Comparison of CISSP and 2 Other Security Certificates. Which One is More Valuable in Japan?
- Comparison of CompTIA Security+ (CC), Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) and CISSP
- Which security certificate is important to land a job in Japan?
- CISSP's 8 Domains:
- 1. Security and Risk Management
- 2. Asset Security
- 3. Security Architecture and Engineering
- 4. Communication and Network Security
- 5. Identity and Access Management (IAM)
- 6. Security Assessment and Testing
- 7. Security Operations
- 8. Software Development Security
- Online courses for CISSP success
- Conclusion
- Reference
- Interested in working in Japan? Contact us
CISSP or Certified Information Systems Security Professional is one of the most prestigious certificates for IT professionals. It is suitable for experienced IT talents, and its high value reflects the advanced skills and knowledge required to obtain it.
Professionals with advanced experience often see higher salaries, making the cost of the certification a worthwhile investment. Additionally, by achieving the certificate, you are more likely to be approached for higher-level, high-paying jobs, increasing your competitiveness in the job market both domestically and abroad.
It is a globally recognized credential, making you a highly valued candidate in the IT field. The certificate also enhances your ability to work abroad, as your skills are impressive and ensure you stand out from the crowd. This has increased in demand due to a considerable lack of engineers.
However, there are multiple fees to take into account when applying for the CISSP certification. These will be broken down and compared to two other certifications, CompTIA Security+ (CC) and Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) to help you determine if CISSP is the right one for you.
Comparison of CompTIA Security+ (CC), Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) and CISSP
Target Audience for CISSP
As explained in the table above, CISSP is aimed at experienced, mid-career IT professionals with relevant work experience. We suggest this course for security managers, IT directors, CISOs, directors of security, security system engineers, and network architects. It is considered the ‘gold standard’ for IT professionals. However, this isn’t an exhaustive list, as other job titles can also benefit. If you need help finding a new IT position, Hello World Japan offers services for you. From job applications to language learning, Hello World Japan is the career assistant that supports you step by step to work in Japan.
Comparing Certification Costs and Benefits
Compared to the other two certificates, CISSP is more expensive but reaps the most rewards. The CompTIA Security+ Certificate is aimed at newly graduated students based on its content, style of questions, and cost. Therefore, it is assumed that you would have already achieved this certification to advance further, or at least understand the content you would be examined on. It is also a shorter test, making it less intense for those at the beginning of their careers.
SSCP as an Intermediate Step
While SSCP is the same length in time, it does not include the drag-and-drop style organizational questions of the CISSP advanced innovative questions. This makes it more rudimentary for advancing your career. However, it would still be considered a highly regarded achievement. Additionally, the educational costs are more reasonable. This in theory makes the test more attainable. It’s important to note that many companies/websites offering education on SSCIP can offer classes for certain domains or analysis techniques. This means that you wouldn’t be expected to pay for a full course if you already understand basics.
Advantages of CISSP Certification
The CISSP exam can lead you to earn higher salaries and qualify for better positions. Additionally, the ability to work abroad is highly appealing. Specifically in countries like Japan that are lacking in IT talents. These are clear advantages for employable benefits. It also provides you with the most up-to-date knowledge and analysis methods on the current market which develops individual benefits. A good way to know if the exam will benefit you is to know the areas that are tested. The CISSP exam is broken down into 8 different topics.
Which security certificate is important to land a job in Japan?
When considering which certificate is most important for finding a job in Japan, it’s essential to understand the job market and the specific requirements of employers. While all three certifications—CompTIA Security+ (CC), SSCP, and CISSP—are valuable, the CISSP stands out for several reasons.
CISSP is highly regarded in Japan’s IT industry, especially among mid to senior-level professionals. Japanese companies value the comprehensive knowledge and advanced skills that CISSP-certified individuals bring. The certification demonstrates a deep understanding of security management and practices, which is crucial for roles such as security managers, IT directors, and CISOs.
Suppose you are an experienced IT professional aiming to work as a security manager in Japan. Achieving the CISSP certification can significantly enhance your job prospects. Many top-tier companies, such as Accenture, Fujitsu, NTT Data, and Hitachi, often list CISSP as a preferred or required qualification for their security positions. The certification can make you a more competitive candidate and open doors to higher-level roles with better salaries.
CISSP’s 8 Domains:
- Security and Risk Management – Covers principles of information security, risk management, and the protection of assets.
- Asset Security – Focuses on the protection and classification of information and ensuring its integrity.
- Security Architecture and Engineering – Deals with the design and implementation of secure frameworks and systems.
- Communication and Network Security – Involves securing network architectures and protecting data during transmission.
- Identity and Access Management (IAM) – Concerns the control and management of user identities and access permissions.
- Security Assessment and Testing – Encompasses the evaluation and verification of security measures and controls.
- Security Operations – Covers the management of operations to ensure security procedures are followed and incidents are properly handled.
- Software Development Security – Focuses on the integration of security practices into the software development lifecycle.
1. Security and Risk Management
This domain of the CISSP exam focuses on the foundational principles of information security and risk management, including policies, legal and regulatory issues, risk analysis, and business continuity.
To prepare for this domain,
- Understand key security concepts and principles.
- Study risk management frameworks and methodologies.
- Familiarize yourself with legal and regulatory requirements.
- Learn about business continuity planning and disaster recovery.
Example Questions
- What is the main difference between qualitative and quantitative risk analysis?
- How does the principle of due diligence relate to information security management?
- What are the key components of an organization’s security policy framework?
2. Asset Security
This domain covers the protection of information assets, including data classification, ownership, privacy, and retention.
