IT professionals in Windhoek, Namibia, have formed a new chapter of ISACA, a global professional association serving the IT audit, risk, governance and cyber security professions. ISACA has more than 140 000 constituents in 180 countries. The Windhoek Chapter is among 213 ISACA chapters and has more than 50 members.
ISACA Windhoek President Melanie Harrison (Spaeth), CISA, CISM, said the Windhoek Chapter can act as a catalyst for growth in the region.
"The formation of the chapter is instrumental in growing the IT audit, IT risk and information security professions in Namibia as well as maintaining a high standard in these professions," Harrison said. "Although our member population is small, we are confident that by forming this chapter, we will be able to grow our membership base better by giving a platform for greater collaboration within the industry and among professionals."
The local business community, government, university students and others will benefit from ISACA resources and guidance, including its certifications:
* Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
* Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
* Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT)
* Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
* CSX Practitioner (a new, skills-based cyber security certification offered through ISACA's Cybersecurity Nexus [CSX])
Harrison is especially hopeful that the chapter's ability to offer exams locally will help expand access to valuable ISACA certifications for area IT professionals.
"A big challenge is the vastness and sparse population of the country," Harrison said. "Commerce is concentrated in a few areas with the accompanied concentration of skills. The general IT skills are well developed, and due to the small population, the skills usually cover a number of disciplines per IT person. What is a challenge is the certification of skills."
The Windhoek Chapter had its official launch event on 29 March. Officers of the ISACA Windhoek Chapter include:
* President - Melanie Harrison, CISA, CISM
* Vice President - Richard Mutandwa, CISA, CGEIT
* Secretary - Lusia N Hamumokola
* Treasurer - Marthinus Gerhardus Viljoen, CISM
* Membership Director - Holger H Bossow, CISA
* Marketing Coordinator - Onno Amutenya
* Academic Relations Coordinator - Willem JS Marais, CISA
The ISACA Windhoek Chapter will offer members the opportunity to attend training and skills-development sessions in addition to networking and social events.
ISACA offers certification, education, guidance and community for IT security, assurance, risk and governance professionals. The association established CSX to address the global cyber security skills shortage and help organisations develop strong cyber security workforces. ISACA also offers COBIT, a business framework that helps organisations govern and manage their information and technology.
For additional information about ISACA, please visit www.isaca.org. For additional information on the ISACA Windhoek Chapter, visit the chapter page at www.isaca.org/membership/local-chapter-information/pages/chapteroverview.aspx?chapterid=238.
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