According to the ISACA State of Cybersecurity survey report, qualifications (38 percent) and prior practical experience (73 percent) are the two most important criteria for identifying suitable applicants for positions. ISACA has introduced its Certified Cybersecurity Operations Analyst (CCOA) credential, which offers practical, performance-based labs that mimic real-world situations and make use of modern technologies, to assist employers in identifying qualified candidates and assist cybersecurity professionals in showcasing their practical cybersecurity skills.
Advancing cybersecurity skills
According to the State of Cybersecurity study, 38% of firms reported more cybersecurity threats than a year earlier, presenting a complicated and difficult threat picture for cybersecurity experts. Additionally, the need of cyber analysts in safeguarding digital ecosystems will only increase as cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence develop. The technical capabilities analysts need to take their careers to the next level are the emphasis of ISACA’s CCOA.
The CCOA program, which is intended for cybersecurity professionals with a few years of experience, helps cyber analysts to better understand how to recognize and address cyber threats, conduct vulnerability assessments, and offer advice on industry best practices for asset security. This helps them to validate their skills and stand out to potential employers.
CCOA covers these internationally validated key domains: cybersecurity principles and risks; adversarial tactics, techniques, and procedures; incident detection and response; and asset security. It focuses on both technical and regulatory readiness and addresses the most recent cybersecurity challenges, from AI-driven attacks to regulatory compliance.
Valuable hands-on experience
With the help of this experience-based component, cybersecurity analysts can acquire practical skills that will enable them to effectively demonstrate their technical proficiency and address changing cyber issues.
“Cybersecurity professionals are often expected to have years of hands-on experience, even when they are early in their careers,” says Shannon Donahue, ISACA chief content and publishing officer. “Being able to demonstrate to peers and prospective employers a mastery of on-the-job tasks, as well as a wide breadth of knowledge and experience in both business and technical skills, can give candidates a competitive advantage in a tighter job market and a boost in getting to that next step in their profession.”
The new credential’s related materials include a CCOA Review Manual (available in print and digital formats) and a Questions, Answers, and Explanations Database (QAE), in addition to the CCOA online review course, which offers a year of exam prep access to give students time to master skills.
