills as organizations continue migrating to cloud platforms. It demonstrates that professionals understand how to secure data, applications, and infrastructure across major cloud service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) and can implement security controls specific to cloud environments. Employers recognize CCSP holders as qualified to manage the unique security challenges of cloud computing, making it particularly valuable for security architects, engineers, and IT managers working with AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, and other platforms.

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) Certification

Origin

The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification was created by the International Council of E-Commerce Consultants (EC-Council) in 2003. EC-Council developed this certification in response to the growing need for standardized training in ethical hacking and penetration testing. The organization recognized that cybersecurity professionals needed formal credentials that would demonstrate their ability to think like malicious hackers in order to better defend systems and networks. The CEH was designed to establish a baseline of knowledge for security practitioners who assess system vulnerabilities using the same techniques employed by attackers.

Industry Value

The CEH certification is valued in the cybersecurity industry because it validates practical knowledge of security threats, vulnerabilities, and countermeasures. Many organizations, including government agencies and private corporations, recognize CEH as a benchmark for hiring security analysts, penetration testers, and security consultants. The certification covers 20 domains of information security, providing holders with a comprehensive understanding of attack vectors and defensive strategies. For professionals, earning the CEH demonstrates commitment to the field and can lead to career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential in an industry facing significant talent shortages.

Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI) Certification

Origin

The CHFI certification was created by the EC-Council (International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants) in 2003. EC-Council developed this certification to address the growing need for qualified professionals who could conduct computer forensic investigations and handle digital evidence in accordance with legal standards. The certification was designed to train cybersecurity professionals in detecting hacking attacks and properly extracting evidence to report the crime and prosecute cybercriminals.

Industry Value

CHFI is valued in the industry because it provides comprehensive training in digital forensics methodologies, evidence collection, and analysis techniques that meet judicial and industry standards. The certification is recognized by employers worldwide and is particularly important for professionals working in law enforcement, government agencies, and corporate security teams who need to investigate cybercrimes and present findings in legal proceedings. Many organizations require or prefer CHFI certification for roles involving incident response, digital forensics, and security operations, as it demonstrates a professional's ability to handle sensitive investigations while maintaining the integrity of digital evidence.