Biometrics market growth means good news for security

Security is something that needs to stay at the top of the priority list for modern businesses, especially with cyber attacks and internal data breaches a constant concern.

Neglecting security for mobile devices and computer systems could leave these technologies exposed, making it easy for sensitive documents or files to leak. In turn, this can lead to financial fallout as the business struggles to undo the damage.

There could be a solution, however, in the form of capable biometric technologies.

These are the technologies found on devices like the iPhone 6 from Apple – small sensors embedded in the device that can read a fingerprint and verify the user's identity before unlocking.

Dealing with security

Security is currently something that's quite difficult to ensure, especially in larger organisations with hundreds of staff. As these workers will often be using mobile devices like smartphones and tablets on a regular basis, there's a high chance of a breach.

Staff could leave these devices in public places, exposed to a potentially malicious third party. The same goes for laptops and other portable computers. Within the workplace, disgruntled staff could access devices without permission, another potential cause of an information leak.

This growing technology could soon solve a number of security issues, thanks to greater device security and easier access for staff.

The benefits of biometrics

The improvements over traditional security measures are clear with biometric technology; there's no need to type in lengthy passcodes for each app and it means the devices are essentially impervious without the right fingerprint.

Biometric uptake is now increasing, with a report from ABI Research predicting significant growth in the sector this year. In fact, the revenues for the biometrics market could reach US$13.8 billion in 2015 alone – with further growth in the years after.

ABI explained that current biometric efforts stem from government entities, but growing consumer acceptance could lead to further consumer and enterprise uptake. By 2017, ABI predicts these two sectors will overtake government usage, thus becoming the largest segment of the market.

"Recent events [2014 data breaches] will no doubt increase governmental spending in 2015 as security measures are intensified in Europe and the United States," the report stated.

Biometrics in the enterprise

The ABI report also went into detail about the enterprise use-cases for wearable technologies, and how efforts have already begun.

"Enterprise demand is cooking up a plethora of wearables and smartphone technologies to implement biometrics into their products and services," ABI explained.

The report then went on to explore the possible growth in regions around the world.

"North America and Asia-Pacific will drive the field in sales in the following years while countries in the Middle East are expected to have mandatory biometric registration in the coming years."

While North America and Asia-Pacific are largely unsurprising, it's certainly a change to see the Middle East pull ahead of Europe.

It won't be long before biometrics are a given on nearly every new mobile device, and certainly those technologies used within enterprise environments.

Companies also need to consider frameworks; processes designed to manage the implementation of new technologies.

With data breaches likely to continue throughout this year, taking action with regards to security is of the utmost importance.

There are a substantial number of frameworks available, including SABSA and ISO, and businesses need to consider them in order to get the most out of security efforts.

To find out more about how these capable frameworks can be put to use within an organisation, get in touch with the team at ALC Training today.

Maximising security: Your guide to ISO 27001

Information security is something every business and IT leader needs to start thinking about – regardless of how big a company is.

Last year saw a significant number of high profile data breaches across the globe, with many dealing substantial damage to the businesses involved. It's important to realise that damage is not always financial, but can also impact reputation.

Data breaches need to be avoided, but this can seem a difficult task for companies not familiar with IT security practices. Security frameworks are the answer – best-practice methods for implementing security systems within the company.

The ISO 27001 series of frameworks are some of the most capable, and this article will take a look at three frameworks within the series.

Understanding ISO

Before assessing the benefits of each framework under the ISO 27001 banner, it's a good idea to understand exactly what this framework is.

With data breaches on the rise, businesses need what's called an information security management system (ISMS), basically a group of policies that are solely focused on IT security and risks. Without one of these systems in place, companies are vulnerable to a breach and can struggle to protect important data assets.

This is where ISO 27001 comes into play. It's the international standard that defines the best practices required for a successful ISMS. The policies apply to companies of any size, and can be used to protect against cyber crime and assist the business when recovering from a breach.

The most recent revision of this framework was published in 2013, and is titled ISO/IEC 27001:2013.

ISO 27001 Overview

The first course businesses will want to get started with is the ISO 27001 Overview. This takes place over a single day, and is designed to act as an introduction, giving practical coverage of every aspect of ISMS requirements (according to ISO/IEC 27001:2013).

