Newest NIST program coincides with Government’s cybersecurity prevention push and helps industry navigate complex landscape.
Australian-based IT Service Management experts, ITSM Hub, has launched a NIST Cybersecurity Professional (NCSP) program – as part of the accredited NIST Cybersecurity Framework (NIST-CSF) – that provides comprehensive security guidance and training to individuals and organizations in a bid to help better prevent, detect and respond to cyberattacks.
The rollout of the new NIST cybersecurity certification program comes on the heels of the Federal Government’s comprehensive A$1.67 billion action plan – set forth in ‘Australia’s Cybersecurity 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 cybersecurity training services across Australia and New Zealand.
“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 cybersecurity landscape.”
Pennings said the rollout of the NIST certification program is well-timed given the growing incidence of cybersecurity breaches across all facets of industry, government and academia.
“If you’re still thinking cybersecurity is optional, the assortment of reports so far during 2020 should give you pause,” she said. “Ransomware is not going away and organizations 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 organizations, large or small – offering a specialized framework with invaluable guidance and timely answers to current and future cybersecurity needs and challenges.”
ITSM Hub – well-recognized 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 cybersecurity arena to help industry and government be more cyber-aware and take proactive measures to curb escalating cyberattacks.
In that vein, Pennings said the new NCSP training program teaches individuals and organizations how to engineer, operationalise and continually improve a cybersecurity program based on the NIST-CSF.
The framework integrates industry standards and best practices to help organizations manage their cybersecurity 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 organization – and at all points in a supply chain – to develop a shared understanding of their cybersecurity risks.
“Now more than ever, organizations must balance a rapidly evolving cyberthreat landscape against the need to fulfil business requirements,” Pennings said.
