Develop A General Security Policy
Using one of the three examples in the "Sophos attached document" choose one and develop a general security policy.
Create a security policy for small law firm
Other details you can makeup "goal create a simple policy"
Do not simply copy and paste "rewrite the material" to best suite your policy.
Please refer to CISSP document from 100-104 pages.
Please use the below 2 documents to create security policy
Eighth Edition
Mike Chapple James Michael Stewart
Darril Gibson
Development Editor: Kelly Talbot
Technical Editors: Jeff Parker, Bob Sipes, and David Seidl
Copy Editor: Kim Wimpsett
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To Dewitt Latimer, my mentor, friend, and colleague. I miss you dearly. —Mike Chapple
To Cathy, your perspective on the world and life often surprises me, challenges me, and makes me love you even more. —James Michael Stewart
To Nimfa, thanks for sharing your life with me for the past 26 years and letting me share mine with you. —Darril Gibson
Dear Future (ISC)2 Member,
Congratulations on starting your journey to CISSP® certification. Earning your CISSP is an exciting and rewarding milestone in your cybersecurity career. Not only does it demonstrate your ability to develop and manage nearly all aspects of an organization’s cybersecurity operations, but you also signal to employers your commitment to life-long learning and taking an active role in fulfilling the (ISC)² vision of
inspiring a safe and secure cyber world.
The material in this study guide is based upon the (ISC)² CISSP Common Body of Knowledge. It will help you prepare for the exam that will assess your competency in the following eight domains:
Security and Risk Management
Asset Security
Security Architecture and Engineering
Communication and Network Security
Identity and Access Management (IAM)
Security Assessment and Testing
Security Operations
Software Development Security
While this study guide will help you prepare, passing the CISSP exam depends on your mastery of the domains combined with your ability to apply those concepts using your real-world experience.
I wish you the best of luck as you continue on your path to become a CISSP and certified member of (ISC)2.
Sincerely,
David Shearer, CISSP CEO (ISC)2
Acknowledgments We’d like to express our thanks to Sybex for continuing to support this project. Extra thanks to the eighth edition developmental editor, Kelly Talbot, and technical editors, Jeff Parker, Bob Sipes, and David Seidl, who performed amazing feats in guiding us to improve this book. Thanks as well to our agent, Carole Jelen, for continuing to assist in nailing down these projects.
—Mike, James, and Darril
Special thanks go to the information security team at the University of Notre Dame, who provided hours of interesting conversation and debate on security issues that inspired and informed much of the material in this book.
I would like to thank the team at Wiley who provided invaluable assistance throughout the book development process. I also owe a debt of gratitude to my literary agent, Carole Jelen of Waterside Productions. My coauthors, James Michael Stewart and Darril Gibson, were great collaborators. Jeff Parker, Bob Sipes, and David Seidl, our diligent and knowledgeable technical editors, provided valuable in- sight as we brought this edition to press.
I’d also like to thank the many people who participated in the production of this book but whom I never had the chance to meet: the graphics team, the production staff, and all of those involved in bringing this book to press.
—Mike Chapple
Thanks to Mike Chapple and Darril Gibson for continuing to contribute to this project. Thanks also to all my CISSP course students who have provided their insight and input to improve my training courseware and ultimately this tome. To my adoring wife, Cathy: Building a life and a family together has been more wonderful than I could have ever imagined. To Slayde and Remi: You are growing up so fast and learning at an outstanding pace, and you continue to delight and impress me daily. You are both growing into amazing individuals.
To my mom, Johnnie: It is wonderful to have you close by. To Mark: No matter how much time has passed or how little we see each other, I have been and always will be your friend. And finally, as always, to Elvis: You were way ahead of the current bacon obsession with your peanut butter/banana/bacon sandwich; I think that’s proof you traveled through time!
—James Michael Stewart
Thanks to Jim Minatel and Carole Jelen for helping get this update in place before (ISC)2 released the objectives. This helped us get a head start on this new edition, and we appreciate your efforts. It’s been a pleasure working with talented people like James Michael Stewart and Mike Chapple. Thanks to both of you for all your work and collaborative efforts on this project. The technical editors, Jeff Parker, Bob Sipes, and David Seidl, provided us with some outstanding feedback, and this book is better because of their efforts. Thanks to the team at Sybex (including project managers, editors, and graphics artists) for all the work you did helping us get this book to print. Last, thanks to my wife, Nimfa, for putting up with my odd hours as I worked on this book.
