TL;DR: ISC2, a leading nonprofit organization for cybersecurity professionals, has joined forces with the Cyber Security Agency (CSA) of Singapore to integrate its Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) certification into CSA’s SG Cyber Associates Program. This collaboration aims to offer 10,000 training and exam spaces over three years, empowering individuals from various backgrounds to develop foundational cybersecurity skills. The initiative targets non-cybersecurity professionals, graduates with non-technical backgrounds, and mid-career switchers, ultimately reducing Singapore’s cybersecurity workforce gap.
Unveiled during the Singapore International Cyber Week 2023, ISC2 and the Cyber Security Agency (CSA) of Singapore have announced a collaborative effort to extend the reach of the “One Million Certified in Cybersecurity” initiative. The partnership will integrate ISC2’s internationally recognized Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) certification training and exam into CSA’s SG Cyber Associates Program.
10,000 Training Spaces Over Three Years
Over the course of three years, ISC2 and CSA will provide 10,000 training and exam spaces for individuals interested in building foundational knowledge in cybersecurity or pursuing a career in the field. This initiative is designed for non-cybersecurity professionals, graduates with non-technical backgrounds, and mid-career switchers, creating a pathway toward a cybersecurity career.
Closing the Cyber Workforce Gap
ISC2 has been actively working to address the 2.16 million-person-wide cyber workforce gap in the Asia-Pacific region. The CC certification, launched last year, has garnered significant interest, with over 6,000 candidates earning the certification and more than 87,000 signing up for the CC training. By offering the CC certification as part of CSA’s SG Cyber Associates Program, ISC2 aims to further support the growth of cybersecurity professionals in the region.
Investment in Singapore’s Cybersecurity Sector
In addition to this partnership, CSA has committed $50 million to boost Singapore’s cybersecurity sector as part of the three-year Cybersecurity Talent, Innovation & Growth (Cyber TIG) Plan. David Koh, Chief Executive of CSA, emphasized the importance of building cybersecurity skills among non-cybersecurity professionals to better address cybersecurity issues in various fields.
Free Access to CC Courses and Examinations
Participants of the SG Cyber Associates program will have the opportunity to access ISC2’s CC courses and examinations for free. This certification offers online self-paced training and examinations covering core subject areas like security principles, business continuity, and incident response concepts. It serves as a valuable demonstration of a person’s interest and aptitude for a cybersecurity career, enabling employers to build resilient cyber teams across all experience levels.
