WISE up to security

I recently received a demonstration copy of a new security-awareness program built on the ISO 17799 standards and designed using systematic principles of adult education. Called WISE, for Web-based Information Security Education, the product is available from Software By Bay.   The demo came on a CD; starting the program took just a double-click to launch a browser. A mellifluous voice introduced the training program’s methods and buttons, and then we were off into the first demo. This course covers general security concepts, acceptable system use, physical security issues, and social engineering. There’s a testing module at the end with a final exam.

I recently received a demonstration copy of a new security-awareness program built on the ISO 17799 standards and designed using systematic principles of adult education. Called WISE, for Web-based Information Security Education, the product is available from Software By Bay. 

The demo came on a CD; starting the program took just a double-click to launch a browser. A mellifluous voice introduced the training program’s methods and buttons, and then we were off into the first demo. This course covers general security concepts, acceptable system use, physical security issues, and social engineering. There’s a testing module at the end with a final exam.

I particularly liked the smooth integration of elegant diagrams with the clear explanations of the principles presented. Multiple-choice review questions were placed in the stream of frames in a way that did not disrupt the flow of thought. The interface was easy to use; the menu of topics provided immediate access to all parts of the course with an intuitively easy hierarchy of pop-up menus. All the spoken material was available in printed form in a frame on one side of the screen. Impatient users could force a faster pace by using the fast-forward feature to push the text on screen as fast as they want.

The WISE program includes the following courses:

* Information security awareness.

* Security management.

* Security technology.

* HIPAA training.

* Professional security officer training.

* Law enforcement officer training.

The courses take from two to 20 hours each. Annual updates are available. Pricing starts at $99 per seat per course with site licenses available.

The product specification sheet states, “In addition to the [W]eb-based training, this security awareness product includes optional security posters, newsletters, calendars, e-mail alerts, security tip-of-the-day, etc., all customized for your organization.”

I think security managers would do well to examine this product to see if it suits their security awareness needs. Contact Joel Hudesman at 866-973-8324 x5506 or 973-257-1205 x5506, or mailto:jhudesman@softwarebybay.com

In the interest of full disclosure: I have no financial involvement whatsoever with this company.