Computerworld - Some months ago, I proudly earned my Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) in network intrusion detection from the Bethesda, Md.-based SANS Institute. I was impressed by the technical depth of the course and by the difficulty of the evaluation process.
I'm confident that any potential hires with this certification know one end of a TCP packet from the other. But whether they would ever get to use that knowledge in a commercial environment is a different question. The certification process goes much technically deeper than any security professional ever needs to in our environment.
That depth comes with a price, in terms of breadth. To cover network intrusion-detection systems in such detail means that host-based detection systems and other subjects are skimmed over. I recently completed my Certified Information Systems Security Personnel (CISSP) exam and found that it has gone to the opposite extreme, sacrificing much-needed depth for breadth. So are such certifications worth it? Perhaps, but not for the reasons you read about in the marketing literature.
The Claims vs. the Reality
The SANS Institute has data showing that people with a GIAC earn 12% more than staffers without the qualification. This is a cute statistic, but one with questionable meaning: Better-funded companies are more likely to send their employees for GIAC certification and are more likely to pay them better. Professionals with the certification are generally more senior and experienced than noncertified staff. This doesn't prove that the GIAC raises your income.
Copyright © 1994 - 2012 Computerworld Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Computerworld Inc. is prohibited. Computerworld and Computerworld.com and the respective logos are trademarks of International Data Group Inc.
SECURITY BOOKSHELF
Of the three books I used to study for the CISSP, the best was The CISSP Prep Guide: Mastering the Ten Domains of Computer Security, by Ronald L. Krutz, Russell Dean Vines and Edward M. Stroz (John Wiley & Sons, 2001). It covered the information required, and I found no major errors.
CISSP Exam Cram, by Mandy Andress (The Coriolis Group, 2001), was the next most useful. Each chapter concluded with links for further reading.
CISSP All-in-One Exam Guide, by Shon Harris (Osborne McGraw-Hill, 2001), was worth buying for the practice exams on the enclosed CD, but the book itself included some very confusing explanations and wasn't very useful.
Had I more time to study, I would have used the above as study aids and instead relied on Security Engineering: A Guide to Building Dependable Distributed Systems, by Ross J. Anderson (John Wiley & Sons, 2001), as my primary resource. It covers most CISSP exam subjects and includes anecdotes based on real experience.
LINKS :
Here's a link to the SANS Institute's GIAC salary data and the pay increases it associates with the certification.
Visit the (ISC)2 site for more information on the CISSP.
What is Tech Briefcase?
TechBriefcase is a new, free service where IT Professionals can Search, Store and Share IT white papers and content like this. Learn more
Bookmark content
Speed up your research efforts with content across the web.
Search and Store
Find the white papers you need. Create folders for any topic.
View Anywhere
Open your briefcase on your iPhone, tablet or desktop. Share with colleagues.
Additional Resources
WHITE PAPER
Security is not an option. This KnowledgeVault Series offers professional advice how to be proactive in the fight against cybercrimes and multi-layered security threats; how to adopt a holistic approach to protecting and managing data; and how to hire a qualified security assessor. Make security your Number 1 priority.
WHITE PAPER
New IP-based communications systems are being deployed by small and midsized businesses at a rapid rate. Learn how these organizations are enabling faster responsiveness, creating better customer experiences, speeding office or mobile interactions, and dramatically reducing existing communications costs.
Top Stories
Free Insider Guide
Register for FREE now! »
Security White Papers
Security Webcasts
Data Privacy and Protection in Production Environments: New Research from Ponemon Institute
In a recent study conducted by Ponemon Institute, fifty-five percent of respondents...
In a recent study conducted by Ponemon Institute, fifty-five percent of respondents...
Security White Papers | All Security White Papers
Sponsored Links
The IDG Network:
