(ISC)2 celebrates 15

At this week’s RSA Conference, the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2 celebrates its 15th anniversary. The organization was formed in 1989 to develop an industry certification based on best practices for information security professionals.

“Thanks to the vision of a few information security pioneers, (ISC)2 began the professionalization of the information security industry by introducing the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and Systems Security Certified Professional (SSCP) certifications,” says James Duffy, CISSP, executive director of (ISC)2  (the 2 is supposed to be squared).

Information security skills are hot these days, and the CISSP is seen as the premier certification for information security. According to (ISC)2, there are more than 23,000 CISSPs in more than 96 countries from Fortune 500 firms and top government agencies. The CISSP validates the skills of those who devise security strategy, while the SCCP is designed for those who do the tactical security work.

Last year, (ISC)2 introduced an Associates program for those who have chosen to pursue a career in information security. This designation is geared at IT pros who pass the CISSP or SSCP exam but lack the experience required for regular certification. (See https://www.nwfusion.com/newsletters/careers/2003/0623car2.html). The non-profit training leader also created specialized concentrations in architecture or management for existing CISSPs.

If you happen to hold an (ISC)2 certification and will be at the RSA Conference in San Francisco next week, drop by Room 123 of the Moscone Center between 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tuesday to toast the organization.

For more information, go to www.isc2.org