Symantec Joins CompTIA Security+ Certification Advisory Committee; Security+ Certification Incorporated Into the Symantec Certified Technology Architect Certification.

Business Editors

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 9, 2003

The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) announced today that Symantec (NASDAQ:SYMC), the world leader in Internet security, has joined the CompTIA Security+(TM) certification advisory committee. Symantec recently incorporated CompTIA Security+ into its Symantec Certified Technology Architect certification.

"Vendor-neutral certifications like Security+ help to establish benchmarks of professionalism and performance that are essential for information system security across platforms, operating systems, and vendor-specific products," said Graeme Johnston, senior director, global learning and certification at Symantec. "Being a member of Security+ certification advisory committee gives us the opportunity to work with other industry leaders to ensure that the Security+ knowledge benchmark maintains its across-the-board relevance."

The advisory committee is responsible for overseeing all major programs in support of the CompTIA Security+ certification including ongoing research, planning, implementation, evaluation, updating, marketing, positioning and communications. Advisory Committee members are drawn from leading corporations and security associations, United States government agencies, academic institutions, training organizations, and courseware developers.

CompTIA Security+ certifies that a candidate has mastered security job-task skills equivalent to a networking professional with two years practical experience with an emphasis on security. The exam covers industry-wide topics including communication security, infrastructure security, cryptography, access control, authentication, external attack, and operational and organizational security.

Symantec announced in June a revamp of its certification program that shortens the time it takes a candidate to become certified on its solutions. Respected vendor-neutral certifications are incorporated into each of Symantec's three levels of security certification: Symantec Certified Security Engineer, Symantec Certified Technology Architect, and Symantec Certified Security Practitioner.

Symantec Certified Technology Architect and CompTIA Security+

A Symantec Certified Technology Architect focuses on a single security segment and how to design, plan, deploy, and manage effective security solutions in that segment. To earn this level of certification, an individual must successfully pass a Symantec Solutions exam in any one of four areas -- firewall and integrated security appliances, security management, intrusion protection, or virus protection and integrated client security. The IT professional is also required to earn one approved vendor-neutral certification. CompTIA Security+ certification satisfies the Symantec Certified Technology Architect vendor-neutral requirement.

"The integration of vendor-neutral certification into vendor-specific specializations is the right thing for the industry to work towards from the twin perspectives of resource allocation and effectiveness," said Gene Salois, vice president of certification at CompTIA. "We applaud Symantec's efforts to achieve this integration and are looking forward to working with this leader in Internet security on the CompTIA Security+ certification committee."

About CompTIA

CompTIA is a global trade association representing the business interests of the information technology industry. For more than 20 years CompTIA has provided research, networking and partnering opportunities to its more than 16,000 members in 89 countries. The association is involved in developing standards and best practices, and influencing the political, economic and educational arenas that impact IT worldwide. More information is at www.comptia.org.