This episode takes you inside the world of the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), a certification that helps professionals grow from hands-on security work into roles that shape programs, policies, and risk decisions. In clear, beginner-friendly language, the narration explains what CISM is, who it is really for, and how it changes the way you think about governance, risk management, and incident response. The story is developed from my Monday “Certified” feature in Bare Metal Cyber Magazine, so you get a structured walkthrough rather than a loose collection of tips.

You will hear how the CISM exam actually tests your judgment through real-world style scenarios, what kinds of responsibilities it supports in the workplace, and where it fits in a long-term security career path. The episode also helps you understand whether a management-focused certification is the right move for your current stage, or a goal to aim for later. If you want to go deeper and turn this overview into a full study plan, you can pair the episode with the dedicated CISM audio course inside the Bare Metal Cyber Audio Academy.