Ernst & Young launches first definitive anti-hacking course in SA

True to the organisation`s commitment to generating ideas and solutions that positively transform clients` businesses, Ernst & Young South Africa - part of the global network of Ernst & Young International - has announced the launch of the first definitive anti-hacking course in South Africa. Titled CounterHack TM, the course is designed to familiarise approved participants with network based attack and penetration techniques that hackers may use against corporate networks.

Being completely solutions driven and determined to deliver - and share - a superior knowledge base with clients, Ernst & Young will demonstrate to participants - in a detailed, methodical manner - how to compromise and ultimately how to protect a system and network from attack.

"As a global company focussing on the future and positive change, we constantly seek solutions to the potential security threats our clients` face each day. Although not an issue many corporates will admit to, Internet security breaches are more common than many believe. A recent survey by one of the other big 5 found that 27% of South African respondents reported a breach via e-mail intrusion in the last year. In addition, our own GIS (Global Information Survey) revealed that hackers presented a serious threat to 25% of global respondents.

Because we believe that hacking is a major threat to corporate South Africa and because we have direct access to an in-house core of information security experts, our aim is to join forces with our clients to uncover weaknesses and secure company web sites and e-mail systems from what is fast becoming cyber terrorism." Juliet Lubbe, National Sales Director, Ernst & Young ISAAS (Information Systems Assurance & Advisory Services).

In addition to benefiting clients and participants, Ernst & Young sees its own expertise developing through hosting CounterHack TM "This move will ensure that ISAAS will be in a position to leverage off the contacts made and interaction with course participants to sell on engagements like security architecture. This initiative will go along way in positioning us as the professional services firm to speak to about information security." comments Trevor Rorbye, ISAAS Partner.

In line with Ernst & Young`s partnership strategy, the course will be co-sponsored by Symantec - a global leader in enterprise security solutions - further adding to the expert mix guaranteed to deliver dynamic anti-hacking solutions.

The course will take place in Cape Town at The Peninsula Hotel on 9, 10,11 and 12 October and in Johannesburg at The Hilton in Sandton on 16, 17, 18 and 19 October.

Potential delegates will be security screened and must have a strong understanding of TCP/IP, as well as familiarity with both NT and Linux operating systems.

For more course information contact Pam Stewart email, stewapa@ey.co.za or 021 410 5682