There is also a focus on ISMS Implementation guidance and information security controls guidance. It's really the best way to gain a detailed understanding of the key concepts of a strong ISMS – something every business and IT leader needs to be aware of.

ISO/IEC 27001:2013 – ISMS Lead Implementer

The next step is what's called the Lead Implementer course. This takes place over five days, and the focus is on implementing and maintaining a successful ISMS. While the course does take more time to complete, it provides valuable information for participants.

Ideally, those who are involved in information security management, the writing of security policies or even implementing the base ISO 27001 framework need to take part in this course.

Upon completion, participants will have mastered the concepts, standards, and approaches required in the effective management of an ISMS.

ISO/IEC 27001:2013 – ISMS Lead Auditor

Lastly, there is the ISMS Lead Auditor course. Also taking place over five days, this is designed to give participants the knowledge needed to perform an ISO 27001 internal audit (as specified by ISO 19011, ISO 17021 and ISO 27006).

There is also a focus on a slightly more challenging process; acquiring the expertise necessary to actually manage an ISMS audit team. This is an extremely important facet of the course, as large enterprises will require ISMS teams to ensure security efforts are constantly maintained.

The Lead Auditor course will also help participants improve their ability to analyse both the internal and external environments of a business – key as part of the risk assessment process.

Companies need to start considering an extremely capable framework for security, especially considering the number of data breaches that took place over the course of 2014.

To actually get started with a leading security framework, speak to a provider like ALC Training.

Cybersecurity a top priority for 2015

Across the globe, businesses and consumers are placing increasing amounts of sensitive data on computing platforms, whether on local storage or in virtual alternatives hosted in the cloud.

By not focusing on security, the results of cyber data storage could be disastrous. IT security risks have been detailed in a new survey from Protiviti and North Carolina (NC) State University. Titled: Executive Perspectives on Top Risks for 2015, the research found that most business leaders are likely to make risk management investments this year.

The executive perspective

Exactly 277 board members, C-suite and other executives took part in the new survey, voicing their concerns about the potential risks coming up this year. The survey is certainly interesting for those involved in business cyber security.

A significant 53 per cent of respondents claimed that insufficient preparation was one such risk for 2015, and it could seriously impact operations. The report explained that high-profile data breaches in 2014 were likely the cause of increased concern.

Data breaches can be a significant trouble for businesses, and often not just because important data is stolen. Following a breach, the company has to allot expenditure for new, more secure systems, train staff on better security practices and deal with customer fallout – both in terms of reputation and financial reimbursement.

"Our survey findings indicate that operational risk issues are keeping many senior executives up at night," said Mark Beasley, a Deloitte professor at NC State.

"Given encouraging signs in the economy, we've observed an overall shift in focus from macroeconomic risks to operational risks, which had the greatest increase in risk scores from 2014. Notably, however, CEO respondents remained extremely focused on macro trends affecting their business."

Understanding the top risks

As part of the survey, respondents were asked to identity the various risks that had a significant impact on their operations.

A substantial 67 per cent stated that regulatory changes along with heightened regulatory scrutiny was a major issue, as it could impact how products and services are delivered.

Economic conditions in current markets was also noted as an area of concern for 56 per cent of respondents, as they could restrict growth.

In addition, the need to ensure privacy as well as information security was noted as a potential drain on resources for 52 per cent.

With security such a serious concern for companies, 2015 is the year to start implementing capable protective measures. However, these need to include more than just standard security systems.

What do organisations need to do?

Security efforts should be two-fold for businesses this year. Firstly, it's important to put security systems in place both locally and at the data centre level. This means security measures on mobile devices and computers, along with similar measures for wider infrastructure.

Doing so means that even if a smartphone goes missing, there's no chance of important data being accessed by a third party. The same applies for the infrastructure, with third parties unable to access these systems.

The second measure is something less tangible – a security framework. These are certifications that have been developed by organisations over time to deliver best-practice security methods. Businesses take part in courses (commonly over a period of several days), in which staff are taught about implementing policies and developing strong security practices.

The result is that the business will have capable staff able to ensure security is always at the highest possible standard – a necessity given the danger posed by data breaches.

Get in touch with the team at ALC Training today if you'd like to be prepared to face cyber threats in 2015.

How can companies prepare for mobile device usage?

Smartphones and tablets are some of the most powerful pieces of portable technology now available, offering a number of computing capabilities on the go.

