Singapore-based Freddy Tan, chief security advisor with Microsoft Asia, has been appointed as the only Asian representative on the board of directors of Global Information Security Professional Body (ISC)2.
(ISC)2 is a not-for-profit body that educates and certifies information security professionals throughout their careers. It provides vendor-neutral education products, career services, and Gold Standard credentials to some 60,000 certified industry professionals in more than 135 countries.
Currently Tan is responsible for communicating Microsoft’s security strategy and architecture, identifying emerging security trends, and cultivating relationships with governments, law enforcement, financial services, industry associations and academia.
Before Microsoft, Tan served with the Singapore’s ministry of defense (MINDEF) and the Singapore Armed Forces. In the course of his 25 years with MINDEF, he was involved in many aspects of infocomm security, ranging from security policy formulation to security monitoring and incident response.
MINDEF achievements
During his time at MINDEF, he was also responsible for establishing the ministry’s 24/7 Computer Security Monitoring and Investigation Centre (COSMIC), plus the Singapore Armed Forces Computer Emergency Response Team (SAFCERT).
Tan said that, since 2000, he has been involved with volunteering for various (ISC)2 activities to promote security competency and certifications.
“I am honoured that the appointment as a member of the board of directors will allow me to continue to work with this distinguished group of professionals and regional partners in the security community to promote security competency and professionalism,” he said.
Seeking a safe internet
“The desire is to see an Internet that is safe for governments and businesses to thrive securely, society to form social communities with complete trust and individuals who transact and share with privacy ensured. I would like to see (ISC)2 continue its momentum as the premier certification provider in the information security profession, as well as focus on demonstrating the value of its certifications to employers, especially in the emerging markets in Asia.”
Tan is also a member of the (ISC)2 Asian Advisory Board and was awarded the (ISC)2 President’s Award in 2003 in recognition for his volunteer work with (ISC)2. He replaces Dr. Peter Berlich, who recently stepped down from the board.
