Industry’s first cybersecurity certification coming soon!

As Security Systems News’ Managing Editor Cory Harris and I have been pointing out lately in our columns, it has been exciting to see the security industry come together in myriad ways to tackle the industry’s top issues.

The latest industry association superheroes to join forces are the Security Industry Association (SIA), PSA Security and Security Specifiers, which have jointly developed something our industry desperately needs – a cybersecurity certification for all!

Set to be available in June, earning the Security Industry Cybersecurity Certification (SICC) will demonstrate a high level of competence in physical, cyber and information security. 

"The new SICC was born out of the recognition that the security of installed systems depends on the knowledge and qualifications of those who install and configure them,” said Security Specifiers Founder and Managing Director Ray Coulombe. “This certification is an important step in the provisioning of cyber-secure systems."

The development group said the SICC is the only credential focused specifically on cybersecurity and physical security convergence, noting, “As a designated SICC, you will validate the skills required to support technical security installations according to industry best practices for electronic security and cybersecurity and aligning with clients’ organizational priorities and business objectives.”

The SICC has been developed for integrators, manufacturers, consultants and other related industry professionals who are responsible for technically supporting the installation, networking, configuration and/or specification of electronic security/low-voltage technology devices, and is designed to ensure these professionals have hands-on experience and a deep understanding of physical security and cybersecurity convergence. The program is designed to assess and validate the core competencies these individuals must possess to effectively perform jobs involving critical aspects of cybersecurity.

I look forward talking with all of the key players from SIA, PSA and Security Specifiers in the coming weeks to get an inside look at how this certification came about and what it could potentially mean for integrators, dealers, consultants, and the industry as a whole, so keep an eye out for an exclusive sneak peek at the certification coming soon!