(ISC)2® Intros Program to Develop Global Cybersecurity Education

PRESS RELEASE

Clearwater, Fla., U.S.A., April 10, 2014: Accredited academic institutions now have access to new resources and support from the world’s largest not-for-profit membership body of certified information and software security professionals with the launch of the (ISC)^2® Global Academic Program. (ISC)² is making its educational resources, which are updated regularly by its members and industry luminaries, available to academia to help meet the global demand for more skilled cybersecurity professionals. With nearly 100,000 members worldwide, the (ISC)² common body of knowledge (CBK^®) incorporates disciplines within information security, software security, forensics, and healthcare.

The (ISC)² Global Academic Program is a key initiative behind the organization’s commitment to address the growing gap in availability of qualified cybersecurity professionals that has been tracked since 2004 by the (ISC)² Global Information Security Workforce Study . The most recent report, released in February, offers analysis from Frost & Sullivan into the acute nature of the skills gap, forecasting an annual workforce growth rate of 11.3% by 2017, and pointing out that 35% of respondents looking to hire additional workers find it difficult to find qualified personnel today.

“We believe it’s critical to recognize and support the role of the academic community in the development of much-needed cybersecurity talent for now and in the future,” said W. Hord Tipton, CISSP, executive director, (ISC)². “With the global skills gap in this sector increasingly acknowledged by companies and governments around the world, industry and academia must come together to address this challenge. (ISC)² is in a unique position to offer its educational content, which is regularly updated and vetted by experts, to colleges and universities around the world as part of this collaborative development effort required for our now digitally-dependent society.”

The Global Academic Program offers products and services for colleges and universities that can be tailored for both undergraduate and post-graduate requirements. Classroom materials, which range from domain-specific modules and practice assessments to faculty handbooks and student textbooks are drawn from the certification CBKs. The program is open to accredited institutions interested in enhancing cyber content within their security, computing, IT or other relevant course offerings.

“In addition to the resources we have to offer, this program presents a real opportunity to become part of a global network of academic members interested in establishing a joint framework for delivering essential skills and supporting the growth of a qualified cybersecurity workforce,” says Jo Portillo, manager, Global Academic Program, (ISC)².

The program is being launched as governments around the world seek to improve university curricula as part of their national cybersecurity strategies. Objectives outlined by governments include the improvement of employability for students after graduation, with cybersecurity considered a high-demand area.

“Cybersecurity is one of the most pressing issues facing our world today. It’s what keeps bank accounts secure, health records private, transportation grids protected and identities from being stolen,” said USF Provost Ralph Wilcox. “We have a huge role to play in ensuring that today’s students have the skills to tackle the cyber challenges of tomorrow, so that we can all continue to live, work, bank, travel and communicate safely.”

“University of Phoenix is committed to providing degree programs and curriculum that reflect real industry needs and was one of the first universities to join the (ISC)² Global Academic Program,” said Dr. Tim Welsh, senior vice president - Industry Strategy, at Apollo Education Group, the parent company of University of Phoenix. “There is a clear demand for information security professionals and the University is pleased to collaborate by working to align our education programs with industry talent development priorities.”

Academic institutions interested in learning more about the (ISC)² Global Academic Program can contact Dr. Jo Portillo, manager, Global Academic Program, (ISC)² at [email protected] or make an inquiry via the website: https://www.isc2.org/academic/Default.aspx.

About (ISC)²^®
Formed in 1989 and celebrating its 25th anniversary, (ISC)² is the largest not-for-profit membership body of certified information and software security professionals worldwide, with nearly 100,000 members in more than 135 countries. Globally recognized as the Gold Standard, (ISC)² issues the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP^®) and related concentrations, as well as the Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP^®), the Certified Cyber Forensics Professional (CCFP^SM), Certified Authorization Professional (CAP^®), HealthCare Information Security and Privacy Practitioner (HCISPP^SM), and Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP^®) credentials to qualifying candidates. (ISC)²’s certifications are among the first information technology credentials to meet the stringent requirements of ISO/IEC Standard 17024, a global benchmark for assessing and certifying personnel. (ISC)² also offers education programs and services based on its CBK^®, a compendium of information and software security topics. More information is available at www.isc2.org.