As a result, it's no surprise that consumers have started using the devices across the globe to stay informed and in touch. There are concerns for businesses, however, as device usage is starting to creep into the enterprise – thus posing a potential security threat.

Companies need to understand the challenges of mobile devices in a business environment, and the possible solutions. With appropriate controls in place, an organisation will be able to allow staff to use the devices without security risk.

Proliferation in India

A new study from Gartner has found that by 2017, 20 per cent of the white-collar workforce in India alone will access important enterprise data from personal devices. What's more, the information accessed will go beyond solely email and calendar data.

"With the continued affordability of smartphones and growing acceptance of BYOD, more and more people are accessing corporate data through mobile devices," explained Anshul Gupta, a principal research analyst at Gartner.

Of course, mobile device proliferation isn't without issues. Once staff begin using these devices to access sensitive data in greater numbers, the floodgates are opened to a significant number of threats.

The challenges

There's no getting around the fact that mobile devices offer significant benefits to businesses, especially when staff can stay in touch across both email and company applications from any location.

Employees will also want to take part, as mobile devices make it easy to work away from traditional computers. Essentially, they are able to work from home or even while commuting.

The solutions

Now is the time to put the appropriate measures in place to prevent rampant security issues. There are two avenues that businesses need to consider: whether staff are using their own smartphones and tablets or the company itself is providing the technologies.

A bring-your-own-device (BYOD) strategy is essential for personal devices, as it involves setting up the necessary policies to control how employee-owned devices can be used within the company. Specifically, when it comes to accessing business data.

Commonly, such strategies involve the IT department setting up security systems on mobile devices and installing company applications. This removes an element of risk, as the business can ensure the devices are secure.

Company-provided devices, on the other hand, are another consideration altogether. These technologies also require the appropriate security systems, but businesses will need to constantly check in to see how they're being used. These devices could prove to be a better option, given the higher degree of company control.

Mobile device usage is continuing to grow across the globe, and it's only a matter of time before most companies start to see the technologies utilised within the business for more than personal usage. 

"[Technology] providers must establish a long-term plan and strategy to bridge the gap in requisite skills and so combat a potential crisis," Mr Gupta said.

Focusing on security with a framework

Companies can take advantage of security frameworks to bolster protection measures, as these can ensure the right processes are always in place.

SABSA is a global standard for enterprise security architecture, and as a result it should be the first consideration when security is a top priority.

Once staff have the necessary SABSA training (gained through a comprehensive course) then they're able to ensure the security needs of the company are supported through IT management infrastructure.

Of course, businesses can also use the CISSP framework to add another layer of security. This method is a global standard for IT security, and courses provide substantial IT knowledge for staff.

Where to get started with leading frameworks

Getting started with leading frameworks including PRINCE2 and SABSA is a great way to add strong qualifications to your CV, not to mention taking your skills to the next level.

While these courses may sound great, it can sometimes be difficult to take part – especially when they take place across several days and you're not sure which course to start with.

Below, we'll help you out by taking a look at where you can get started with several leading frameworks, and what the courses actually involve.

COBIT 5

If the proper governance and management of IT systems is what you're after, then COBIT 5 is certainly the most appropriate option. This framework leverages proven practices and tools and drive IT innovation – a must for many in the IT sector.

COBIT 5 Foundation is the best course to gain an understanding of how this framework can actually be put to use, and it takes place over a period of three days.

Courses are being held in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Adelaide from March through to June at the beginning of this year – with more on the way.

ITIL

IT service management is critical for modern businesses, as it means the technologies are actually being used to realise business change and transformation.

Like COBIT 5, the ITIL Foundation course is perfect to beginners as it takes them through the basics of the framework. What's more, they'll learn all of the key features that underpin ITIL and gain full preparation for the Foundation Certificate exam.

Ready to get started? Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane and Perth are hosting multiple course dates early this year, and Adelaide is running a course in March.

Architecting Secure Cloud

The cloud has become so much more than a buzzword over the past few years, and it's a now a tool with real potential to change how a business operates at a fundamental level. For example, employees can work together on the same document simultaneously even if they're in different parts of the country.

However, with cloud growth has also come a need for security, and that's where this framework comes into play. It's designed to provide course participants with the knowledge needed to architect secure cloud technologies.

This course is based on SABSA, a leading security architecture framework, and delivers an understanding of how to enable cloud computing at the necessary level of security.

