RSI - Renaissance Systems, Inc.

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.

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.

GCIH Cybersecurity Certification

Origin

The GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH) certification was created by the Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC), which was founded in 1999. GIAC is part of the SANS Institute, a cooperative research and education organization established in 1989. The GCIH was developed to address the growing need for professionals who could effectively detect, respond to, and resolve computer security incidents. It was designed to validate practitioners' abilities to manage security incidents by understanding common attack techniques, vectors, and tools, as well as defend against and respond to such attacks when they occur.

Industry Value

The GCIH certification is highly valued in the cybersecurity industry because it demonstrates practical, hands-on knowledge of incident handling and response—critical skills as organizations face increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. Employers recognize GCIH holders as professionals capable of managing security incidents from detection through resolution, making them essential members of security operations centers (SOCs) and incident response teams. The certification is often required or preferred for positions in incident response, security analysis, and defensive security roles, and it meets Department of Defense (DoD) 8570 requirements for information assurance positions, further enhancing its recognition and value in both government and private sector organizations.

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.

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.