Following the (ISC)² Code of Ethics

The (ISC)² Code of Ethics contains a preamble, four canons, and objectives for guidance. The Code of Ethics is

Preamble:

Safety of the commonwealth, duty to our principals (employers, contractors, people we work for) and to each other requires that we adhere, and be seen to adhere, to the highest ethical standards of behavior.

Therefore, strict adherence to this Code is a condition of certification.

Canons:

Protect society, the commonwealth, and the infrastructure.

Act honorably, honestly, justly, responsibly, and legally.

Provide diligent and competent service to principals.

Advance and protect the profession.

Objectives for Guidance:

The committee is mindful of its responsibility to:

Give guidance for resolving good versus good, and bad versus bad, dilemmas.

To encourage right behavior such as

• Research

• Teaching

• Identifying, mentoring, and sponsoring candidates for the profession

• Valuing the certificate

To discourage such behavior as

• Raising unnecessary uncertainty

• Giving unwarranted comfort or reassurance

• Consenting to bad practice

• Attaching weak systems to the public network

• Professional association with non-professionals, amateurs, or criminals

When you earn the CISSP certification, you’re obligated to do these things. In fact, you’re required to take on a new responsibility as a protector of the organizations with which you’re directly or indirectly involved.

The best approach to complying with the (ISC)² Code of Ethics is to never partake in any activity that provides even the appearance of an ethics violation. Making questionable moves puts your certification at risk, and it may also convey to others that such activity is acceptable. Remember to lead by example!