CISSP Free Study Guide

Prepared by Privacy Professional Training LLC

Introduction to Cybersecurity & the CISSP Exam

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification from the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC²) is the premier credential for cybersecurity professionals. Recognized globally, it validates your ability to design, implement, and manage a best-in-class cybersecurity program.

Why Earn CISSP?

• Establishes credibility in cybersecurity leadership

• Opens doors to high-level roles like CISO, Security Architect, and Risk Manager

• Demonstrates deep knowledge across eight core domains of security

Exam Overview:

• 100–150 multiple-choice and advanced innovative questions

• Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) format

• 3-hour limit

• Administered via Pearson VUE

CISSP Domains:

1. Security and Risk Management

2. Asset Security

3. Security Architecture and Engineering

4. Communication and Network Security

5. Identity and Access Management (IAM)

6. Security Assessment and Testing

7. Security Operations

8. Software Development Security

Core Domain – Security and Risk Management

Governance and Policy

• Define and enforce security policies and procedures

• Understand legal and regulatory issues (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, SOX)

Risk Management

• Conduct risk analysis and prioritize mitigation strategies

• Understand threat modeling and risk appetite

Security Concepts

• Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability (CIA Triad)

• Security governance principles and frameworks (ISO/IEC 27001, NIST)

Compliance and Ethics

• Promote professional ethics and code of conduct

• Identify legal systems and issues affecting cybersecurity

Asset Security, Architecture & Network Defense

Asset Security

• Classify data and assign ownership

• Protect privacy and ensure secure handling of PII

Security Architecture and Engineering

• Understand security models (Bell-LaPadula, Biba, Clark-Wilson)

• Secure system design principles

• Cryptography basics: symmetric/asymmetric encryption, hashing

Communication and Network Security

• Secure network architecture design

• Common protocols (TCP/IP, SSL/TLS, IPSec)

• Firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems

Access Control, Testing, and Operations

Identity and Access Management (IAM)

• Authentication, Authorization, Accounting (AAA)

• Access control models (MAC, DAC, RBAC)

• Federation, SSO, and identity provisioning

Security Assessment and Testing

• Perform vulnerability assessments and penetration tests

• Conduct audits and compliance checks

• Understand types of security tests and their objectives

Security Operations

• Incident response, disaster recovery, and business continuity

• Log management, SIEM, and monitoring

• Patch management and configuration baselines

Software Development Security

• Secure coding practices (input validation, error handling)

• Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) security

• Threat modeling and code review

Study Strategy & Sample Practice Questions

Study Recommendations

• Create a study plan aligned with the (ISC²)  CISSP CBK domains

• Use official content to build a deep understanding, not memorization

• Practice with scenario-based and advanced adaptive questions

Privacy Professional Training LLC We offer:

• Self-paced CISSP domain-based training modules

• Printable worksheets, checklists, and memory aids

• Study guides focused on theory and application aligned to CISSP domains

Note: Our programs are tailored to align with the official IAPP Body of Knowledge and uphold high standards of legal and ethical accuracy. We do not recommend external courses or unofficial materials.

Sample Practice Questions & Answer Key

Our 15 FREE Practice Questions will appear here once provided.

This study guide is for educational purposes only and does not guarantee exam results. For official certification information, visit www.privacyprofessionaltraining.com.