—Darril Gibson
About the Authors Mike Chapple, CISSP, PhD, Security+, CISA, CySA+, is an associate teaching professor of IT, analytics, and operations at the University of Notre Dame. In the past, he was chief information officer of Brand Institute and an information security researcher with the National Security Agency and the U.S. Air Force. His primary areas of expertise include network intrusion detection and access controls. Mike is a frequent contributor to TechTarget’s SearchSecurity site and the author of more than 25 books including the companion book to this study guide: CISSP Official (ISC)2 Practice Tests, the CompTIA CSA+ Study Guide, and Cyberwarfare: Information Operations in a Connected World. Mike offers study groups for the CISSP, SSCP, Security+, and CSA+ certifications on his website at www.certmike.com.
James Michael Stewart, CISSP, CEH, ECSA, CHFI, Security+, Network+, has been writing and training for more than 20 years, with a current focus on security. He has been teaching CISSP training courses since 2002, not to mention other courses on Internet security and ethical hacking/penetration testing. He is the author of and contributor to more than 75 books and numerous courseware sets on security certification, Microsoft topics, and network administration, including the Security+ (SY0-501) Review Guide. More information about Michael can be found at his website at www.impactonline.com.
Darril Gibson, CISSP, Security+, CASP, is the CEO of YCDA (short for You Can Do Anything), and he has authored or coauthored more than 40 books. Darril regularly writes, consults, and teaches on a wide variety of technical and security topics and holds several certifications. He regularly posts blog articles at http://blogs.getcertifiedgetahead.com/ about certification topics and uses that site to help people stay abreast of changes in certification exams. He loves hearing from readers, especially when they pass an exam after using one of his books, and you can contact him through the blogging site.
http://www.certmike.com
http://www.impactonline.com
http://blogs.getcertifiedgetahead.com/
About the Technical Editors Jeff T. Parker, CISSP, is a technical editor and reviewer across many focuses of information security. Jeff regularly contributes to books, adding experience and practical know-how where needed. Jeff’s experience comes from 10 years of consulting with Hewlett-Packard in Boston and from 4 years with Deutsche-Post in Prague, Czech Republic. Now residing in Canada, Jeff teaches his and other middle- school kids about building (and destroying) a home lab. He recently coauthored Wireshark for Security Professionals and is now authoring CySA+ Practice Exams. Keep learning!
Bob Sipes, CISSP, is an enterprise security architect and account security officer at DXC Technology providing tactical and strategic leadership for DXC clients. He holds several certifications, is actively involved in security organizations including ISSA and Infragard, and is an experienced public speaker on topics including cybersecurity, communications, and leadership. In his spare time, Bob is an avid antiquarian book collector with an extensive library of 19th and early 20th century boys’ literature. You can follow Bob on Twitter at @bobsipes.
David Seidl, CISSP, is the senior director for Campus Technology Services at the University of Notre Dame, where he has also taught cybersecurity and networking in the Mendoza College of Business. David has written multiple books on cybersecurity certification and cyberwarfare, and he has served as the technical editor for the sixth, seventh, and eighth editions of CISSP Study Guide. David holds a master’s degree in information security and a bachelor’s degree in communication technology from Eastern Michigan University, as well as CISSP, GPEN, GCIH, and CySA+ certifications.
