Chief Information Security Officers

Certification or Licensing

Having at least one certification credential ranked as the sixth most-important attribute for cybersecurity professionals to possess, according to ISC2's Cybersecurity Workforce Study, 2022. "Certifications are evolving as an instrument for skills growth, as opposed to a career launchpad," according to ISC2. "Cybersecurity professionals are now tailoring their need for certifications based on their personal growth, with most choosing to begin their certification journey within the first year at a new company."

Being certified can also greatly increase one’s earnings. A survey conducted by ISC2 found that cybersecurity professionals who were certified earned $33,000 more a year than those who were not certified. Additionally, some employers require job applicants to be certified or be in the process of earning certification. ISC2 offers several certification credentials to applicants who pass an examination and meet other requirements. Credentials include certified in cybersecurity (an entry-level credential); certified cloud security professional; certified information systems security professional; certified secure software lifecycle professional; governance, risk, and compliance certification; information systems security engineering professional; information systems security management professional; and systems security certified practitioner.

Organizations such as CompTIA, ISACA, SANS Institute, and GIAC, as well as vendors of Internet security software, also offer certification programs.

Other Requirements

Some employers—especially government agencies and the financial industry—may require job applicants to undergo background checks.