Information Systems Security Association (ISSA): How ISSA International Gives Cybersecurity Professionals the Tools to Grow, Connect, and Lead

We live in a world where cybercrime happens every day, so the need for experts who can work together, share their know-how, and keep learning is more important than ever. The Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) is one of the most influential groups for advancing the profession of cybersecurity professionals. At its core, ISSA’s mission is about delivering education and know-how to help professionals grow in their careers - no matter where they are in the cybersecurity world, with a strong focus on advancing individual growth as a core goal of the organization.

Founded in 1984, ISSA has brought together a global community of international cybersecurity professionals dedicated to professional development, risk management, and safeguarding critical information. Through local chapters, big international events, and a strong peer network, ISSA helps professionals develop the skills they need to shine in an ever-changing security landscape. ISSA membership options are designed to fit the needs of professionals at every stage of the Cyber Security Career Lifecycle.

The Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) is a not-for-profit organization that’s all about promoting excellence in the field of information security. Its members are information security professionals, security pros, and practitioners from all kinds of industries - government, defense, finance, and tech - and ISSA provides them with a trusted platform for sharing ideas, learning from each other, and innovation. Information security is especially critical in the financial sector, where protecting financial data and managing cybersecurity risks are top priorities. ISSA members have to agree to a Code of Ethics that sets high standards for integrity and professionalism in the field.

ISSA is all about helping its members strengthen their organizations by supporting individual growth through mentorship, certification opportunities, and training. To learn more about how ISSA’s mission fits with modern cybersecurity ideas, check out the Zero Trust overview from Everykey.

ISSA International brings together over 10,000 members across more than 100 countries, with hundreds of local chapters. The organization is a central hub for members to connect with each other, share ideas, and learn from the best in the field. ISSA hosts big international conferences, regional summits, and online training sessions that help cybersecurity professionals, researchers, and executives work together to make the world a safer place.

ISSA hosts an annual International Summit that brings together some of the most brilliant minds in cybersecurity. To find out more about ISSA's global initiatives, visit the ISSA International website.

The field of info systems security has changed beyond recognition in the last few decades. What used to be all about firewalls and passwords is now about cloud computing, AI, and identity management. In this evolving landscape, effective communications are essential — robust communication channels and the exchange of information among professionals are vital for promoting best practices and raising awareness in cybersecurity.

ISSA gives its members the tools they need to keep up - through webinars, certification support, and articles in the ISSA Journal, members get the inside scoop on topics like risk management, data protection, and security frameworks like SOC 2 and NIST. The ISSA Journal is a monthly publication that keeps members up to date with the latest news and trends in the field.

For more information on modern security frameworks, check out Everykey’s SOC 2 Compliance Guide.

The ISSA International Board gives strategic direction, governance, and oversight to the association. Made up of senior cybersecurity leaders and educators, the board sets goals around professional development, ethics and standards, and membership growth. ISSA partners with organizations like ESG to publish research that looks at the experiences of cybersecurity pros.

The board is also responsible for partnerships with universities, alliances with other organizations and research into what's next in the industry. They make sure ISSA stays at the top of the game when it comes to security.

ISSA helps its members achieve their personal career goals by giving them structured paths to improve their technical and leadership skills. From entry-level analysts to CISOs, every member can get career guidance, resume workshops and mentorship programs tailored to their level of experience.

This model of professional development is all about both technical skills (like managing technology risk and incident response) and soft skills (communication, strategy and ethics).

You need to have strong leadership skills to guide your team through the tough times in security. ISSA helps its members develop those skills through volunteer opportunities, chapter officer roles and global committee service.

Members learn how to lead, influence strategy, and build relationships that go across industries and borders.

A defining strength of ISSA is its active peer network. This network brings together security professionals and practitioners, including cybersecurity pros, who share experiences, swap technical ideas, and collaborate on community projects. Regular chapter meetings give members opportunities to learn about the latest in cybersecurity.

Through local chapters, online forums, and summits, members get a support system that helps them solve real-world problems faster and more creatively.

The networking opportunities at ISSA are pretty unmatched, but they’re focused on mentorship and collaboration rather than just “networking”.

In today’s ever-evolving field of information systems security, building and sustaining a strong professional network is essential for success. The Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) stands out as a not-for-profit, international organization dedicated to bringing together international cybersecurity professionals committed to managing technology risk and protecting critical information. Through a wide range of educational forums, peer interaction opportunities, and local chapter events, ISSA empowers its members to connect, collaborate, and grow within the information security profession.

