TROY ? Local security experts discussed their roles in the Information Assurance Career Focus Consortium May 18 at the ASIS International Detroit Chapter Regional Security Conference providing IT professionals with an overview of security training in Michigan.
The panel consisted of Nan Poulios, Director Information Assurance Center, Walsh College; Cecilia Sarmiento, Program Director Information Technology, Wayne County Community College District Downriver Campus; and Ken Sigler Security Program Coordinator- Auburn Hills, Oakland Community College.
Poulios discussed the changing economic conditions in Michigan. Our economy is transforming from a physical manufacturing base to a knowledge based economy. The implication for security professionals is that assets have moved from physical manufacturing facilities to the computer network. Security professionals must now implement information assurance throughout their organizations.
Sigler reviewed the educational requirements from the NSA for academic institutions to address these training needs. As early as, 1998, in Presidential Decision Directive 63, the federal government recognized a need for better trained security professionals. The federal government identified several sets of skills necessary to protect federal information systems. The Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS) has published these skills as training standards: 4011, 4012, 4013, 4014, 4015, and 4016.
The NSA next developed rigorous criteria for 4 year universities to meet in order to become a Center of Academic Excellence in IA Education (CAEIAE). Before applying to become a CAEIAE, a university must map their Information Assurance Curriculum to two of the CNSS training standards. Community colleges may also receive certification for mapping their curriculum to these standards. NSA and DHS oversee the program. Universities and colleges must reapply every 3 years for certification. This assures that programs are up to date.
Organizations need assurance that they employee they entrust with their security programs are knowledgeable. Hiring graduates from the CAEIAE?s and community college programs, assures potential employers that their security candidates have attained a certain level of knowledge.
Sigler described OCC?s program and their CREST program for first responders. OCC has mapped their Information Assurance program to the CNSS 4011.
For more information on the program contact:
Ken Sigler Security Program Coordinator, Oakland Community College
(248) 232-4247; email
Sarmiento described the importance of security education in Wayne County. Since Wayne County has an international border, physical and information security play an important role within the county. Wayne County Community College offers courses in information assurance as well as first responder training.
For more information on the program contact:
Cecilia Sarmiento, Program Director Information Technology, Wayne County Community College District, Downriver Campus
(734)-374-3520;
Email [email protected]
Poulios discussed the Masters level program in IA at Walsh College. Walsh recently became re-designated as National Academic Center of Excellence by the Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency. Walsh has mapped their curriculum to 5 of the 6 CNSS training standards. At last count, only 8 colleges nationwide had achieved this level of certification. In the fall, Walsh will launch 3 new graduate certificates in Information Assurance: Digital Forensics, IT Audit, and Chief Security Officer Management.
For more information on the program contact:
Nanette Poulios, Director Information Assurance Center, Walsh College
(248)-823-1369; email [email protected]
These colleges are working together in a career focused consortium with other SE Michigan schools to provide a seamless career track for students. Students may start their Information Assurance degree studies at a community college, transfer to a 4 year school, and then attain a Master?s degree. Walsh College, OCC and WCCC have articulation agreements so students will not loose credits when transferring. All 3 educational institutions are participating in Automation Alley?s Southeast Michigan INFORMATION SECURITY Regional Skills Alliance.