To prepare for this domain,
- Study data classification schemes and handling requirements.
- Learn about data lifecycle management.
- Understand privacy regulations and data protection laws.
- Review methods for secure data disposal and destruction.
Example questions:
- What are the main steps involved in the data classification process?
- How should an organization handle the disposal of sensitive information?
- What is the difference between data remanence and data leakage?
3. Security Architecture and Engineering
This domain deals with the design and implementation of secure infrastructures, including hardware, software, and network security.
To prepare for this domain:
- Understand security models and principles.
- Study secure system design and architecture.
- Learn about cryptography and its applications.
- Familiarize yourself with security engineering processes.
Questions:
- What are the core principles of the Zero Trust security model?
- How does the Clark-Wilson integrity model differ from the Biba integrity model?
- What is the role of security zones in network architecture design?
4. Communication and Network Security
This domain focuses on securing network architectures, transmission methods, and network components.
To prepare for this domain:
- Study network protocols and their security implications.
- Understand the design and implementation of secure networks.
- Learn about network security controls, such as firewalls and VPNs.
- Familiarize yourself with wireless and mobile network security.
Example questions:
- How do intrusion detection systems (IDS) differ from intrusion prevention systems (IPS)?
- What are the main components of a secure network design?
- How does the Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol enhance communication security?
5. Identity and Access Management (IAM)
This domain covers the mechanisms and policies for managing identities and controlling access to resources.
To Prepare:
- Learn about authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA).
- Study different access control models (RBAC, ABAC, etc.).
- Understand identity management lifecycle and technologies.
- Familiarize yourself with multi-factor authentication methods.
Example questions:
- What are the key differences between authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA)?
- How does multi-factor authentication (MFA) improve security?
- What is the purpose of role-based access control (RBAC) in an organization?
6. Security Assessment and Testing
This domain involves evaluating the effectiveness of security controls through various assessment and testing techniques.
Tips to Prepare:
- Study vulnerability assessment and penetration testing methodologies.
- Learn about different types of security testing (static, dynamic, etc.).
- Understand the importance of security audits and assessments.
- Familiarize yourself with tools and techniques for security testing.
Example questions:
- What are the main phases of a vulnerability assessment?
- How does a red team differ from a blue team in cybersecurity?
- What is the importance of conducting regular security audits?
7. Security Operations
This domain covers the day-to-day operations required to maintain and improve security, including incident response, disaster recovery, and monitoring.
Tips to Prepare:
- Understand the functions and responsibilities of a Security Operations Center (SOC).
- Learn about incident response planning and execution.
- Study log management and monitoring techniques.
- Familiarize yourself with disaster recovery and continuity planning.
Example questions:
- What are the primary objectives of a security operations center (SOC)?
- How does log management contribute to effective security operations?
- What are the key steps in the incident response lifecycle?
8. Software Development Security
This domain focuses on integrating security into the software development lifecycle (SDLC) and ensuring that software is designed and coded securely.
To Prepare for this domain:
- Learn about secure coding practices and principles.
- Study software development methodologies and their security aspects.
- Understand threat modeling and application security testing.
- Familiarize yourself with secure software design and architecture.
Example questions:
- What are the main benefits of incorporating security into the software development lifecycle (SDLC)?
- How do static code analysis and dynamic code analysis differ?
- What is the significance of threat modeling in software development?
Online courses for CISSP success
(ISC)² Official CISSP Online Training:
- The official provider of CISSP certification training.
- Offers self-paced and instructor-led options.
- Includes official study materials and practice exams.
- ISC)² Training
Cybrary CISSP Training:
- Offers a comprehensive course with video lessons and practice questions.
- Includes study guides and lab exercises.
- Cybrary CISSP
Pluralsight CISSP Training:
- Provides a series of video courses covering all CISSP domains.
- Offers hands-on labs and assessments.
- Pluralsight CISSP
Udemy CISSP Certification Boot Camp:
- Features on-demand video lectures and practice exams.
- Includes downloadable resources and lifetime access.
- Udemy CISSP courses and test simulation
Simplilearn CISSP Certification Training:
- Offers instructor-led training and self-paced learning options.
- Includes practice exams and 24/7 learning support.
- Simplilearn CISSP
Infosec Institute CISSP Boot Camp:
- Provides live online training with experienced instructors.
- Includes exam pass guarantee and access to study materials.
- Infosec Institute CISSP
LinkedIn Learning CISSP Prep Courses:
- Offers video tutorials covering each domain of the CISSP exam.
- Includes quizzes and practice exams.
- LinkedIn Learning CISSP
Conclusion
In conclusion, the CISSP certification is a valuable qualification for IT professionals aiming to advance their careers, particularly in roles requiring expertise in security management. Although more expensive than certifications like CompTIA Security+ and SSCP, the CISSP offers extensive coverage of security topics, global recognition, and the potential for higher salaries and better job opportunities.
For those looking to work in Japan, the CISSP provides a significant edge in a market that values advanced security skills. Whether you’re a security manager, IT director, or network architect, obtaining this certificate can open doors to new opportunities and enhance your professional credibility.
Reference
(ISC)² Official CISSP Page:
https://www.isc2.org/Certifications/CISSP
CompTIA Security+ Certification Page:
https://www.comptia.org/certifications/security
(ISC)² Official SSCP Page:
https://www.isc2.org/Certifications/SSCP
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Alex is an intern at Hello World Japan, a startup dedicated to helping IT engineers find job opportunities in Japan. With a passion for cybersecurity and an interest in aiding professionals to navigate the Japanese job market, Alex brings valuable insights to her writing. She is currently focused on researching and providing practical advice and resources for IT professionals.