ISSA’s networking opportunities are designed to enhance the knowledge, skill, and professional growth of cybersecurity professionals at every stage of their careers. Whether you’re attending a local chapter meeting, participating in an international summit, or joining an online educational forum, you’ll find countless ways to expand your peer network and sustain professional relationships. These events provide a platform for members to share expertise, discuss industry trends, and learn best practices directly from fellow practitioners and thought leaders.

The ISSA International Board, along with dedicated local chapter officers, works tirelessly to create meaningful interaction opportunities for members. By fostering a collaborative environment, ISSA helps members develop leadership skills, achieve personal career goals, and enhance their professional stature within the global security association community. These connections often lead to new job opportunities, mentorship relationships, and partnerships that can help advance individual growth and the broader information security profession.

Publications like the ISSA Journal further support networking by keeping members informed about the latest developments, industry trends, and job opportunities. By staying connected through ISSA’s resources and events, members can remain at the forefront of technology risk management and systems security, ensuring they have the knowledge and expertise needed to protect critical information in their organizations.

No matter where you are in your career — whether you’re an entry-level information security analyst or a seasoned executive — ISSA’s networking opportunities offer invaluable support for your professional journey. By joining this vibrant international community, you gain access to a wealth of knowledge, resources, and peer networks that will help you achieve your personal and professional goals in the dynamic world of cybersecurity.

ISSA members are some of the best in the cybersecurity business - info security analysts, engineers, policy makers and educators. Membership benefits include:* Access to the ISSA Journal and its invaluable technical publications

To get a better sense of how organizations like Everykey build trust and meet the highest standards of compliance, have a look at their SOC 2 Type II overview.

Loads of ISSA members have taken on leadership roles as chapter officers, helping run events, forge partnerships, and build their communities out in their regions. Serving as a chapter officer is a great way to get hands-on experience in project management, event planning, and team leadership - all while expanding your professional network.

That experience can lead to real professional advancement, more visibility, and new opportunities - not just within ISSA but across the broader cybersecurity field.

The ISSA Journal is an essential part of what we do. Every month it brings you the latest peer-reviewed articles written by people working in the field and academics pushing the boundaries of information systems security.

You'll find articles on everything from threat intelligence and compliance trends to cloud security and AI - the issues that are shaping the next generation of cybersecurity strategies.

Cybersecurity is an ever-growing field and demand for talent is skyrocketing - ISSA is right in the middle of it all, connecting professionals with employers worldwide. Our career centre lists job opportunities from across the globe for analysts, consultants, engineers and executives looking to take the next step.

ISSA partnerships with sponsors and tech companies also create internship pathways for students and emerging pros just starting out.

According to the (ISC2) Cybersecurity Workforce Study, there's a shortage of skilled professionals that's pushing 3.5 million worldwide - which makes ISSA's mission more vital than ever.

Over the years, ISSA has helped build a shared commitment to ethics, excellence and professional development that's at the heart of our community. It shapes public opinion about cybersecurity education and technology through what we do.

And, it brings together practitioners and policymakers to make sure that both tech and governance are evolving together. Through conferences, mentorships and research, ISSA is continually improving the resilience of global cybersecurity infrastructure.

At the end of the day, information systems security is about people, not just tech. ISSA recognises that protecting data relies on informed professionals who understand the human side of cybersecurity, as well as the technology.

By combining global education with local collaboration, ISSA ensures that critical information stays protected and the profession continues to grow and evolve.

For over a decade now, ISSA International has been a cornerstone of the global cybersecurity community, empowering pros to grow, connect and lead. Through mentorship, global collaboration and continuous education, ISSA makes sure that the information security profession stays strong, adaptable and ethical.

For any practitioner - whether just starting out or leading a global security team - joining ISSA is an investment in lifelong learning, meaningful relationships and the collective mission of protecting critical information worldwide.

ISSA International is a global not-for-profit association with a clear goal: advancing the knowledge, skills and professional growth of cybersecurity practitioners worldwide.

Anyone working in or studying cybersecurity - whether analyst, engineer, manager, educator or student - can join ISSA.

Members get access to global conferences, educational resources, peer networks, leadership opportunities and a monthly ISSA Journal to keep them up-to-date.

ISSA provides certification support, mentorship programs, job listings and chances to serve as a chapter officer or global volunteer leader.

For membership details, upcoming events and resources, visit issa.org.