August 6, 2024 •The MAD Professors
Introduction: The Importance of Hands-On Training in Cybersecurity
In today’s digital age, the importance of robust information security management cannot be overstated. As cyber threats continue to evolve in complexity and scale, the need for skilled professionals to manage and mitigate these risks has never been greater. The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification, governed by ISACA, is a globally recognized credential that validates a professional’s ability to manage, design, and assess an enterprise's information security program effectively.
For cybersecurity professionals who hold or are planning to obtain a CISM certification, the journey doesn’t stop at passing the exam. Continuous learning and hands-on experience are critical to maintaining relevance in the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape. This is where hands-on training with frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK becomes invaluable. MAD20 offers specialized training that not only enhances your CISM knowledge but also allows you to earn Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits, ensuring that your skills remain sharp and up-to-date.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the importance of continuing your CISM training with hands-on MITRE ATT&CK labs and scenarios, explore the benefits of this approach, and provide actionable tips on how to maximize your learning experience. We’ll also share real-world examples of how cyber professionals have benefited from MAD20’s hands-on training and conclude with a call-to-action to explore the training options available.
What is CISM?
The CISM certification is designed for professionals who manage, design, oversee, and assess an enterprise’s information security program. Unlike technical certifications, CISM focuses on management-level aspects of information security, making it particularly valuable for those in or aspiring to be in leadership roles within the cybersecurity field.
CISM covers four key domains:
1. Information Security Governance: Establishing and maintaining an information security governance framework and supporting processes.
2. Information Risk Management: Identifying and managing information security risks to achieve business objectives.
3. Information Security Program Development and Management: Creating and managing the information security program to implement the governance framework.
4. Information Security Incident Management: Planning, establishing, and managing the capability to respond to and recover from information security incidents.
The CISM certification is highly respected in the cybersecurity community and is often a prerequisite for senior information security management positions. However, obtaining the certification is just the beginning. To maintain your certification and stay ahead in the field, continuous education is essential.
The Importance of CISM Continuing Education
CISM holders are required to earn a minimum of 120 CPE credits every three years to maintain their certification. This continuing education ensures that professionals stay current with the latest developments in information security management, industry best practices, and emerging threats.
But why is continuing education so crucial for CISM holders? The answer lies in the rapidly evolving nature of cybersecurity threats. Cyber adversaries are constantly developing new tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) to exploit vulnerabilities. Without ongoing education and hands-on experience, even experienced professionals risk falling behind.
Continuing education, especially when it includes hands-on training, helps professionals apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios, improving their ability to manage and mitigate cyber risks effectively. MAD20’s hands-on training programs are designed to provide CISM holders with the practical experience they need to excel in their roles, while also helping them earn the CPE credits required to maintain their certification.
Why Hands-On MITRE ATT&CK Training is Essential for CISM Holders
The MITRE ATT&CK framework has become an indispensable tool in the cybersecurity landscape, providing a comprehensive knowledge base of adversarial tactics and techniques. For CISM holders, understanding and applying the MITRE ATT&CK framework is essential for several reasons:
1. Bridging the Gap Between Management and Technical Teams: As a CISM holder, your role often involves overseeing both the strategic and technical aspects of information security. Hands-on training with MITRE ATT&CK enables you to better understand the technical challenges faced by your team, facilitating more effective communication and decision-making.
2. Improving Incident Management: The ability to respond to and recover from information security incidents is a key component of the CISM certification. MITRE ATT&CK training provides you with a deeper understanding of the TTPs used by adversaries, enhancing your ability to anticipate, detect, and respond to security incidents.
3. Enhancing Risk Management: Effective risk management requires a thorough understanding of the threats facing your organization. Hands-on MITRE ATT&CK training helps you stay current with the latest attack techniques, enabling you to assess and mitigate risks more effectively.
4. Earning CPE Credits: MAD20’s hands-on training not only enhances your skills but also helps you meet your CPE requirements, making it a practical and valuable investment in your professional development.
Actionable Tips for Maximizing Hands-On Training
To maximize the benefits of your hands-on MITRE ATT&CK training, consider the following tips:
1. Align Training with Your Organizational Goals: Identify the specific areas where your organization needs improvement and focus your training efforts on those areas. This targeted approach will help you apply what you learn more effectively in your role.
2. Incorporate Training into Your Daily Routine: Make hands-on training a regular part of your professional routine. Even short, daily practice sessions can significantly enhance your skills over time.
3. Engage with the MITRE ATT&CK Community: Join online forums, attend webinars, and participate in discussions related to MITRE ATT&CK. Engaging with the community can provide you with new insights and help you stay updated on the latest developments.
4. Use Training to Identify and Address Gaps: During your hands-on training, pay attention to any gaps in your knowledge or skills. Use these insights to guide your continuing education efforts and ensure you’re fully equipped to manage your organization’s information security program.
5. Leverage Real-World Scenarios: Apply what you learn in training to real-world scenarios within your organization. This practical application will help reinforce your learning and demonstrate the value of hands-on training to your colleagues and superiors.
Real-World Examples of Cyber Professionals Benefiting from Hands-On Training
To illustrate the value of hands-on training, let’s look at a few real-world examples of cybersecurity professionals who have benefited from MAD20’s training programs:
Case Study 1: Enhancing Security Governance
A CISO at a multinational corporation used MAD20’s MITRE ATT&CK training to improve their organization’s information security governance. By applying the principles learned in training, they were able to develop a more comprehensive security framework that better addressed the specific threats facing their industry.
Case Study 2: Strengthening Risk Management Processes
A cybersecurity manager at a healthcare organization participated in MAD20’s hands-on training to enhance their risk management processes. The training provided them with the tools and techniques needed to more accurately assess and mitigate risks, leading to a 25% reduction in security incidents over the following year.
Case Study 3: Improving Incident Response Times
An incident response team leader at a financial services firm utilized MAD20’s MITRE ATT&CK training to improve their team’s response times to security incidents. By implementing the strategies learned in training, the team was able to reduce their average incident response time by 40%, significantly minimizing the impact of cyberattacks on the organization.
Conclusion
The field of information security management is constantly evolving, and staying ahead of emerging threats requires continuous learning and practical experience. For CISM holders, hands-on MITRE ATT&CK training provided by MAD20 offers a unique opportunity to enhance your skills, stay current with industry developments, and earn the CPE credits needed to maintain your certification.
MAD20’s self-paced training programs are designed to accommodate your busy schedule, allowing you to continue your CISM education at your own pace. Whether you’re looking to improve your risk management processes, strengthen your organization’s security governance, or enhance your incident response capabilities, MAD20 has a training program that can help you achieve your goals.
Don’t wait—take the next step in your professional development today by exploring the various hands-on training options offered by MAD20. Earn CPE credits, sharpen your skills, and advance your career in information security management