Written by ISC2 (International Information System Security Certification Consortium) is an international nonprofit organization for professionals in the cybersecurity field.
ISC2 offers certifications that assess knowledge and professional competence in information security and cybersecurity.
Its well-known certifications include CC, SSCP, CCSP, CISSP, and CSSLP. These credentials cover a wide range of specializations, from security fundamentals to systems security operations, cloud security, information security management, and secure software development.
ISC2 certifications emphasize vendor-neutral knowledge rather than expertise in a particular product or platform. This makes the knowledge applicable across cloud environments such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud, as well as enterprise IT infrastructure and software development.
The certification portfolio includes an introductory credential that does not require work experience, as well as professional certifications with experience requirements.
These certifications can support a cybersecurity career, help professionals develop specialized knowledge, and provide an objective way to demonstrate their skills.
Reference: ISC2 Cybersecurity Certifications
CC (Certified in Cybersecurity)
CC is an entry-level cybersecurity certification offered by ISC2.
It assesses foundational knowledge of security principles, business continuity, disaster recovery, access controls, network security, and security operations.
No work experience is required. CC is suitable for people beginning to study cybersecurity and those looking to build a career in IT or security.
Reference: ISC2 CC Certification Overview
SSCP (Systems Security Certified Practitioner)
SSCP is an ISC2 certification that assesses professional knowledge in the secure operation and administration of IT systems.
It covers access controls, security operations, risk management, incident response, cryptography, network security, and systems and application security.
SSCP is particularly relevant to systems administrators, network administrators, security engineers, and other professionals responsible for operating and managing IT infrastructure.
Reference: ISC2 SSCP Certification Overview
CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
CISSP is an ISC2 certification that assesses broad professional knowledge and practical competence in information security.
It covers eight domains: Security and Risk Management; Asset Security; Security Architecture and Engineering; Communication and Network Security; Identity and Access Management; Security Assessment and Testing; Security Operations; and Software Development Security.
Alongside technical security controls, CISSP emphasizes organization-wide information security strategy, risk management, and security governance.
It is particularly relevant to professionals pursuing roles such as security architect, security consultant, information security manager, or chief information security officer (CISO).
Reference: ISC2 CISSP Certification Overview
CSSLP (Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional)
CSSLP is an ISC2 certification that assesses security expertise throughout the software development lifecycle.
It covers secure software concepts, security requirements, secure architecture and design, implementation, testing, lifecycle management, software deployment, operations and maintenance, and the software supply chain.
CSSLP emphasizes incorporating security from the design and development stages to reduce vulnerabilities and support secure software development.
It is particularly relevant to software engineers, application developers, software architects, and DevSecOps engineers.
Reference: ISC2 CSSLP Certification Overview