Staying on top of the game
Most of the qualifications mentioned above require you to be re-tested and reevaluated at regular intervals. So there's no slacking. But that's part of the joy of working in security -there is always something new to learn. There will always be new threats to our systems, and we get to be the ones who come to the rescue with exciting and innovative solutions.
It's another reason why getting qualifications with internationally recognized bodies is so important. Once you have these, you have, in effect, joined a worldwide club of security professionals which offers you unrivalled access to new information and potential solutions.
Take the SANS Institute as an example. It was established as a co-operative research and education organizationand it now has more than 165 000 security professionals, auditors, systems administrators, network administrators, chief security officers and CIOs sharing information with security practitioners in government agencies, businesses and university departments around the world. Hundreds of hours' worth of teaching and research are available to help the entire information security community.
That information is distilled into a weekly vulnerability digest, a weekly news digest, flash security alerts in addition to the masses of original research papers that are freely available. And that's just SANS. Each of the other organizations I mentioned have equally strong information resources available.
Whatever the specific path you choose, a career in security presents great opportunity, diversity and above all enjoyment. The security industry continues to become more mainstream and accepted at senior levels as business necessary, rather than a necessary evil! Do all you can to ensure that it remains that way! Think, what could you do different today or tomorrow to add value? The first step is simple: hang up the jacket, put away the boots, and try saying 'we may not be able to do it like that, but lets see if there's another way?' Never say no -because someday it will come back to haunt you!
About the author
Ray Stanton is Global Head of Security Services at BT Group. He has over six years experience in Information Services and 21 years in Information Security practice. Ray has worked for both government and commercial organizations in a variety of security related roles including project management, security auditing, policy design, and the development of security management strategies.