Contents Introduction
Overview of the CISSP Exam Notes on This Book’s Organization
Assessment Test Answers to Assessment Test Chapter 1 Security Governance Through Principles and Policies
Understand and Apply Concepts of Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability Evaluate and Apply Security Governance Principles Develop, Document, and Implement Security Policy, Standards, Procedures, and Guidelines Understand and Apply Threat Modeling Concepts and Methodologies Apply Risk-Based Management Concepts to the Supply Chain Summary Exam Essentials Written Lab Review Questions
Chapter 2 Personnel Security and Risk Management Concepts Personnel Security Policies and Procedures Security Governance Understand and Apply Risk Management Concepts Establish and Maintain a Security Awareness, Education, and Training Program Manage the Security Function Summary Exam Essentials Written Lab
Review Questions Chapter 3 Business Continuity Planning
Planning for Business Continuity Project Scope and Planning Business Impact Assessment Continuity Planning Plan Approval and Implementation Summary Exam Essentials Written Lab Review Questions
Chapter 4 Laws, Regulations, and Compliance Categories of Laws Laws Compliance Contracting and Procurement Summary Exam Essentials Written Lab Review Questions
Chapter 5 Protecting Security of Assets Identify and Classify Assets Determining Ownership Using Security Baselines Summary Exam Essentials Written Lab Review Questions
Chapter 6 Cryptography and Symmetric Key Algorithms
Historical Milestones in Cryptography Cryptographic Basics Modern Cryptography Symmetric Cryptography Cryptographic Lifecycle Summary Exam Essentials Written Lab Review Questions
Chapter 7 PKI and Cryptographic Applications Asymmetric Cryptography Hash Functions Digital Signatures Public Key Infrastructure Asymmetric Key Management Applied Cryptography Cryptographic Attacks Summary Exam Essentials Written Lab Review Questions
Chapter 8 Principles of Security Models, Design, and Capabilities Implement and Manage Engineering Processes Using Secure Design Principles Understand the Fundamental Concepts of Security Models Select Controls Based On Systems Security Requirements Understand Security Capabilities of Information Systems Summary Exam Essentials
Written Lab Review Questions
Chapter 9 Security Vulnerabilities, Threats, and Countermeasures Assess and Mitigate Security Vulnerabilities Client-Based Systems Server-Based Systems Database Systems Security Distributed Systems and Endpoint Security Internet of Things Industrial Control Systems Assess and Mitigate Vulnerabilities in Web-Based Systems Assess and Mitigate Vulnerabilities in Mobile Systems Assess and Mitigate Vulnerabilities in Embedded Devices and Cyber-Physical Systems Essential Security Protection Mechanisms Common Architecture Flaws and Security Issues Summary Exam Essentials Written Lab Review Questions
Chapter 10 Physical Security Requirements Apply Security Principles to Site and Facility Design Implement Site and Facility Security Controls Implement and Manage Physical Security Summary Exam Essentials Written Lab Review Questions
Chapter 11 Secure Network Architecture and Securing Network Components
OSI Model TCP/IP Model Converged Protocols Wireless Networks Secure Network Components Cabling, Wireless, Topology, Communications, and Transmission Media Technology Summary Exam Essentials Written Lab Review Questions
Chapter 12 Secure Communications and Network Attacks Network and Protocol Security Mechanisms Secure Voice Communications Multimedia Collaboration Manage Email Security Remote Access Security Management Virtual Private Network Virtualization Network Address Translation Switching Technologies WAN Technologies Miscellaneous Security Control Characteristics Security Boundaries Prevent or Mitigate Network Attacks Summary Exam Essentials Written Lab Review Questions
Chapter 13 Managing Identity and Authentication Controlling Access to Assets Comparing Identification and Authentication Implementing Identity Management Managing the Identity and Access Provisioning Lifecycle Summary Exam Essentials Written Lab Review Questions
