ISACA launches new cyber security certificate

Global IT association ISACA, creator of the Cybersecurity Nexus (CSX), launched the Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate today. Intended for university students and recent graduates, entry-level security professionals, and those seeking a career change, the certificate is knowledge-based and requires passing a proctored online exam.

The Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate is aligned with the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) and the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Cybersecurity Workforce Framework. It tests for foundational cyber security knowledge in five areas:

* Cyber security concepts;
* Cyber security architecture principles;
* Cyber security of networks, systems, applications and data;
* Incident response; and
* Security of evolving technology.

Candidates with a proven level of cyber security knowledge are in strong demand worldwide, given today's global cyber security skills crisis, said Robert E Stroud, CGEIT, CRISC, international president of ISACA and vice-president of strategy and innovation at CA Technologies. ISACA Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate helps organisations quickly identify candidates with a foundational level of cyber security knowledge, while helping the most qualified job seekers distinguish themselves.

Individuals can register for the certificate exam at www.isaca.org/cybersecuritycertificate. The exam, which is remotely proctored via a Web cam, is US$150. A study guide is available for purchase.

The certificate differs from ISACA's four certifications: CISA, CISM, CGEIT and CRISC, which require a minimum number of years of relevant professional experience in addition to passing an exam.

The Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate is the latest resource from ISACA Cybersecurity Nexus. Through CSX, ISACA offers cyber security resources for professionals at every level of their careers.

Cybersecurity Month

Also taking place this month is Cybersecurity Month. As a champion of Cybersecurity Awareness Month and the European Cyber Security Month, ISACA will host two free security-related Webinars this month:

* 9 October Why Implement the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework?
* 28 October Self-defense Strategies to Thwart Cloud Intruders

The association will also launch two cyber security training courses: 'Implementing the NIST Cybersecurity Framework Using COBIT 5'; and 'COBIT 5 Assessor for Security', as well as cyber security teaching materials and a cyber security student handbook.

A recent poll of ISACA student members showed that fewer than half believed they would have adequate cyber security knowledge to do the type of job they are seeking after graduating college, said Stroud. ISACA aims to close that gap with valuable resources that will help individuals build cyber security skills and knowledge, and help enterprises develop their cyber security workforces.

For additional information on ISACA cyber security resources, visit www.isaca.org/cyber.