Australian-based IT Service Management group, ITSM Hub, has launched a NIST Cyber Security Professional (NCSP) program – as part of the accredited NIST Cyber Security Framework (NIST-CSF) – that provides comprehensive security guidance and training to individuals and organisations in a bid to help better prevent, detect and respond to cyber attacks.
The rollout of the new NIST cyber security certification program comes on the heels of the Federal Government’s comprehensive $1.67 billion action plan – set forth in ‘Australia’s Cyber Security Strategy 2020’ – that aims to strengthen the protection of Australians, businesses and critical infrastructure from the most sophisticated threats.
At the same time, ITSM Hub has partnered with UK-based CySec Professionals – a NIST regional partner – to amplify its delivery of the new cyber security training services across APAC.
“We’re delighted to announce our partnership with CySec Professionals Ltd to enhance and complement our existing service portfolio,” said ITSM Hub managing director, Rachel Pennings.
“With the unexpected increased use of remote working and virtual presence, we see the NCSP training as a timely and relevant service offering to help our customers navigate the increased complexity of the cyber security landscape.”
Pennings said the rollout of the NIST certification program is well-timed given the growing incidence of cyber security breaches across all facets of industry, government and academia.
“If you’re still thinking cyber security is optional, the assortment of reports so far during 2020 should give you pause. Ransomware is not going away, and organisations are finding themselves with few options once exploited. That’s not the end of it though – don’t be too surprised if shareholders and/or corporate regulators come knocking with a ‘please explain’ and a court case or two.
“That’s why the NIST certification program is of great value and interest to all organisations, large or small – offering a specialised framework with invaluable guidance and timely answers to current and future cybersecurity needs and challenges,” Pennings said.
ITSM Hub – well-recognised for its IT Service Management training and consulting assistance and range of courses including ITIL® 4, SIAM, PRINCE2 Business Relationship Management; and DevOps certification – wants to rev up professional training in the cyber security arena to help industry and government be more cyber-aware and take proactive measures to curb escalating cyber attacks.
In that vein, Pennings said the new NCSP training program teaches individuals and organisations how to engineer, operationalise and continually improve a cyber security program based on the NIST-CSF.
The framework integrates industry standards and best practices to help organisations manage their cyber security risks. Originally aimed at operators of critical infrastructure, the framework is now being used by a wide range of businesses and countries as a proactive approach to cyber risk management.
Additionally, the framework provides a common language that allows staff at all levels within an organisation – and at all points in a supply chain – to develop a shared understanding of their cyber security risks.
“Now more than ever, organisations must balance a rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape against the need to fulfill business requirements,” Pennings said.
As part of the newest cyber security training, ITSM Hub is providing instructor-led delivery of the following NCSP program courses throughout Australia and New Zealand:
NCSP Foundation Certificate: 1-day course outlining current cyber security challenges and explaining how individuals and organisations can implement an NIST-CSF to assist in managing these risks. – Next Virtual Course 26th July.- NCSP Practitioner Certificate: 4-day course detailing the current cyber security challenges and informing individuals and organisations how to design, implement, manage and continually improve a NIST-CSF program. Foundation is the pre-requisite. Next Virtual Corse 27th – 30th July
- NCSP Boot Camp Certificate: combining the Foundation and Practitioner training into one continual 5-day course and a single exam. 26th – 30th July.
The NCSP cyber security certification program is available from 26th July and pricing includes the certification exam from APMG International. There is a current special offer of 25% off the course fees.