Chapter 14 Controlling and Monitoring Access Comparing Access Control Models Understanding Access Control Attacks Summary Exam Essentials Written Lab Review Questions
Chapter 15 Security Assessment and Testing Building a Security Assessment and Testing Program Performing Vulnerability Assessments Testing Your Software Implementing Security Management Processes Summary Exam Essentials Written Lab Review Questions
Chapter 16 Managing Security Operations Applying Security Operations Concepts Securely Provisioning Resources Managing Configuration
Managing Change Managing Patches and Reducing Vulnerabilities Summary Exam Essentials Written Lab Review Questions
Chapter 17 Preventing and Responding to Incidents Managing Incident Response Implementing Detective and Preventive Measures Logging, Monitoring, and Auditing Summary Exam Essentials Written Lab Review Questions
Chapter 18 Disaster Recovery Planning The Nature of Disaster Understand System Resilience and Fault Tolerance Recovery Strategy Recovery Plan Development Training, Awareness, and Documentation Testing and Maintenance Summary Exam Essentials Written Lab Review Questions
Chapter 19 Investigations and Ethics Investigations Major Categories of Computer Crime Ethics
Summary Exam Essentials Written Lab Review Questions
Chapter 20 Software Development Security Introducing Systems Development Controls Establishing Databases and Data Warehousing Storing Data and Information Understanding Knowledge-Based Systems Summary Exam Essentials Written Lab Review Questions
Chapter 21 Malicious Code and Application Attacks Malicious Code Password Attacks Application Attacks Web Application Security Reconnaissance Attacks Masquerading Attacks Summary Exam Essentials Written Lab Review Questions
Appendix A Answers to Review Questions Chapter 1: Security Governance Through Principles and Policies Chapter 2: Personnel Security and Risk Management Concepts Chapter 3: Business Continuity Planning Chapter 4: Laws, Regulations, and Compliance
Chapter 5: Protecting Security of Assets Chapter 6: Cryptography and Symmetric Key Algorithms Chapter 7: PKI and Cryptographic Applications Chapter 8: Principles of Security Models, Design, and Capabilities Chapter 9: Security Vulnerabilities, Threats, and Countermeasures Chapter 10: Physical Security Requirements Chapter 11: Secure Network Architecture and Securing Network Components Chapter 12: Secure Communications and Network Attacks Chapter 13: Managing Identity and Authentication Chapter 14: Controlling and Monitoring Access Chapter 15: Security Assessment and Testing Chapter 16: Managing Security Operations Chapter 17: Preventing and Responding to Incidents Chapter 18: Disaster Recovery Planning Chapter 19: Investigations and Ethics Chapter 20: Software Development Security Chapter 21: Malicious Code and Application Attacks
Appendix B Answers to Written Labs Chapter 1: Security Governance Through Principles and Policies Chapter 2: Personnel Security and Risk Management Concepts Chapter 3: Business Continuity Planning Chapter 4: Laws, Regulations, and Compliance Chapter 5: Protecting Security of Assets Chapter 6: Cryptography and Symmetric Key Algorithms Chapter 7: PKI and Cryptographic Applications Chapter 8: Principles of Security Models, Design, and Capabilities
Chapter 9: Security Vulnerabilities, Threats, and Countermeasures Chapter 10: Physical Security Requirements Chapter 11: Secure Network Architecture and Securing Network Components Chapter 12: Secure Communications and Network Attacks Chapter 13: Managing Identity and Authentication Chapter 14: Controlling and Monitoring Access Chapter 15: Security Assessment and Testing Chapter 16: Managing Security Operations Chapter 17: Preventing and Responding to Incidents Chapter 18: Disaster Recovery Planning Chapter 19: Investigations and Ethics Chapter 20: Software Development Security Chapter 21: Malicious Code and Application Attacks
Advert EULA
List of Tables Chapter 2
Table 2.1
Table 2.2
Chapter 5
Table 5.1
Table 5.2
Table 5.3
Chapter 6
Table 6.1
Table 6.2
Chapter 7
Table 7.1
Chapter 8
Table 8.1
Table 8.2
