Bankers back security professionals’ accreditation

The financial services industry is backing the creation of the Institute for Information Security Professionals (IISP), which aims to put computer security experts’ professionalism on a par with doctors and lawyers.

Investment bank UBS has followed Royal Bank of Scotland and HBOS in applying for membership to the IISP, which will accredit security professionals and bind them to a code of conduct.

‘I am really pleased that, at long last, a body has been developed to improve the stature of information security professionalism,’ said UBS chief security officer Paul Wood, speaking at the IISP’s official launch in London.

With the growth of electronic systems and an increase in regulatory requirements, it is vital that the financial services industry has ‘professional, trained, trusted and accredited’ information security experts, he says.

The IISP’s planned cross-organisational mentoring scheme will also improve junior members’ skills, says Phil Severs, head of governance and strategy, information and IT risks at HBOS.

Alun Michael, minister of state for industry and the regions, says the institute will be of great benefit to the government, and several departments have applied for membership.

‘The department has long recognised the critical importance of information security as a discipline that underlines trust in the information age,’ he said.

Further information: www.instisp.com

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