IT Risk Management Certification – How to Get It

IT Risk Management Certification – How to Get It

This post provides information on how to get into the IT risk management field; becoming a certified IT risk manager or expert, and advancing in the career.

What is IT Risk Management?

Information Technology Risk Management is the effective application of risk management techniques to information technology.

Various organizations are becoming dependent on information, and the various risks that will compromise IT can easily cause adverse effects on the organization’s business. Experts trained in this area may be referred to as Information Security Experts, IT Risk officers, or IT Risk Managers.

Certification in this field exists because there is a probability that a particular threat may by accident trigger and exploit a particular information system’s vulnerability.

IT risk management also tries to prevent unauthorized disclosure, destruction or even modification of information, as well as disruptions of Information services in any business organization.

Organization’s revenue has begun to shift towards the Internet generated revenue, and connecting organizational revenue to the Internet exposes organizations to disreputable characters on the Internet.

The various risk management techniques do not only bother about the negative impact on the organization’s service delivery and operations, or even its effect in the reduction of an organization’s value, but also the benefits associated with missed opportunities.

IT risks here include those associated with hardware and software failures, human mistakes and spamming, malicious attacks by individual or hackers and even natural disasters such as floods, cyclones, and fire disaster.

Educational Requirements and Training

Those who want to pursue a career in the area of risk management must choose training programs that suite their career goals or objectives.

Educational requirements in this area may include evidence of computer skills, such as in areas like network configuration and computer repairs.

Programs in Information Technology Risk management exists at both at the certificate level and at the Bachelor’s degree level requiring interested persons to possess a High School
Diploma or GED certificate and the patience to commit between 1 to 4 years to study depending on the program level.

Opting for a bachelor’s degree can be intensive, with the individual exposed to areas like network security and computer forensic, as well as general course areas.

IT Risk Management Certification

Certified In Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) is a certification that prepares Information Technology professionals for roles in IT Risk Management and is offered by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) and candidates are expected to possess at least three years’ work experience to qualify.

Certificate programs in IT Risk management is often for individuals who have little or no experience, while those intending to pursue graduate certification programs may require a bachelor’s degree first.

For those who have no intention of furthering, options in IT risk management exists for a no-credit alternative.

For those who desire graduate certification or who do not want to pursue such, exposure to courses in IT Disaster recovery, IT security and private sector companies, cryptology, and computer forensics will be required.

In all, the training exposes the students to techniques in accessing and managing risks related to Information systems; although some institutions may tailor their programs to suite certain fields, such as IT security in public and private sectors, security management of systems, operational security, architecture and models of security, as well as telecommunications.

Other certifications may include Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist (CITRMSR), System Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP), and Certified Information Systems, Security Professional (CISSP).

Those interested in increasing their chances of employment may also seek certification as professionals through Government Risk Compliance Security International (GRCSI) which offers a Certified Risk Management Professional certificate (CRMP), as well as specialized risk management certificates in areas of finance, information, and operations. Candidates need a reasonable number of years of experience to qualify.

IT Risk Management Roles, Duties, and Responsibilities

Experts in charge of an organization’s IT Risk will establish its risk posture as it related to information technology, determine its IT risk appetite, reduce and manage the risks while developing a response plan in the event of an IT crisis.

They also develop a business continuity plan to enable organizations recover from IT incidents.

Skills for IT Risk Managers

Skills in this field should be developed in areas bothering on risk management, problem solving, analytical thinking skills, advanced computer skills, technical skills, network and programming skills, and security penetration skills, as well as good oral and presentation skills.

Career Opportunities for IT Risk Management Experts

Individuals with Information Technology Risk Management Certifications can be hired by government and business agencies as experts in the following areas: network system analysts, computer security specialists, and system administrators.

They can work in insurance companies, banks and related financial and market institutions.

Salary Expectations for IT Risk Management Experts

An IT risk manager may earn an average of $71,000 to $139,000 annually depending on location and level of expertise or job description.
An information technology risk manager at a director level may be able to earn much more.

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