Professional certifications matter when looking for a managed IT provider or IT consultant. Why? The more letters behind an IT professional’s name on their business card indicates that they have invested considerable time and resources in boosting their skills. It’s one thing for an IT provider to say they know what they’re doing, but certifications provide added assurance that you’ll be working with a knowledgeable professional.
At MIS, our mission is to add value at every interaction. By getting certifications and investing in learning more, we are adding value to ourselves, our team and the organizations that we serve.
How does this benefit you?
It’s true that obtaining professional certifications in the IT field can help further the careers of those who earn them, but it is equally important to take note of certifications when looking for an IT consultant or someone to manage your network. Technology is a rapidly evolving field that requires IT professionals to commit to an attitude of life-long learning. Encouraging technical engineers to pursue advanced certificates is a clear indication that an IT company adheres to the highest professional standards and will take great care of its clients.
Obtaining advanced certifications requires a significant investment of both time and money. Many of the advanced certifications require intense, week-long courses that can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. IT professionals who go to such great lengths to earn certifications are demonstrating their desire to be the best they can be and provide greater value to their organizations and those that they serve. All those letters behind an IT professional’s name are evidence of that value and validate their high-level expertise.
Another benefit of professional certifications is that employees who have earned them are more productive. They are better prepared to deal with day-to-day challenges and can tackle more complex challenges. Those employees also have been found to work more efficiently which is a direct benefit to clients – their issues can be solved in a more timely manner.
What are some examples of advanced certifications?
SOC 2 Type 2 certifications. SOC 2 Type 2 certifications primarily focus on customer data and systems security. Obtaining SOC 2 Type 2 certification is a process that involves the managed services provider undergoing a rigorous, six- to twelve-month evaluation by an independent third-party auditor. The audit accesses the MSP’s controls and processes related to the security, availability, integrity, confidentiality, and privacy of client data. This certification assures MIS Solutions customers that we take data security and privacy seriously and have measures in place to protect their data.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). This certification trains a person to think like a hacker to protect our clients’ networks. Professionals who have completed the CEH coursework are trained in uncovering weaknesses and vulnerabilities in systems so they can be corrected before a bad actor penetrates a network.
Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI). The CHFI certification course prepares professionals with the skills needed to investigate cybersecurity incidents and provide the necessary evidence to prosecute in a court of law. When bad things happen, you need someone on your side to ensure that you and your company are protected. If need be, a CHFI can represent you in a court of law as an expert witness.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). This certification indicates that the certificate holder is a seasoned professional and has thorough knowledge of the IT threat landscape, including emerging and advanced persistent threats, as well as the skills to minimize attack surfaces. We have a deep level of experience with security, controls, and compliance. We have the skills to design and develop a security program to keep customers safe in a traditional network environment.
Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO). The CCISO certification program is a leadership course that focuses more on applying security management principles from an executive management point of view. You need someone you can trust to help ensure that you have the IT strategy to succeed. A CCISO can work with the executive team to ensure their IT systems embrace and support the business and their compliance needs.
Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP). This certification equips IT professionals with cloud security knowledge and skills to get the most out of cloud computing while keeping sensitive data secure. We are certified to design, build, manage and secure cloud environments that meet all industry standards.
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA). The CISA certification is the global standard for professionals who have a career in information systems, particularly auditing, control, and security. We are certified to audit computer networks, applications, processes, and controls to identify and mitigate risks before your business is compromised or held for ransom.
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM). We are certified to work with and manage your security auditors. The auditing process provides a company with peace of mind, knowing that its information systems are protected and that your business meets all compliance requirements. A CISM takes that one step further by ensuring that your audit and compliance needs will support the business and its objectives rather than feeling like just another thing you are required to do – A CISM can make security and compliance part of your competitive edge.
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