Information Systems Security Association

Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) is a not-for-profit, international professional organization of information security professionals and practitioners. It was founded in 1984, after work on its establishment started in 1982. It provides educational forums, publications and peer interaction opportunities that enhance the knowledge, skill and professional growth of its members.

Membership

ISSA has an international membership base.

Goals

The primary goal of the ISSA is to promote management practices that will ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information resources. The ISSA facilitates interaction and education to create a more successful environment for global information systems security and for the professionals involved.^[1]

Activities

Local chapters host periodic meetings, usually monthly, for educational and networking purposes. Events with broader scope are held at the regional, national and international levels.

ISSA members receive continuing education credits for attending all ISSA-sponsored activities, as well as activities sponsored by other organizations that uphold similar membership standards.

The following list includes some of the important ways that ISSA members work toward achieving the Association's goals:

• Organize international conferences, local chapter meetings and seminars that offer educational programs, training and valuable networking opportunities.
• Provide access to information through the ISSA website as well as an online newsletter and monthly journal.
• Offer support for professional certification and development opportunities for security practitioners.
• Create opportunities for members to join committees and boards, which provide significant leadership for the security industry.
• Facilitate discussion and feedback on key issues, such as the National Strategy to Secure Cyberspace, in order to create a unified voice for security professionals around the world that can influence public opinion, government regulations, the media and other important audiences.

Code of Ethics

As an applicant for membership, the individual is expected to be bounded to a principle of ethics related to the Information Security career.^[2]

Applicants for ISSA membership attest that they have and will:

• Perform all professional activities and duties in accordance with all applicable laws and the highest ethical principles;
• Promote generally accepted information security current best practices and standards;
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality of proprietary or otherwise sensitive information encountered in the course of professional activities;
• Discharge professional responsibilities with diligence and honesty;
• Refrain from any activities which might constitute a conflict of interest or otherwise damage the reputation of employers, the information security profession, or the Association; and
• Not intentionally injure or impugn the professional reputation or practice of colleagues, clients, or employers.

International presence

ISSA is present in more than one hundred countries, including Europe and Asia, with more than 10,000 members.^[3]

ISSA-UK

• ISSA-UK is one of ISSA's largest chapters, and provides networking events and educational opportunities to our member base in London. Tim Holman was elected President in 2011.

Corporate Alliances

ISSA has established an Information Security Program alliance with Microsoft Corporation.^[4]

See also

• Business network
• Computer security
• Information Security
• Information security management system
• IT risk

References

• ISSA Code of Ethics

External links

• ISSA website