Professional security accreditation moves closer

IT security experts will be able to achieve professional qualifications on a par with occupations such as accountancy and law within three years, following trials.

The government approved the creation of the Institute of Information Security Professionals (IISP) early last year (Computing, 11 January 2006) and full membership trials have been completed.

IISP interim chief executive Nick Coleman says some 1,000 members joined in its first six months alone. ‘When we launched we anticipated a couple of hundred people across the UK joining over 2006, but we have had five times that from people worldwide,’ he said.

Demand has been so great from outside the UK that Coleman hopes the accreditation will be recognised on a global basis.

The IISP is backed by major firms including BP, HBOS, Royal Bank of Scotland and Accenture.

There are three levels of membership: affiliates, for those with an outside interest in security: associates, for those with two years’ experience; and full membership for more experienced professionals. The membership trial helped establish how each level could be accredited properly.

John Meakin, information security director at Standard Chartered Bank, a member of the institute, says accreditation will have dual benefits. ‘For individuals this is the best way to have experience recognised by peers. From a recruiter’s point of view it provides a quicker path to knowing if job applicants are worth their salt.’

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