Cybersecurity company based in Boston, MA, specializing in penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, and website security; offers services to improve organizational security posture with a focus on business networks and devices.
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.
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.
eLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester (eJPT) Certification
The eJPT certification was created by eLearnSecurity, an Italian cybersecurity training company founded in 2004 that later became part of INE Security after an acquisition in 2020. The certification was developed to provide an entry-level, practical certification for individuals beginning their careers in penetration testing and ethical hacking. eLearnSecurity designed the eJPT as an affordable and accessible alternative to more expensive certifications, focusing on hands-on skills rather than purely theoretical knowledge. The certification emerged during the 2010s as the cybersecurity industry recognized the need for practical, skills-based assessments that could better prepare junior professionals for real-world penetration testing scenarios.
The eJPT is valued in the penetration testing industry as a legitimate entry-level credential that demonstrates fundamental practical competencies in network security, vulnerability assessment, and basic exploitation techniques. Unlike some certifications that rely heavily on multiple-choice exams, the eJPT requires candidates to complete a practical exam involving actual penetration testing tasks in a simulated network environment, which employers appreciate as evidence of hands-on capability. Many penetration testing companies and cybersecurity teams recognize the eJPT as a meaningful indicator that a candidate has moved beyond pure theory and possesses baseline technical skills needed for junior roles. The certification has gained particular traction among career changers and recent graduates as an affordable stepping stone before pursuing more advanced credentials like the OSCP or CEH.