Beyond the Certification: My Quest to Embody the Ethics of ISC2 in Cybersecurity
It was a lazy Sunday afternoon, and my mind was fixated on a goal. I was determined to become ISC2 certified in cybersecurity, and nothing was going to stand in my way. After finishing up with church activities, I got back home and took a little break, ate some lunch, and continued my journey towards achieving my goal.
But this journey wasn’t just about obtaining a certification. It was about learning the professional code of conduct of information security professionals who are ISC2 certified. This meant that I had to recognize that certification is a privilege that must be earned and maintained, and commit to fully support the ISC2 code of ethics.
The ISC2 code of ethics is divided into two parts — the preamble and the canons. The preamble states the purpose and intent of the code of ethics, emphasizing that the safety and welfare of society and the common good require strict adherence to the highest ethical standards of behavior. The strict adherence to this code is a condition of certification.
The canons, on the other hand, represent the important beliefs held in common by the members of ISC2. Cybersecurity professionals who are members of ISC2 have a duty to protect society, the common good, public trust and confidence, and infrastructure. They must also act honorably, honestly, justly, responsibly and legally, provide diligent and competent service to principals, and advance and protect the profession.
As a cybersecurity professional, upholding ethics at work, in the community, and with the people around us is vital. People rely on us to protect their information, and we can’t let them down. This journey towards becoming ISC2 certified has been an eye-opener, and I’m excited to continue learning and growing as a cybersecurity enthusiast.
It’s been a pleasure taking you on this journey with me. Remember, always strive to do the right thing and uphold the highest ethical standards, even when no one is watching. Happy reading!