Table 8.3
Table 8.4
Chapter 9
Table 9.1
Chapter 10
Table 10.1
Table 10.2
Chapter 11
Table 11.1
Table 11.2
Table 11.3
Table 11.4
Table 11.5
Table 11.6
Table 11.7
Table 11.8
Table 11.9
Table 11.10
Table 11.11
Chapter 12
Table 12.1
Table 12.2
Table 12.3
Table 12.4
Chapter 18
Table 18.1
List of Illustrations Chapter 1
FIGURE 1.1 The CIA Triad
FIGURE 1.2 The five elements of AAA services
FIGURE 1.3 Strategic, tactical, and operational plan timeline comparison
FIGURE 1.4 Levels of government/military classification
FIGURE 1.5 Commercial business/private sector classification levels
FIGURE 1.6 The comparative relationships of security policy components
FIGURE 1.7 An example of diagramming to reveal threat concerns
FIGURE 1.8 An example of diagramming to reveal threat concerns
Chapter 2
FIGURE 2.1 An example of separation of duties related to five admin tasks and seven administrators
FIGURE 2.2 An example of job rotation among management positions
FIGURE 2.3 Ex-employees must return all company property
FIGURE 2.4 The elements of risk
FIGURE 2.5 The six major elements of quantitative risk analysis
FIGURE 2.6 The categories of security controls in a defense- in-depth implementation
FIGURE 2.7 The six steps of the risk management framework
Chapter 3
FIGURE 3.1 Earthquake hazard map of the United States
Chapter 5
FIGURE 5.1 Data classifications
FIGURE 5.2 Clearing a hard drive
Chapter 6
FIGURE 6.1 Challenge-response authentication protocol
FIGURE 6.2 The magic door
FIGURE 6.3 Symmetric key cryptography
FIGURE 6.4 Asymmetric key cryptography
Chapter 7
FIGURE 7.1 Asymmetric key cryptography
FIGURE 7.2 Steganography tool
FIGURE 7.3 Image with embedded message
Chapter 8
FIGURE 8.1 The TCB, security perimeter, and reference monitor
FIGURE 8.2 The Take-Grant model’s directed graph
FIGURE 8.3 The Bell-LaPadula model
FIGURE 8.4 The Biba model
FIGURE 8.5 The Clark-Wilson model
FIGURE 8.6 The levels of TCSEC
Chapter 9
FIGURE 9.1 In the commonly used four-ring model, protection rings segregate the operating system into kernel, components, and drivers in rings 0 through 2 and applications and programs run at ring 3.
FIGURE 9.2 The process scheduler
Chapter 10
FIGURE 10.1 A typical wiring closet
FIGURE 10.2 The fire triangle
FIGURE 10.3 The four primary stages of fire
FIGURE 10.4 A secure physical boundary with a mantrap and a turnstile
Chapter 11
FIGURE 11.1 Representation of the OSI model
FIGURE 11.2 Representation of OSI model encapsulation
FIGURE 11.3 Representation of the OSI model peer layer logical channels
FIGURE 11.4 OSI model data names
FIGURE 11.5 Comparing the OSI model with the TCP/IP model
FIGURE 11.6 The four layers of TCP/IP and its component protocols
FIGURE 11.7 The TCP three-way handshake
FIGURE 11.8 Single-, two-, and three-tier firewall deployment architectures
FIGURE 11.9 A ring topology
FIGURE 11.10 A linear bus topology and a tree bus topology
FIGURE 11.11 A star topology
FIGURE 11.12 A mesh topology
Chapter 13
FIGURE 13.1 Graph of FRR and FAR errors indicating the CER point
Chapter 14
FIGURE 14.1 Defense in depth with layered security
FIGURE 14.2 Role Based Access Control
FIGURE 14.3 A representation of the boundaries provided by lattice-based access controls
FIGURE 14.4 Wireshark capture
Chapter 15
FIGURE 15.1 Nmap scan of a web server run from a Linux system
FIGURE 15.2 Default Apache server page running on the server scanned in Figure 15.1
FIGURE 15.3 Nmap scan of a large network run from a Mac system using the Terminal utility
FIGURE 15.4 Network vulnerability scan of the same web server that was port scanned in Figure 15.1
FIGURE 15.5 Web application vulnerability scan of the same web server that was port scanned in Figure 15.1 and network vulnerability scanned in Figure 15.2.
FIGURE 15.6 Scanning a database-backed application with sqlmap
FIGURE 15.7 Penetration testing process
FIGURE 15.8 The Metasploit automated system exploitation tool allows attackers to quickly execute common attacks against target systems.
FIGURE 15.9 Fagan inspections follow a rigid formal process, with defined entry and exit criteria that must be met before transitioning between stages.
