Kivu Consulting (a part of Quorum Cyber)

Origins of CISSP

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification was created by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium, known as (ISC)², in 1994. It was developed in response to the growing need for a standardized credential that could validate the knowledge and expertise of information security professionals. The certification was designed to establish a common body of knowledge for the cybersecurity field and provide organizations with a reliable way to identify qualified security practitioners during a time when information security was becoming increasingly critical to business operations.

Industry Value and Importance

The CISSP is widely recognized as one of the most prestigious and valued credentials in the cybersecurity industry. It demonstrates that holders possess comprehensive knowledge across eight security domains, including security architecture, risk management, and software security. Many government agencies, including the U.S. Department of Defense, and Fortune 500 companies either require or strongly prefer CISSP certification for senior security positions. The certification's rigorous requirements—including five years of professional experience and passing a challenging exam—combined with mandatory continuing education, ensure that CISSP holders maintain current, relevant expertise, making it a trusted benchmark for cybersecurity competence worldwide.

Origin of CISA

The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification was created by ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association) in 1978. ISACA, founded in 1969, developed CISA to establish a standard for professionals working in IT audit, control, and security. The certification emerged in response to the growing need for qualified individuals who could audit information systems and ensure their proper governance, as organizations increasingly relied on computer systems for critical business operations.

Industry Value and Importance

CISA is widely recognized as one of the premier certifications for IT audit and control professionals. It demonstrates an individual's expertise in assessing vulnerabilities, implementing controls, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations. Employers value CISA holders because the certification requires significant professional experience and passing a comprehensive exam covering domains like information system auditing, governance, and risk management. Many organizations, particularly in financial services, healthcare, and government sectors, specifically seek or require CISA certification for audit and compliance roles, making it a valuable credential for career advancement in IT governance and security.

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) Certification

Origin and Creation

The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification was created by the International Council of E-Commerce Consultants (EC-Council) in 2003. EC-Council, founded by Jay Bavisi, developed this certification in response to the growing need for standardized training in ethical hacking and penetration testing methodologies. The program was designed to legitimize the practice of "white hat" hacking by establishing a professional framework for security professionals who need to think like malicious hackers in order to better defend their organizations' systems and networks.

Industry Value and Importance

The CEH certification is widely recognized and valued in the cybersecurity industry because it validates a professional's knowledge of current hacking techniques, tools, and methodologies from an attacker's perspective. Many government agencies, including the U.S. Department of Defense, and numerous private sector organizations recognize CEH as meeting their information assurance training requirements. The certification demonstrates that holders understand how to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in systems, making them valuable assets for organizations seeking to strengthen their security posture through proactive testing and assessment.