ISACA introduces new credential for cybersecurity analysts

ISACA has introduced the Certified Cybersecurity Operations Analyst (CCOA) credential to provide cybersecurity analysts with practical experience in dealing with current cyber threats.

The State of Cybersecurity 2024 report by ISACA highlights the credentials held by candidates as a significant factor in assessing their qualifications, with 85% of European respondents recognising its importance, while 55% regard a university degree as essential. To address the growing need for specialised skills in the cybersecurity sector, ISACA launched the CCOA, which includes hands-on labs simulating real-world scenarios to help professionals develop the necessary skills.

The report indicates that cybersecurity roles are increasingly vital in ensuring cyber resilience, with 73% valuing prior experience and 38% valuing credentials in candidates. This aligns with the creation of the CCOA, which prioritises experience-based learning to verify skills in responding to current cyber challenges.

The rapidly evolving threat landscape sees 38% of organisations facing more cybersecurity attacks than the previous year, underlining the critical role of cyber analysts in safeguarding digital infrastructures. As technology, including AI, progresses, cyber professionals' need for advanced skills intensifies. The CCOA focuses on the key technical competencies analysts need to elevate their careers.

The CCOA is tailored for professionals with a few years of experience. It facilitates a deeper understanding of threat identification and response, vulnerability assessments, and insights into industry best practices. Validating professionals' competencies aims to enhance their skills and set them apart from potential employers.

The credential covers technical and regulatory aspects, addressing challenges from AI-driven attacks to regulatory compliance. The CCOA includes cybersecurity principles and risks, adversarial tactics, incident detection and response, and asset security.

Shannon Donahue, ISACA Chief Content and Publishing Officer, commented, "Cybersecurity professionals are often expected to have years of hands-on experience, even when they are early in their careers. 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 CCOA has an online review course, offering access to a year of exam preparation, a Questions, Answers, and Explanations Database (QAE), and a comprehensive Review Manual available in print and digital formats.

With its extensive credentialing track record, including previous offerings such as Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), ISACA seeks to support IT and IS professionals at various career stages. The CCOA represents a step in advancing careers in cybersecurity, acting as a gateway to further certifications like CISM. A CCOA exam pass grants a one-year educational waiver for the CISM exam.