FIGURE 15.10 Prefuzzing input file containing a series of 1s
FIGURE 15.11 The input file from Figure 15.10 after being run through the zzuf mutation fuzzing tool
Chapter 16
FIGURE 16.1 A segregation of duties control matrix
FIGURE 16.2 Creating and deploying images
FIGURE 16.3 Web server and database server
Chapter 17
FIGURE 17.1 Incident response
FIGURE 17.2 SYN flood attack
FIGURE 17.3 A man-in-the-middle attack
FIGURE 17.4 Intrusion prevention system
FIGURE 17.5 Viewing a log entry
Chapter 18
FIGURE 18.1 Flood hazard map for Miami–Dade County, Florida
FIGURE 18.2 Failover cluster with network load balancing
Chapter 20
FIGURE 20.1 Security vs. user-friendliness vs. functionality
FIGURE 20.2 The waterfall lifecycle model
FIGURE 20.3 The spiral lifecycle mode
FIGURE 20.4 The IDEAL model
FIGURE 20.5 Gantt chart
FIGURE 20.6 The DevOps model
FIGURE 20.7 Hierarchical data model
FIGURE 20.8 Customers table from a relational database
FIGURE 20.9 ODBC as the interface between applications and a backend database system
Chapter 21
FIGURE 21.1 Social Security phishing message
FIGURE 21.2 Typical database-driven website architecture
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Introduction The (ISC)2 CISSP: Certified Information Systems Security Professional Official Study Guide, Eighth Edition, offers you a solid foundation for the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) exam. By purchasing this book, you’ve shown a willingness to learn and a desire to develop the skills you need to achieve this certification. This introduction provides you with a basic overview of this book and the CISSP exam.
This book is designed for readers and students who want to study for the CISSP certification exam. If your goal is to become a certified security professional, then the CISSP certification and this study guide are for you. The purpose of this book is to adequately prepare you to take the CISSP exam.
Before you dive into this book, you need to have accomplished a few tasks on your own. You need to have a general understanding of IT and of security. You should have the necessary five years of full-time paid work experience (or four years if you have a college degree) in two or more of the eight domains covered by the CISSP exam. If you are qualified to take the CISSP exam according to (ISC)2, then you are sufficiently prepared to use this book to study for it. For more information on (ISC)2, see the next section.
(ISC)2 also allows for a one-year reduction of the five-year experience requirement if you have earned one of the approved certifications from the (ISC)2 prerequisite pathway. These include certifications such as CAP, CISM, CISA, CCNA Security, Security+, MCSA, MCSE, and many of the GIAC certifications. For a complete list of qualifying certifications, visit https://www.isc2.org/Certifications/CISSP/Prerequisite-Pathway. Note: You can use only one of the experience reduction measures, either a college degree or a certification, not both.
(ISC)2
https://www.isc2.org/Certifications/CISSP/Prerequisite-Pathway
The CISSP exam is governed by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2. (ISC)2 is a global not-for- profit organization. It has four primary mission goals:
Maintain the Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) for the field of information systems security.
Provide certification for information systems security professionals and practitioners.
Conduct certification training and administer the certification exams.
Oversee the ongoing accreditation of qualified certification candidates through continued education.
The (ISC)2 is operated by a board of directors elected from the ranks of its certified practitioners.
(ISC)2 supports and provides a wide variety of certifications, including CISSP, SSCP, CAP, CSSLP, CCFP, HCISPP, and CCSP. These certifications are designed to verify the knowledge and skills of IT security professionals across all industries. You can obtain more information about (ISC)2 and its other certifications from its website at www.isc2.org.
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) credential is for security professionals responsible for designing and maintaining security infrastructure within an organization.
Topical Domains The CISSP certification covers material from the eight topical domains. These eight domains are as follows:
Security and Risk Management
Asset Security
Security Architecture and Engineering
Communication and Network Security
Identity and Access Management (IAM)
http://www.isc2.org
Security Assessment and Testing
Security Operations
Software Development Security
These eight domains provide a vendor-independent overview of a common security framework. This framework is the basis for a discussion on security practices that can be supported in all types of organizations worldwide.
The most recent revision of the topical domains will be reflected in exams starting April 15, 2018. For a complete view of the breadth of topics covered on the CISSP exam from the eight domain groupings, visit the (ISC)2 website at www.isc2.org to request a copy of the Candidate Information Bulletin. This document includes a complete exam outline as well as other relevant facts about the certification.
Prequalifications (ISC)2 has defined the qualification requirements you must meet to become a CISSP. First, you must be a practicing security professional with at least five years’ full-time paid work experience or with four years’ experience and a recent IT or IS degree. Professional experience is defined as security work performed for salary or commission within two or more of the eight CBK domains.
