ISC2 is working with the Cyber Security Agency (CSA) of Singapore to extend the reach of its One Million Certified in Cybersecurity initiative to CSA’s cyber talent program.
ISC2’s internationally recognised entry-level Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) certification training and exam will be offered as part of CSA’s new SG Cyber Associates Program.
Over a period of three years, ISC2 and CSA will provide 10,000 training and exam spaces for individuals wishing to build up their foundational knowledge in cybersecurity or pursue a career in cybersecurity.
The partnership will provide those in non-cybersecurity roles such as engineers, auditors and lawyers, as well as IT and software professionals, with valuable cybersecurity skills relevant to their work and ensure they are equipped to deal with cyber threats affecting their operations.
Also, the collaboration will help to reduce Singapore’s cybersecurity workforce gap by providing individuals with fundamental knowledge and skills for an entry-level cybersecurity role.
Targeted toward non-cybersecurity professionals, graduates with a non-technical background, and mid-career switchers, ISC2’s certification and training helps individuals build a pathway toward a cybersecurity career.
ISC2 CEO Clar Rosso said that as cyber threats continue to grow in sophistication and frequency across all industries, it is more important than ever to build a strong cyber workforce in Singapore.
“We must prioritise workforce development and attract entry-level individuals to solve staffing shortages and expand the local talent pool,” said Rosso.
“Our APAC hiring managers report has shown that cybersecurity certifications are the most important attribute that 32% managers look for when hiring,” the CEO added. “Our partnership with CSA will help upskill and equip Singaporeans with their first professional certification to help kickstart their careers.”
The CC certification was launched last year to build more talent in the region, and has already been met with strong enthusiasm. To date, in APAC, more than 6,000 candidates have already earned the certification and more than 87,000 people have signed up for the CC training, demonstrating a strong interest in cybersecurity.
Offering the CC certification as part of CSA’s SG Cyber Associates Program will enable ISC2 to further support and nurture a new generation of cybersecurity professionals entering the field.
“Through the SG Cyber Associates program, we will build cybersecurity skills among non-cybersecurity professionals to help them better understand cybersecurity issues and incorporate cybersecurity considerations in their respective fields, be it in engineering, audit, law, software design, or IT operations,” said David Koh, chief executive of CSA.
“These professionals can subsequently choose to deepen their skills and make a switch to a cybersecurity career if they are keen,” said Koh.
Under the new partnership, participants of the SG Cyber Associates program will have the opportunity to access ISC2’S CC courses and examinations for free.
The certification will offer online self-paced training and examinations to equip learners with critical cybersecurity skills and evaluate them across core subject areas, such as security principles, business continuity, and incident response concepts.
The certification can demonstrate a person’s aptitude and interest in a cybersecurity career, allowing employers to confidently build resilient cyber teams across all experience levels.
