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CISA vs. CISM

About ISACA and its Associated Certifications:

As you must be aware, that ISACA stands for Information Systems Audit and Control Association, and has a global portfolio of IT Certifications like CISA, CISM, CRISC, CGEIT, CDPSECET, ITCA, and COBIT, etc. These certifications help a professional to compete at an International Level.

Both CISA and CISM, come under the umbrella of ISACA, but at times professionals need better guidance as to which one to choose for training and certification. The details given below, will give a clear differentiation between the two, so that one can better judge and take the right steps towards the right certification program.

CISA

CISA stands for Certified Information Systems Auditor, which is generally done by professionals who work in audit, control and security arena, which is a kind of recognition that CISA Certification Holders have the necessary know how’s and is able to cope with different situations that businesses faces.

CISA domains are:

  • Domain 1 - Information System Auditing Process
  • Domain 2 - Governance and Management of IT
  • Domain 3 - Information Systems Acquisition, Development, and Importance
  • Domain 4 - Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience
  • Domain 5 - Protection of Information Assets

CISM

CISM stands for Certified Information Systems Manager, preferably for professionals who run Information Security Programs, for Senior Consultants and above, as Cyber security is utmost priority of the C-suites in every organization.

CISM domains are:

  • Domain 1- Information Security Governance
  • Domain 2- Information Risk Management
  • Domain 3- Information Security Program Development and Management
  • Domain 4- Information Security Incident Management

CISA Exam Requirements

As per ISACA Guidelines, professionals should meet the following criteria, for getting certified:

Obtain the required job experience

Fill out a CISA certification application

Attend the Training

Pass the CISA certification exam

For Maintaining the CISA Certification, one must:

Following the ISACA Code of Professional Ethics

Fulfill the prerequisites of Continuing Professional Education programs

Be mindful of Information Systems Auditing Standards when performing your audit

 

CISM Exam Requirements

Professional who wish to pursue the CISM certification:

Must follow ISACA’s Code of Professional Ethics

Have five years of experience working in the field of information security, preferably at Manager and Above Level

Every year, the CISM exam is offered twice a year, in June and December

The CISM Exam is a four-hour exam that consists of 200 multiple-choice questions, in areas of information security

CISA Roles and Responsibilities

  • Assess the design and operational effectiveness of Key Risk Indicators (KRIs) and IT General Controls (ITGCs).
  • Provide guidance on KRI/ITGC testing methodology, validation processes, procedures, adherence to policy and documentation.
  • Design, develop and publish materials to support adherence to the established KRI/ITGC validation processes.
  • Work closely with other teams (Risk, IT, Information Security, etc.) to report, track and follow up on remediation plans.
  • Assist in the development of reporting materials for the various committees.
  • Plan and perform application and general systems control audits, control process reviews and system development reviews.
  • Verify information technology systems and infrastructure are secure and support the related applications.
  • Participate in the development, planning and implementation of fraud investigations involving highly confidential information.
  • Create and deliver presentations to management, discusses audit findings and conclusions and recommends corrective action to improve operations and reduce costs.
  • Perform follow-up audit techniques with management to ascertain implementation of recommendations and assess the adequacy of the corrective action
  • Performs risk assessments to assist internal audit department management in formulating risk-based audit plans.
  • Participate in the annual review process for maintaining compliance with government standards.

CISM Roles and Responsibilities

  • Managing relationships with customers, suppliers & internal Account team managers
  • Be responsible for all Security related aspects to maintain Security compliance
  • Work closely with security operations center & drive through service improvements for customers & business
  • Proactively promote security services and drive revenue opportunities
  • Management of security incidents
  • Managing & mitigating threats
  • Maintain security policies & compliance,
  • Adhere to security compliance
  • Ensure operational security input & governance is exercised over all new technical implementations
  • Raise security awareness within the account
  • Manage a security risk register
  • Review & authorize change requests
  • Act as a security point of contact for the account
  • Ensure all security documents are maintained
  • Manage privilege access management
  • Ensure 3rd parties are Security compliant.
  • Produce monthly Security report for your accounts.
  • Chair & Manage Security meetings & maintain minutes
  • Produce and drive recommendations for security improvements

Conclusion

Even though ISACA backs both certifications – one of the leading names in IT-related qualifications, the target audience of CISA is very different from CISM because they offer knowledge of two very different roles.

Eduprof International are tied up with pioneers in conducting, trainings, certifications and providing proper guidance in not only these 2 areas but others too, when it comes to Security Compliance.

In the world of Cyber, Security is becoming crucial, day by day. Candidates with strong academic background, relevant experience and with relevant certifications, stand the best chance to gain a competitive edge.

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