How I Passed my CISSP

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HOW I PASSED CISSP

25 AUG 2020

Hi all today I cleared the CISSP. Like others do I will also lay down a few words to help you all in passing. I will also give some do’s and don’s which I followed. I have 20 years of general experience in various fields dealing with communication technologies, end point security and HR issues relating to the human factor in a huge government organisation. I had generic non technical experience in information security governance, IT audit and implementing end point security. Also I have done loads of policy writing at a macro level. The test is a difficult one if you have not prepared at a macro and micro level. You understand macro level only when you have worked at micro level, but the exam is not for system admins or network admins, this exam is about how you understand security (70%) and what you know (30%). The exam is tough but as every one says if you have prepared well then you can easily weed out 2 choices and in some questions you can easily weed out 3 choices. The exam is highly doable.

Resources Used

Sybex - once read. Once read and made handmade notes. More than enough for passing.

AIO - Not touched

Video courses - Thor Pederson, ISC2 self paced study, Mike Chapple linked in learning video, Mindmaps on YouTube by Rob

Time - Started last year in July and was ready by October but had to shelve off due to work commitments. Again started June 25 and scheduled on Aug 25th. My recommendation is the moment you have finished sybex twice you should schedule the test 30 days from that time.

Tests -Wiley ( highly recommended for understanding concepts) Boson ( for acquiring confidence and clearing up your weak area)

Luke Ahmed - done but not recommended

Prashant Mohan Memory palace - skim through

DOs and Donts

Understand concepts don’t memorise

Read to understand and not memorise

I didn’t remember any port any firewall configuration.

GDPR

Data roles and responsibility

Governance level issues

Third party acquisition issues

Roles and responsibilities

Don’t leave any topic but don’t CRAM

No need for cramming

Be intelligent the answer comes out the moment you displace two very obvious wrong choices

Lastly before the day of the exam sleep well. I played tennis for an hour and slept off.. had a good breakfast and went with full confidence. Confidence matters. And if you have managerial experience .. that helps.. Thanks to all who helped..