http://www.vnunet.com/computing/news/2142615/computer-security-industry Daniel Thomas Computing 21 Sept 2005 An institute for IT security experts will be set up in January next year to improve professionalism throughout the computer security industry. The organisation, backed by the Department of Trade and Industry, the Cabinet Office and major UK firms such as BP, BT and The Royal Bank of Scotland, aims to promote professional standards and provide mentoring and work experience. The plan was first announced in January this year, and Computing has learned that it will start up in early 2006. The Institute for Information Security Professionals (IISP) will certify security experts in a similar way to many other professions, such as the British Medical Association for doctors. IT security professionals who qualify for membership will have to adhere to a code of conduct and attend workshops. "Knowing that someone has the experience, qualifications and adheres to a set of ethics is very important. It will improve confidence in the security industry and help when it comes to choosing people for jobs," said Nick Coleman, chairman of IT security suppliers group Saint, which is involved in the project. The organisation has already conducted market research to identify an acceptable membership fee, and is in discussion with existing institutes which may be appointed to run the scheme independently. "Doctors leave university with some of the best sets of degrees out there, but they don't immediately get a scalpel and start operating," said Paul Dorey, IISP founder and chief information security officer at BP. "They have mentoring and coaching before they are allowed to operate, and similar standards should exist in security." Development of the IISP is being led by Fred Piper, professor of security at University of London's Royal Holloway College, but leadership is expected to be handed over to an elected leader when it has an independent infrastructure next year. _________________________________________ InfoSec News v2.0 - Coming Soon! http://www.infosecnews.org
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