(ISC) 2 provides training and education in information security

Information security is an issue that always demands attention and investment, whether from companies, governments or other types of organizations. One of the challenges is to implement new technologies and, at the same time, have controls that avoid risks and attacks to computerized environments. Gartner points out that global investments in information security reached US$ 75.4 billion in 2015, an increase of 4.7% over 2014. However, people are the biggest challenge to information security, a concern cited by experts and researchers in recent years, from the growth of the digital world. In a business environment, for example, studies show that employees are involved in most cyber attacks. The challenge is to reverse this scenario.
 
One of the organizations that has sought to contribute to the creation of a culture of information security and professional development in the sector is (ISC)^2,  which operates through a training institution and a foundation – a non-profit charitable fund that aims to empower students, teachers and the general public to protect their lives online by supporting educational and cybersecurity awareness initiatives in communities through of programs and the efforts of its members. To address the issue, the ABES portal interviewed Gina Van Dijk, Regional Director for Latin America at (ISC)², who told us a little more about the institute's performance in terms of training and professional qualification.
 
“The more than 110,000 members of (ISC)² from around the world seek to ensure that children have a safe, productive and positive online experience, to spur the development of a new generation of cybersecurity professionals and to clarify the key issues facing the industry today and those to come,” says Van Djik. Check out more details about this work in the following interview:  
 
 
1. What are the main operating guidelines of (ISC)²®?
(ISC)² is the largest non-profit membership organization of certified professionals in cyber security, information, software and infrastructure in the world, with approximately 110,000 members worldwide. (ISC)² issues different credentials, such as CAP^O, CCFP^O, CCSP^SM, CISSP^O and related concentrations, CSSLP^O, HCISPP^O and SSCP^O to qualified candidates through certification exams. (ISC)² offers education programs and services based on its Compendium of Knowledge (CBK). More detailed information can be obtained from the website www.isc2.org.
 
2. What are the benefits offered by (ISC)²® certifications? Which ones are focused on professionals and which ones are aimed at teams?
(ISC)² certifications are recognized worldwide in the security industry for their standard of excellence. According to the global survey 2015 (ISC)² Global Information Security Workforce Study, professionals who own them receive higher salaries (on average US$102,991 per year) compared to those who do not have them (average US$76,313.00 per year). Possessing an (ISC)² certification is also a way for professionals to show companies that their knowledge and experience are proven and certified by an international association. It also demonstrates the professional's commitment to keeping up-to-date through continuous learning, as this is the way to have your certification renewed every three years.
 
 
3. How does (ISC)²® relate to the main companies that develop solutions in the information security segment?
(ISC)² offers certifications with no ties to any companies, which means that we are not linked to a specific product or tool. (ISC)² certifications cover cybersecurity, information, software, and infrastructure materials from a broad pool of general, global, and up-to-date knowledge. (ISC)² members work for companies around the world that offer information security solutions.

4. What are the main operating pillars of (ISC)²®?
The four pillars of (ISC)² are:
– Protect society, the common good, public faith and trust, and infrastructure.
– Act with honesty, honesty, fairness, responsibility and in accordance with the law.
– Provide services assiduously and competently.
– Promote and protect the profession.
 
5. What are the (ISC)²® projects in Brazil in terms of actions, events, on-site and distance courses?
In 2016, the (ISC)² operation in Latin America will promote webinars, both in Portuguese and in Spanish, to members and non-members of the association, with the objective of reaching more professionals working in the region and reducing the existing barriers with the English language. In addition, we will seek greater strength in the association's performance through activities and networking and education opportunities offered by the chapters (ISC)², which are organizations formed by volunteer members and currently exist in Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile and Colombia ( https://www.isc2.org/chapters/default.aspx). We will also hold the second edition of the Security Congress in Latin America in the second half of the year, on a date that will be announced shortly. In addition, we will further intensify the offer of official training through our OTPs (Official Training Providers) in preparation for our certification exams. We also intend to start offering live distance training in Portuguese and Spanish this year.