SINGAPORE, 25 JANUARY 2010 – Interest in information security is apparently growing in the Asia Pacific as (ISC)2 or ISC-squared now has 10,000 members across the region. As of 31 December 2009, economies with about 1,000 or more members include Australia (1,183); Hong Kong (1,270); India (1,158); Japan (1,191), Singapore (981), and South Korea (2,480).
The membership has grown considerably for this not-for-profit that educates and certifies information security professionals throughout their careers and has more than 71,000 credentials issued to 66,000 members across the globe.
Sharp growth
Past several months have been characterised by a limping economy but ISC-squared Asia Pacific membership grew from 7,500 in 2007 to over 10,000 by the end of 2009. This represents a growth rate of 33 per cent over the past three years.
This growth has been very impressive and (ISC)2 has plans in place to further support the growing demand for information security professionals in the region. The organisation has stepped up efforts to establish relationships with local affiliates and strategic alliances this year.
In 2010, this organisation will focus on the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Vietnam. In addition, an increasing number of government agencies in Asia are sending their staff through (ISC)2’s education and certification programmes for the certified information systems security professional (CISSP) and system security certified practitioner (SSCP).
Professional standard
W. Hord Tipton, CISSP-ISSEP, certification and accreditation professional (CAP), certified information systems auditor (CISA), executive director for (ISC)2 said they are very pleased with the growing commitment to professionalising the information security workforce in the Asia Pacific.
The growth of certification is due to various reasons and part of the growth is because of the dedication and support from (ISC)2 education affiliates and affiliated local interest groups throughout the region.
“The (ISC) ² member community has also played a role by coming together to promote a professional standard within their organisations, added Tipton.
