Boost for security as cyber competency scheme comes to NZ

APMG International is working with CESG, the Information Security arm of GCHQ, to deliver its cyber security competency scheme for Information Assurance (IA) professionals outside of the UK for the first time.

Now heading to New Zealand, this is a pilot which offers new opportunities for IA professionals in these countries to have their expertise in cyber security assessed against the UK Government’s standard.

CCP has been developed as part of the UK Government’s Cyber Security Strategy to address the growing need for appropriately-skilled specialists within the cyber security profession, and to raise levels of professionalism in Information Assurance.

Certification allows cyber security professionals independent verification of their expertise and ability to perform an Information Assurance role to a high standard, and provides assurance to employers that their staff have the correct skill sets for specific roles - including for working in UK companies or those that operate UK based security systems.

Two roles are being offered as part of the pilot – Security and Information Risk Advisor (SIRA) and IA Architect – at three levels of competency; Practitioner, Senior Practitioner, and Lead Practitioner.

The entire APMG application process is managed and delivered online via a secure administrative system, keeping the application process simple.

“It's nearly three years since CCP was launched and I am really pleased and proud to have seen it flourish over that time,” says Chris Ensor, Deputy Director, National Technical Authority for Information Assurance, GCHQ.

“First of all we offered CCP to the UK public sector, then to the UK private sector and now we are supporting APMG and BCS to expand it beyond the UK.

“We are delighted to see CCP being taken to these new markets which should enhance its appeal to industry.”

In addition, Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International, says that CESG has a “world-leading pedigree” in cyber security and this pilot offers cyber security professionals in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand the unique opportunity to measure their credentials against the CESG best practice framework.

“CCP has been developed as part of a comprehensive learning pathway for the cyber security profession, helping IA professionals to be assessed and enhance their worth in the labour market by demonstrating their core competencies to prospective employers,” he adds.

“It also helps employers of cyber security professionals to make informed choices when selecting staff and training, ensuring they employ the best qualified people for the job.”

The pilot is now live and will run until 31st March 2016 and individuals who successfully achieve certification will be issued with a certificate that is valid for three years.