Second, you must agree to adhere to a formal code of ethics. The CISSP Code of Ethics is a set of guidelines the (ISC)2 wants all CISSP candidates to follow to maintain professionalism in the field of information systems security. You can find it in the Information section on the (ISC)2 website at www.isc2.org.
(ISC)2 also offers an entry program known as an Associate of (ISC)2. This program allows someone without any or enough experience to qualify as a CISSP to take the CISSP exam anyway and then obtain experience afterward. Associates are granted six years to obtain five years’ of security experience. Only after providing proof of such experience, usually by means of endorsement and a resume, can the individual be awarded CISSP certification.
http://www.isc2.org
http://www.isc2.org
Overview of the CISSP Exam The CISSP exam focuses on security from a 30,000-foot view; it deals more with theory and concept than implementation and procedure. It is very broad but not very deep. To successfully complete this exam, you’ll need to be familiar with every domain but not necessarily be a master of each domain.
As of December 18, 2017, the CISSP exam is in an adaptive format. (ISC)2 calls the new version CISSP-CAT (Computerized Adaptive Testing). For complete details of this new version of exam presentation, please see https://www.isc2.org/certifications/CISSP/CISSP-CAT.
The CISSP-CAT exam will be a minimum of 100 questions and a maximum of 150. Not all items you are presented with count toward your score or passing status. These unscored items are called pretest questions by (ISC)2, while the scored items are called operational items. The questions are not labeled on the exam as to whether they are scored or unscored. Test candidates will receive 25 unscored items on their exam, regardless of whether they achieve a passing rank at question 100 or see all of the 150 questions.
The CISSP-CAT grants a maximum of three hours to take the exam. If you run out of time before achieving a passing rank, you will automatically fail.
The CISSP-CAT does not allow you to return to a previous question to change your answer. Your answer selection is final once you leave a question.
The CISSP-CAT does not have a published or set score to achieve. Instead, you must demonstrate the ability to answer above the (ISC)2 bar for passing, called the passing standard (which is not disclosed), within the last 75 operational items (i.e., questions).
If the computer determines that you have a less than 5 percent chance of achieving a passing standard and you have seen 75 operational items, your test will automatically end with a failure. You are not
https://www.isc2.org/certifications/CISSP/CISSP-CAT
guaranteed to see any more questions than are necessary for the computer grading system to determine with 95 percent confidence your ability to achieve a passing standard or to fail to meet the passing standard.
If you do not pass the CISSP exam on your first attempt, you are allowed to retake the CISSP exam under the following conditions:
You can take the CISSP exam a maximum of 3 times per 12-month period.
You must wait 30 days after your first attempt before trying a second time.
You must wait an additional 90 days after your second attempt before trying a third time.
You must wait an additional 180 days after your third attempt before trying again or as long as needed to reach 12 months from the date of your first attempt.
You will need to pay full price for each additional exam attempt.
It is not possible to take the previous paper-based or CBT (computer based testing) flat 250 question version of the exam. CISSP is now available only in the CBT CISSP-CAT format.
The refreshed CISSP exam will be available in English, French, German, Brazilian Portuguese, Spanish, Japanese, Simplified Chinese and Korean.
Effective December 18, 2017, the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) exam (English version only) will be available exclusively via CAT through (ISC)2-authorized Pearson VUE test centers in authorized markets. CISSP exams administered in languages other than English and all other (ISC)2 certification exams will continue to be available as fixed-form, linear examinations.
CISSP Exam Question Types Most of the questions on the CISSP exam are four-option, multiple- choice questions with a single correct answer. Some are straightforward, such as asking you to select a definition. Some are a
bit more involved, asking you to select the appropriate concept or best practice. And some questions present you with a scenario or situation and ask you to select the best response. Here’s an example:
1. What is the most important goal and top priority of a security solution?
A. Preventing disclosure
B. Maintaining integrity
C. Maintaining human safety
D. Sustaining availability
You must select the one correct or best answer and mark it. In some cases, the correct answer will be very obvious to you. In other cases, several answers may seem correct. In these instances, you must choose the best answer for the question asked. Watch for general, specific, universal, superset, and subset answer selections. In other cases, none of the answers will seem correct. In these instances, you’ll need to select the least incorrect answer.
By the way, the correct answer for this sample question is