The Best Practices and Standards for CISSP Professionals

April 25, 2023

CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) is a globally recognized certification for information security professionals. CISSP professionals are expected to possess a broad range of knowledge and skills in various security domains, such as access control, cryptography, security operations, and software development security. However, possessing knowledge and skills alone is not enough to excel as a CISSP professional. It is equally important to follow the best practices and standards to ensure that the security measures implemented are effective and efficient. In this blog, we will discuss the best practices and standards for CISSP professionals.

Stay Updated

The field of information security is constantly evolving, and new threats and vulnerabilities are emerging every day. To stay on top of the latest developments and to be aware of the latest trends in the industry, CISSP professionals must continuously update their knowledge and skills. This can be achieved by attending industry conferences, participating in online forums and communities, and reading relevant publications and research papers. CISSP professionals should also be aware of the latest security standards and guidelines, such as the ISO/IEC 27001:2013 standard, the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, and the OWASP Top Ten.

Conduct Risk Assessments

Risk assessments are an essential part of any information security program. CISSP professionals should conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential risks and vulnerabilities, assess the likelihood and impact of those risks, and prioritize remediation efforts based on the results of the assessment. Risk assessments should cover all areas of the organization, including systems, applications, networks, and processes. CISSP professionals should also be aware of the latest risk management frameworks and standards, such as the ISO/IEC 31000:2018 standard.

Implement Access Control

Access control is a critical component of any information security program. CISSP professionals should ensure that appropriate access controls are in place to prevent unauthorized access to systems, applications, and data. This includes implementing strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and role-based access control. CISSP professionals should also ensure that access controls are regularly reviewed and updated based on changes to the organization’s structure or requirements.

Implement Encryption

Encryption is an essential tool for protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access. CISSP professionals should ensure that appropriate encryption technologies are implemented to protect data both at rest and in transit. This includes using strong encryption algorithms and key management processes. CISSP professionals should also be aware of the latest encryption standards and guidelines, such as the AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) and the FIPS (Federal Information Processing Standards) Publication 140-2.

Implement Incident Response

An incident response plan is a critical component of any information security program. CISSP professionals should ensure that an incident response plan is in place and regularly updated. This plan should outline the steps to be taken in the event of a security incident, including the identification and containment of the incident, the investigation of the incident, and the communication of the incident to stakeholders. CISSP professionals should also ensure that incident response plans are tested regularly to ensure that they are effective.

Follow the Principle of Least Privilege

The principle of least privilege is a security concept that states that a user should be granted the minimum level of access necessary to perform their job functions. CISSP professionals should ensure that the principle of least privilege is followed throughout the organization. This includes ensuring that users are only granted access to the systems and data necessary to perform their job functions and regularly reviewing access privileges to ensure that they are still appropriate.

Follow Secure Software Development Practices

Secure software development practices are essential to ensure that applications are free from vulnerabilities and can withstand attacks. CISSP professionals should ensure that secure software development practices are followed throughout the software development lifecycle. This includes conducting regular vulnerability assessments, performing secure code reviews, and testing applications for security weaknesses. CISSP professionals should also be aware of the latest secure software development frameworks and guidelines, such as the OWASP Secure Coding Practices – Quick Reference Guide.

Implement Security Awareness Training

Security awareness training is an important component of any information security program. CISSP professionals should ensure that all employees receive regular security awareness training to educate them on the latest security threats and best practices. This includes training on password management, social engineering, phishing, and other common attack vectors. CISSP professionals should also ensure that employees are aware of the organization’s security policies and procedures.

Implement Security Controls for Mobile Devices

Mobile devices are becoming increasingly popular in the workplace, and they present unique security challenges. CISSP professionals should ensure that appropriate security controls are in place to protect mobile devices from unauthorized access and data loss. This includes implementing mobile device management (MDM) solutions, encrypting data on mobile devices, and enforcing strong password policies for mobile devices.

Conduct Regular Audits

Regular audits are an important part of any information security program. CISSP professionals should ensure that regular audits are conducted to assess the effectiveness of security controls and to identify areas for improvement. This includes conducting internal audits, as well as engaging third-party auditors to provide an objective assessment of the organization’s security posture. CISSP professionals should also be aware of the latest audit standards and guidelines, such as the ISACA COBIT 2019 framework.

In conclusion, CISSP professionals play a critical role in ensuring the security and integrity of an organization’s information systems. To excel in this role, CISSP professionals must follow the best practices and standards outlined above, as well as stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field of information security. By implementing these practices and standards, CISSP professionals can help to protect their organizations from the ever-growing threat of cyber-attacks and data breaches.

Visit www.cybercert.ca to enroll or call (416) 471-4545 to learn more about our Security+/CISM/CISSP training.