Information Warfare Center
Speciality: Red Team Penetration Testing
Information Warfare Center is a Colorado-based private cybersecurity firm specializing in penetration testing, ethical hacking, digital forensics, and cyber warfare training; with 12 employees, 12.5% YoY growth, founded in 2010, and offering EC-Council and Pearson Vue certification services.
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.
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.
Origin of CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Security+ was created by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), a non-profit trade association established in 1982. The Security+ certification was first launched in 2002 as a response to the growing need for standardized cybersecurity knowledge in the IT industry. CompTIA developed this vendor-neutral certification to establish a baseline of competency for IT security professionals, covering essential principles and best practices that apply across different technologies and platforms rather than focusing on specific products or vendors.
Industry Value and Importance
Security+ is widely recognized as one of the most valuable entry-to-intermediate level cybersecurity certifications in the industry. It meets the ISO 17024 standard and is approved by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) as one of the required certifications for information assurance positions, making it particularly valuable for government contractors and military personnel. Employers value Security+ because it validates that holders possess practical, hands-on skills in areas such as threat detection, risk management, cryptography, and network security. The certification's vendor-neutral approach means certified professionals can work with any technology platform, making them versatile assets to organizations of all sizes and across all sectors.
CompTIA Network+ Certification
Origin and Background
The CompTIA Network+ certification was created by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), a non-profit trade association established in 1982. Network+ was launched in 1999 as a vendor-neutral certification designed to validate foundational networking skills across all platforms and technologies. CompTIA developed this certification in response to the IT industry's need for a standardized way to assess the competency of networking professionals, particularly as internet connectivity and network infrastructure became increasingly critical to business operations.
Industry Value and Importance
Network+ is widely valued in the IT industry because it demonstrates that holders possess essential networking knowledge required for troubleshooting, configuring, and managing wired and wireless networks. The certification is vendor-neutral, meaning it covers universal networking concepts rather than proprietary technologies, making it applicable across diverse IT environments. Many organizations, including the U.S. Department of Defense, recognize Network+ as meeting baseline requirements for networking positions. It serves as a stepping stone for IT professionals pursuing careers in network administration, help desk support, and systems administration, and is often considered a prerequisite for more advanced networking certifications.