What is CISSP or Certified Information Systems Security Professional

From ISC2:

The CISSP is ideal for experienced security practitioners, managers and executives interested in proving their knowledge across a wide array of security practices and principles, including those in the following positions:

  • Chief Information Security Officer
  • Chief Information Officer
  • Director of Security
  • IT Director/Manager
  • Security Systems Engineer
  • Security Analyst
  • Security Manager
  • Security Auditor
  • Security Architect
  • Security Consultant
  • Network Architect

What are The Domains Covered in CISSP Exam

  1. Security and Risk Management 15%
  2. Asset Security 10%
  1. Security Architecture and Engineering 13%
  2. Communication and Network Security 14%
  3. Identity and Access Management (IAM) 13%
  4. Security Assessment and Testing 12%
  5. Security Operations 13%
  6. Software Development Security 10%

CISSP Exam Details

Number of Questions: 100 questions.
Duration: 180 minutes.
Score Range: 100-1000
Passing Score: 700 (70%, not including
experimental questions)
Types of Questions:
Multiple Choice
Ordering
Matching

How to pass CISSP?

Understand the Exam Domains: The CISSP exam covers 8 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

Create a Study Plan

A solid study plan helps manage your time and materials efficiently. Here’s how to do it:

  • Timeline: Plan a study schedule based on how much time you have before the exam. Most candidates study for 3 to 6 months before taking the CISSP exam.
  • Hours per Week: Dedicate at least 10-15 hours per week for studying.
  • Use Study Materials: Gather quality study materials such as:
    • CISSP Official Study Guide (by Sybex)
    • CISSP Study Notes
    • CISSP All-in-One Exam Guide (by Shon Harris)
    • CISSP practice tests and question banks (e.g., Boson, CCCure)
    • CISSP flashcards for quick review

Focus on the CISSP Domains

  • Security and Risk Management: Learn about risk management processes, governance, compliance, and legal issues. This is the most weighted domain in the exam.
  • Asset Security: Understand data security lifecycle, classification, and handling of assets.
  • Security Architecture and Engineering: Study secure system design, cryptography, and engineering principles.
  • Communication and Network Security: Learn about secure network architecture, protocols, and protecting network infrastructures.
  • Identity and Access Management (IAM): Focus on authentication, authorization, and identity lifecycle.
  • Security Assessment and Testing: Cover security audits, assessments, and performance testing methods.
  • Security Operations: Learn about disaster recovery, incident response, and operational security.
  • Software Development Security: Understand secure coding practices and application security.

Practice Questions and Simulated Exams

One of the most effective ways to prepare is by practicing with simulated exam environments and questions.

  • Practice Daily: Complete at least 50-100 practice questions per day.
  • Simulated Tests: Take full-length practice exams to build stamina and get familiar with the exam format.
  • Review Mistakes: Analyze the questions you get wrong and focus on improving those areas.

Attend a CISSP Bootcamp (Optional)

If you prefer a structured environment, consider attending a CISSP bootcamp or online course. These programs usually last for a week or two and cover all the domains intensively.

  • Online platforms like Cybrary, ISC2, and Pluralsight offer bootcamps or courses that focus on exam preparation.

Join Study Groups or Online Communities

Engage with other candidates by joining CISSP study groups on platforms like Reddit, LinkedIn, or community forums. Study groups can offer:

  • Peer support.
  • Clarification on complex topics.
  • Motivation through group discussions and question-sharing.

Familiarize Yourself with the Exam Mindset

The CISSP exam tests not only your knowledge but also your ability to think like a security manager. Focus on:

  • Managerial Perspective: Choose answers that reflect the mindset of someone who is managing security processes rather than someone performing technical tasks.
  • Best Practices: CISSP emphasizes global best practices in security, so think about the most logical, industry-accepted solution.
  • Eliminate Wrong Answers: Learn to eliminate clearly wrong answers first before focusing on the remaining choices.

Final Review

As the exam approaches, take the following steps for a final review:

  • Revise the Domains: Go over the eight domains one more time, focusing on areas you feel less confident in.
  • Memorize Key Concepts: Make sure you can recall important frameworks, risk management strategies, and cryptographic principles.
  • Get Plenty of Rest: Ensure you’re well-rested and mentally prepared the day before the exam.

On Exam Day

  • Stay Calm: Manage exam stress by staying calm and confident.
  • Time Management: Don’t spend too much time on one question. You can flag and return to tricky ones later if needed.

Post-Exam

If you pass, celebrate! If you don’t, don’t worry—review your weak areas and try again. You can retake the exam after a 60-day waiting period.

Who is this E-book for?

This e-book is written to help you prepare and passfor CISSP exam. Use this guide along with otherresource materials you have to make sure you arefully prepared.

Table of Contents:

– CISSP Exam Objectives

– Domain 1: Security and Risk Management

– Domain 2:Asset Security

– Domain 3:Security Architecture and Engineering

– Domain 4:Communication and Network Security

– Domain 5:Identity and Access Management (IAM)

– Domain 6:Security Assessment and Testing

– Domain 7:Security Operations

– Domain 8:Software Development Security

– CISSP Term Definitions

Page Count: 500

Format: PDF & Markup

CISSP Study Notes PDF

Testimonials (LinkedIn)

How to buy the study notes?

You can buy the booklet directly by clicking on the button below

CISSP Study Notes in PDF

After you buy the booklet, you will be able to download the PDF booklet along with the markup files if you want to import them to Obsidian software.

What about the notes updates?

if you have been watching my YouTube Channel, you definitely know that those who subscribe to the second tier of my channel membership they instantly get access to a vast catalog of cybersecurity, penetration testing, digital marketing, system administration and data analytics notes catalog for 10$ along with the ability to receive all notes updates as long as they are subscribed so what does that mean?

This means if you want to stay up to date with the changes and updates to the notes and get access to other categories, I encourage to join the channel membership second tier instead. However, if you are fine with downloading the current version of this section of the notes then you can buy this booklet instead for a one-time payment.

Will the prices of this booklet change in the future?

Once another version of this booklet is released, which it will, the price will slightly change as the booklet will include more contents, notes and illustrations.

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