ISC2 Extends Information Security Training and Certification to Russia; Moscow-Based Microinform to Also Bring Programs to Commonwealth of Independent States and Baltic Republics.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

FRAMINGHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 25, 2003

The International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2, a non-profit organization dedicated to training and certifying information security professionals worldwide, today announced a partnership with Moscow-based Microinfirm to offer information security training and certification exams to the Russian Federation, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and the Baltic Republics of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania.

(ISC)2 offers the Certified Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (CISSP), considered the "Gold Standard(TM)" of certifications for top information security professionals worldwide, and the Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) for cyber security professionals implementing security policy.

Microinform is a leading IT educational and certification center in the Russian Federation and CIS and the only technology training center in the region providing international-level programs for information security specialists. Founded in 1988, it is an authorized training center of Microsoft, Novell, Computer Associates, Avaya, 3COM and many others.

"This partnership with Microinform is another milestone in fulfilling the consortium's mission of ensuring the highest professionals standards for the information security industry worldwide," said James E. Duffy, CISSP, executive director of (ISC)2 based in Framingham.

"Bringing the CISSP and SSCP programs to these regions is an important step in professionalizing our information security workforce," said Boris Fridman, general director of Microinform. "The rigorous standards of (ISC)2's certifications are welcome and needed."

The CISSP credential provides independent and objective validation of professional expertise and knowledge within the information security industry. The certification is acquired through a combination of practical work experience (four years cumulative experience or three years plus a bachelor's degree), formal education and a rigorous exam based on the Common Body of Knowledge (CBK(TM)). The CBK is a comprehensive compendium of best security practices developed and maintained by (ISC)2. The certification is maintained through continuing professional education credits and subscribing to a Code of Ethics.

The SSCP is tailored for information systems security practitioners and requires one year of experience in CBK domains. It also requires adhering to a Code of Ethics and continuing education to maintain certification.

For complete details about CBK training programs and (ISC)2 certification exams being offered in Russia/CIS and the Baltic Republics, contact Dmitry Krylov, program manager, Microinform Training Center at 7 [phone] or [e-mail].

About Microinform

Founded in 1988, Microinform is a leading IT educational and certification center in the Russian Federation and CIS. Certified trainers and instructors lead more than 130 programs and courses, often unique for Russia. It is the Authorized Training Center of Microsoft, Novell, Compaq, 3COM, Computer Associates, Enterasys Networks, Avaya and many others. It is also a "Virtual University Enterprise" Authorized Testing Center.

Microinform Training Center is equipped with advanced computer laboratories and is conveniently located in the center of Moscow. The center has trained more than 13,000 programmers, system engineers and network administrators. Services include on-site and remote educational programs, trainers training and certification. The last four years, Microinform was recognized as the No. 1 IT training center in Russia.

About (ISC)2

Based in Framingham, with offices in London and Hong Kong, the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium Inc. (ISC)2 is the premier organization dedicated to providing information security professionals and practitioners worldwide with the standard for professional certification that is based on (ISC)2's Common Body of Knowledge for information security professionals.

For more than a decade, (ISC)2 has certified thousands of security professionals in more than 85 countries. More information about (ISC)2 is available at www.isc2.org.