ISC2 and the Global Cybersecurity Community to Create Unified Body of Knowledge for the Cybersecurity Profession

Alexandria, Va., January 30, 2024 – ISC2 – the world’s leading nonprofit member organization for cybersecurity professionals, today announced the process has begun to create a Unified Body of Knowledge for the cybersecurity profession. The Unified Body of Knowledge will provide cybersecurity professionals, organizations, governments and standards developers around the world with an unprecedented peer-developed compendium of the necessary skills, techniques and practices used in the field. ISC2 invites all professionals – no ISC2 certification required – to join the process to help grow and advance the cybersecurity profession.

The Unified Body of Knowledge will leverage the ISC2 Common Bodies of Knowledge (CBKs), across respective domains, to establish a common framework of cybersecurity terminology and principles. Through the updated compendium, ISC2-certified members, non-certified professionals and the cyber-curious will have access to harmonized, accurate, well-sourced and easily accessible information to support the education needs of professionals in their career journeys from beginner to expert. It will also help policy makers, regulators and government agencies identify the required skills and practices necessary to more effectively secure organizations of all sizes.

"As we begin the compilation of our cyber resources, our goal is to develop a consolidated repository, providing professionals with a harmonization of best industry practices to support their cybersecurity career,” said Casey Marks, Chief Qualifications Officer, ISC2. “This Unified Body of Knowledge will be the cornerstone for professionals in the cybersecurity field, and it will evolve as we retire obsolete ideas and outmoded practices, and exchange insights for new perspectives and diversity of thought.”

ISC2 estimates the global cybersecurity workforce at 5.5 million, according to the 2023 Cybersecurity Workforce Study. Developing a Unified Body of Knowledge will help the profession share knowledge and more quickly enable the next generation to acquire the necessary and most relevant knowledge, skills and abilities.

Help Develop the Unified Body of Knowledge

In the initial round of development, CISSP-holders are invited to contribute to the development. ISC2 is seeking between 80 and 100 CISSP holders to participate. Ideal candidates have technical or industry writing experience and proficiency in English. Volunteers selected for this opportunity will receive CPE credits for their contributions. Sign-up information is available at https://www.isc2.org/about/Unified-Body-of-Knowledge.

ISC2 will also host several virtual workshops, beginning with a writing workshop this month. CISSP holders are exclusively invited to participate in the first workshop and can register via the ISC2 Volunteer Form and select the “Serving on the Technical Domain Advisory Panel” listed within Knowledge Sharing and Content. A subject matter expert (SME) workshop will be held later in the year.

More information regarding participation and progress of the project is available at https://www.isc2.org/about/Unified-Body-of-Knowledge.

About ISC2

ISC2 is the world’s leading member organization for cybersecurity professionals, driven by our vision of a safe and secure cyber world. Our more than 600,000 members, candidates and associates around the globe are a force for good, safeguarding the way we live. Our award-winning certifications – including cybersecurity’s premier certification, the CISSP® – enable professionals to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and abilities at every stage of their careers. ISC2 strengthens the influence, diversity and vitality of the cybersecurity profession through advocacy, expertise and workforce empowerment that accelerates cyber safety and security in an interconnected world. Our charitable foundation, The Center for Cyber Safety and Education, helps create more access to cyber careers and educate those most vulnerable. Learn more and get involved at ISC2.org. Connect with us on X, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Media Contact:

communications@isc2.org