Things move quickly in IT and cyber security, and if you've been working in these fields, you’ll know exactly what that means. Threats are becoming more advanced, and the results of being caught off guard can be very bad.
There were more than 87,000 reports of cybercrime in Australia in the 2023–24 financial year alone. That's one every six minutes. The cost? Almost $84 million. And that's only from the events we know about. Business email compromise was a big part of that, with each case costing an average of more than $55,000.
All of these point to one thing: there is a need for people with strong cyber security skills. Companies want people who can find risks early, respond well and help build systems that can handle anything that comes their way.
CRISC, CISA and CISM are all common certifications in cyber security. They are recognised around the world and supported by ISACA. Each one has a different purpose, and knowing what they are can help you better fit your upskilling to your current role and the kind of work you want to do in the future.
Why Compare Through Lumify Work?
Lumify Work offers ISACA-accredited training for all three certifications, with structured, expert-led learning. Taking the time to compare the certifications ensures you enrol in the right course from the outset — maximising the value of your Lumify Work experience.
Comparisons of CISA, CISM & CRISC
How CRISC, CISA and CISM certifications differ is based on the broader areas of recognition, applicability and career trajectory.
Recognition & Reputation:
CISA (Certified Information Security Manager): Renowned globally as the benchmark certification for IS/IT auditors. It's highly respected in industries that rely on internal controls, auditing and compliance.
CISM (Certified Information Security Manager): Recognised as a top-tier certification for information security management professionals. Often preferred by organisations focused on governance and enterprise-level security strategy.
CRISC (Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control): A prestigious credential for professionals managing and controlling IT and enterprise risk. Highly valued in organisations with mature risk programs.
Geographical Preference:
CISA: Popular in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, according to ExamLabs' ultimate guide to CISA certification.
CISM: Commonly pursued in the United States, Canada, Australia, the UK, UAE and Singapore, as highlighted in ExamSnap’s overview of CISM salary trends by region.
CRISC: Most sought-after in the US, Europe and Australia — Europe’s demand is driven by stringent data and cybersecurity regulations, and it remains one of the top-paying credentials in risk management globally, as noted in Ground Cyber’s 2025 guide to CRISC in Europe.
Focus & Approach:
CISA: Focuses on auditing, control and assurance. Designed for professionals who evaluate and manage an organisation’s IT and business systems through audits.
CISM: Concentrates on managing and governing information security. Best suited for professionals responsible for security policy development and alignment with business goals.
CRISC: Specialises in enterprise IT risk management and control. Ideal for those identifying, assessing and mitigating information systems risks.
Industry Applicability:
CISA: Widely used in auditing, consulting and compliance roles within banks, accounting firms and regulatory agencies.
CISM: Valued in industries where security strategy and compliance are top priorities — such as healthcare, government and defence, telecommunications and energy and utilities.
CRISC: Suits industries with strong risk management requirements like insurance, fintech, healthcare and government institutions.
Flexibility & Adaptability:
CISA: Offers transferable skills for internal and external audit, compliance and control roles.
CISM: Equips professionals with governance-focused skills applicable to enterprise-level leadership and security team management.
CRISC: Provides a structured framework to assess and respond to IT risks, easily tailored to various industries and business models.
Career Opportunities:
CISA: Opens doors to roles such as IT Auditor, Audit Manager, Compliance Analyst and Internal Controls Consultant.
CISM: Ideal for those pursuing positions like Information Security Manager, Security Director or Cybersecurity Consultant.
CRISC: Fits well with titles such as IT Risk Manager, Risk and Control Analyst, Governance Manager or Chief Risk Officer.
Certification Overviews
CISA
Governing Body: ISACA
Prerequisites: 5 years of work in IS auditing, control or security
Exam: 4 hours, 150 multiple-choice questions
Renewal: 120 CPE credits every 3 years
CISM
Governing Body: ISACA
Prerequisites: 5 years of information security work, including 3 years in security management
Exam: 4 hours, 150 multiple-choice questions
Renewal: 120 CPE credits every 3 years
CRISC
Governing Body: ISACA
Prerequisites: 3 years of experience in risk and control across at least two domains
Exam: 4 hours, 150 questions
Renewal: 120 CPE credits every 3 years
Still Not Sure? Speak to Our Team
When comparing CRISC vs CISA vs CISM, know that each certification offers a specialised path and serves as a powerful asset depending on your interests, experience and long-term career direction.
Which One Should You Choose?
CISA might be the right path for you if you like looking into systems to see how well they work and where they might go wrong, and making sure that processes are safe and reliable.
CISM might be the better choice for you if you see yourself as the one in charge of the organisation's cyber security strategy, making rules, leading teams and deciding how to protect the company.
And if you're the kind of person who thinks about the bigger picture — how to manage risks across the whole business and make sure IT supports those goals — CRISC could be your ideal match.
At the end of the day, comparing CISA, CISM or CRISC isn’t just about taking a course. It’s about engaging in professional development that fits your career direction, helps you grow your skills and boosts the value you bring to your team and your organisation.
At Lumify Work, our expert trainers can help you prepare for your chosen path through interactive, real-world learning experiences. Have confidence with authorised cyber security training. Lumify Work offers cyber security training to cater to all levels of your organisation, from front-line staff interested in corporate IT training to highly experienced senior cyber security professionals. The skilling we deliver is in partnership with organisations like ISC2, EC-Council, ISACA, CompTIA, OffSec, PECB, Microsoft, and AWS.
Lumify Group has been named ‘Cyber Security Training Business of the Year’ in the 2025 Australian Cyber Awards, highlighting our commitment to boosting the next generation of cyber talent.
With budget cycles tightening and threat levels rising, the stakes are higher than ever. Flexibility and responsiveness prove critical to delivering impact. Explore hybrid learning models with Lumify Work where participants shift fluidly between in-person and virtual formats, sometimes within the same course.
Cyber security training has become one of the most important investments a business can make in 2025 - not just to tick a box, but also to stay operational. Download our cyber security brochure to explore skilling, certification and pathways.
