ISC2 Expands Annual Information Security Resource Guide to Include the Americas.

PALM HARBOR, Fla. -- -

2005 Industry "Almanac" Complements Consortium's "Year of the Information Security Professional" Initiative

The International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, Inc. ((ISC)2(R)), the non-profit international leader in educating, qualifying and certifying information security professionals worldwide and currently celebrating the Year of the Information Security Professional, today released the 2005 Resource Guide for Today's Information Security Professional, Americas Edition.

The free 92-page guide is a compilation of information on information security-focused educational institutions and organizations, professional associations, conferences and trade shows, online resources, publications and more for professionals in both the public and private sectors in North, Central and South America.

Launched in 2004, the Resource Guide's inaugural year, to the U.S. Government, (ISC)2 expanded the 2005 edition to include the Americas in conjunction with its Year of the Information Security Professional initiative. The Year is a worldwide, year-long program aimed at enhancing awareness and understanding of the profession's significance to the public-at-large, contributing to the growth and professionalism of those already in the field, and attracting new candidates to the profession. Announced in December 2004, the initiative is supported by more than 50 associations, governments and corporations worldwide.

"In its second year, the 2005 Resource Guide is the first comprehensive almanac of the industry, providing professionals one-stop access to educational and peer networking opportunities and other resources that can enhance their careers," said Sarah Bohne, director of corporate communications for (ISC)2. "Expanding the guide this year helps fulfill our goals for the Year of the Information Security Professional initiative by contributing value to the profession beyond our education and certification programs."

Free hard copies of the 2005 Resource Guide will be available at industry conferences and (ISC)2 Events throughout the year, and soft copies are available for download from the (ISC)2 Website at https://www.isc2.org/resourceguide.

About (ISC)2

The International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, Inc. ((ISC)2(R)) is the premier not-for-profit organization dedicated to certifying information security professionals around the world. Founded in 1989, (ISC)2 has certified more than 30,000 information security professionals in more than 100 countries. Based in Palm Harbor, Florida, USA, with offices in Vienna, Virginia, USA; London; Hong Kong; and Tokyo, (ISC)2 issues the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP(R)) and Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP(R)) credentials and related concentrations to those meeting necessary competency requirements. The CISSP(R), the Gold Standard in information security certifications, is the first information technology credential to meet the stringent requirements of ANSI ISO/IEC 17024, a global benchmark for assessing and certifying personnel. (ISC)2 also offers a portfolio of educational products and services based upon (ISC)2's CBK(R), a compendium of industry best practices for information security professionals, and is responsible for the annual (ISC)2 Global Information Security Workforce Study. More information about (ISC)2 is available at www.isc2.org.