Hey guys! Back in 2015, the cybersecurity certification landscape was already buzzing, and if you were trying to figure out which certification to pursue—OSCP, SANS, CISSP, CSSLP, or SSCP—you probably felt like you were navigating a maze! Each cert had its own focus, difficulty level, and career path. Let's break down these certifications and see what made them tick back in 2015.

OSCP: The Hands-On Hacking Hero

If you were all about getting your hands dirty and diving deep into the world of penetration testing, the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) was likely on your radar. This certification was (and still is) renowned for its rigorous, hands-on approach. Forget about just memorizing theory; OSCP demanded you to actually exploit systems in a lab environment. In 2015, the OSCP was gaining massive popularity among aspiring penetration testers because it validated practical skills that employers craved.

The core of the OSCP was the Penetration Testing with Kali Linux course. This course wasn't just a walk in the park. It was a deep dive into the tools and techniques used by professional penetration testers. Kali Linux, the go-to distro for ethical hackers, was your playground. You learned how to use tools like Metasploit, Burp Suite, and a whole arsenal of other goodies to find and exploit vulnerabilities. The course material covered a wide range of topics, including network scanning, web application attacks, buffer overflows, and privilege escalation. But the real kicker was the lab environment.

The OSCP lab, a network of vulnerable machines, was where the magic happened. You had to compromise these machines, document your findings, and write a professional penetration testing report. This wasn't a simulated environment; it was a real-world scenario designed to test your ability to think on your feet and adapt to unexpected challenges. The OSCP exam mirrored this experience. You were given 24 hours to compromise several machines and submit a detailed report. Passing the OSCP meant you had proven your ability to perform real penetration tests, making you a valuable asset to any security team.

SANS: The Gold Standard in Cybersecurity Training

SANS Institute has always been a powerhouse in cybersecurity training, and in 2015, their certifications were highly regarded across the industry. SANS offered a plethora of certifications covering various domains, from incident response to digital forensics to secure coding. Unlike the OSCP's singular focus on penetration testing, SANS certifications provided a broader spectrum of knowledge and skills.

What set SANS apart was its focus on practical, real-world applications. The instructors were industry experts with years of experience in their respective fields. The course materials were constantly updated to reflect the latest threats and technologies. SANS courses were known for being intense and immersive, often involving hands-on labs and simulations.

One of the most popular SANS certifications was the GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC). This cert provided a solid foundation in cybersecurity principles, covering topics like networking, cryptography, and security management. It was an excellent starting point for individuals looking to break into the cybersecurity field. Other notable SANS certifications included the GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH), which focused on incident response techniques, and the GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA), which covered digital forensics methodologies. SANS certifications were (and still are) highly valued by employers, making them a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about a cybersecurity career.

CISSP: The Management Maestro

For those eyeing leadership roles in cybersecurity, the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) was the go-to certification. Administered by (ISC)², the CISSP focused on the managerial and strategic aspects of information security. In 2015, it was already a well-established and respected certification, recognized globally as a benchmark for security professionals in management positions.

The CISSP covered eight domains of knowledge, collectively known as the Common Body of Knowledge (CBK): Security and Risk Management, Asset Security, Security Architecture and Engineering, Communication and Network Security, Identity and Access Management, Security Assessment and Testing, Security Operations, and Software Development Security. This broad scope ensured that CISSPs had a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of information security.

Unlike the OSCP's hands-on hacking or SANS's technical deep dives, the CISSP emphasized policy, procedures, and risk management. It was about understanding the big picture and making strategic decisions to protect an organization's assets. To earn the CISSP, you needed to have at least five years of relevant work experience and pass a rigorous exam. The exam tested your knowledge of the CBK and your ability to apply it to real-world scenarios. The CISSP was not just a certification; it was a statement that you were a seasoned security professional with the expertise to lead and manage security programs.

CSSLP: Secure Coding Champion

In 2015, the importance of secure software development was becoming increasingly apparent, and the Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP) certification was gaining traction. This certification, also administered by (ISC)², focused on the principles and practices of building secure software from the ground up. If you were a software developer or architect concerned about security, the CSSLP was a valuable credential.

The CSSLP covered eight domains related to the software development lifecycle: Secure Software Concepts, Requirements, and Design, Secure Coding Practices, Secure Testing, Secure Deployment, Secure Operations, Secure Maintenance, and Secure Disposal. It emphasized the importance of integrating security into every stage of the development process, from initial design to final deployment.

The CSSLP exam tested your knowledge of secure coding practices, vulnerability assessment, and risk management. It was designed to ensure that CSSLPs had the skills to build secure and resilient software applications. In a world increasingly reliant on software, the CSSLP was a critical certification for those responsible for developing and maintaining secure applications. It demonstrated a commitment to building secure software and protecting organizations from software-related vulnerabilities.

SSCP: The Security Operations Specialist

The Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) was another certification offered by (ISC)². In 2015, it was designed for IT professionals in operational roles who were responsible for the day-to-day security of systems and networks. Think of it as the practical, hands-on cousin of the CISSP. While the CISSP focused on management and strategy, the SSCP focused on implementation and operations.

The SSCP covered seven domains: Access Controls, Security Operations and Administration, Risk Identification, Monitoring and Analysis, Incident Response and Recovery, Cryptography, Network and Communications Security, and Systems and Application Security. It provided a broad overview of security concepts and practices, making it a good choice for individuals with a few years of experience in IT security.

The SSCP exam tested your knowledge of security fundamentals and your ability to apply them to real-world scenarios. It was less demanding than the CISSP exam but still required a solid understanding of security principles. The SSCP was a valuable certification for those working in security operations centers (SOCs), network administration, or other IT security roles. It demonstrated a commitment to security and a baseline level of knowledge and skills.

Choosing Your Path: Key Considerations in 2015

So, how did you choose between these certifications back in 2015? Several factors came into play:

• Career Goals: What kind of role did you aspire to have? If you dreamed of being a penetration tester, OSCP was the obvious choice. If you wanted to lead security teams, CISSP was the way to go. If you were a developer focused on secure coding, CSSLP was your calling. And if you were in a security operations role, SSCP was a solid option.
• Experience Level: How much experience did you have in the field? OSCP required a good understanding of networking and system administration. CISSP required at least five years of relevant experience. SSCP was suitable for those with a few years of experience.
• Learning Style: Did you prefer hands-on learning or theoretical study? OSCP was all about hands-on hacking. SANS courses were known for their practical labs and simulations. CISSP was more focused on theory and concepts.
• Budget: How much were you willing to spend on training and exams? SANS courses were generally more expensive than OSCP or (ISC)² certifications.

In conclusion, back in 2015, the cybersecurity certification landscape was diverse and offered something for everyone. Whether you were a budding hacker, a security manager, or a software developer, there was a certification that aligned with your goals and experience. Understanding the differences between OSCP, SANS, CISSP, CSSLP, and SSCP was crucial for making the right choice and advancing your career in cybersecurity. And remember, the best certification for you was the one that helped you achieve your professional aspirations and made you a valuable asset to the cybersecurity community!