To get started, we've got courses coming up in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra in March – perfect timing to ensure cloud deployments stay secure for the remainder of the year.

PRINCE2

Projects come in all shapes and sizes in a business, from small conferences held within the office to a major event like an industry trade show. Transitions can even be classed as projects, such as when a department needs to move to a new computer system.

PRINCE2 one of the most powerful frameworks for project management, and it should certainly be the first point of call for companies and individuals. This is a framework that can be utilised time and again across various different business projects.

We have PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner courses coming up in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide from February through June this year, with more to come later.

Get in touch with ALC Training to find out more about our range of courses, and where you can get started with a course in Australia.

Both businesses and individuals cannot afford to overlook the value offered by leading frameworks, especially over the long term. These are methods that can be deployed across a range of different projects, long after the training has been completed.

Global mobile data usage on a growth path

Mobile devices have fast become the technologies of choice for accessing the internet, surpassing traditional PCs such as laptops and desktops.

A Nielsen report from early 2014 corroborated this, stating more time online is now spent on smartphones than PCs. US adults spent around 34 hours per month on mobile internet, as opposed to 27 hours on PC internet.

This isn't really surprising given the ease of operating the devices, coupled with the mobility and array of capabilities, as businesses can better equip employees to perform their roles outside the office. For example, staff can now easily log into email and access documents right from a smartphone or tablet.

As a result of the advantages of using mobile, data usage is set to climb over the next few years, according to a new report from ABI Research.

Climbing mobile data usage

A January 28 report from the firm found increasing upload and download speeds are now the main driver of mobile data usage, likely as it means less time waiting for pages to load and email to sync.

ABI stated the average amount of data consumed per subscriber will climb from 445 megabytes in 2014 to 2,289 megabytes in 2019. What's more, consumers are likely to start using the devices for more than just communication – arguably their primary function only a few years ago.

"These breakthroughs and stability of upload and download throughput, once commercially deployed, will enable mobile users to rely on mobile devices as primary entertaining and productivity solutions, in addition to communication," ABI noted.

Research Associate Lian Jye Su explained it's not surprising to find apps such as YouTube, BitTorrent and Facebook are now some of the most highly used apps, accounting for a substantial amount of mobile data traffic.

With devices on a fast track to becoming staple consumer devices for more than just communications, what exactly does this mean for businesses?

The impacts on businesses

Growing mobile usage is certainly beneficial for businesses, as it means employees will easily be able to take on new mobile devices and use them to communicate and collaborate.

Of course, there are other issues that arise from a growing mobile presence in businesses – namely potential security issues.

With any new technology there is a risk of security flaws creeping in, especially when the business is deploying systems for the first time. However, these risks can largely be mitigated thanks to a tight hold over particular technology.

With mobile, staff are taking smartphones and tablets outside the business – thus increasing the chances of them losing the devices and opening the business to a security risk. If a company mobile device was stolen, for example, a third party would potentially have access to company email, account information, messages and data from apps stored on the device.

This is where a bring your own device (BYOD) policy comes into play – a set of rules that help to ensure business mobile device security.

Of course, the level of security depends on the company, but businesses will often find the best combination to be the ability to remotely wipe mobile devices if they're lost and deactivate the accounts. Devices should also include pass codes and fingerprint scanners, availability permitting.

Mobile will continue to grow over the next few years, with both the number of devices rising and the amount of data consumed on the go. Security cannot be left to become a major issue.

Mobile broadband continuing to evolve

Following the proliferation of broadband in businesses across the globe, it was only natural that mobility was the next step.

Now, companies can grant workers the ability to stay connected, even while outside of the office, thanks to mobile broadband. This means it's easier than ever for staff to communicate with each other, customers and even share documents and files from anywhere with a cell tower connection.  

However, the way in which workers connect to mobile broadband services is changing, thanks to the growth of smartphones and other mobile devices. 

Companies should ensure that they're across this change, and are able to implement the necessary technologies to ensure that staff can stay connected on the go.  

Evolving mobile broadband

Mobile broadband modems, the devices used to facilitate internet connections on laptops, continued to decline over the first half of 2014 according to a January 2015 report from ABI Research.  

The firm estimates that unit shipments could fall a total of 27 per cent from full-year 2013 to 2014, dropping down to 53 million units. What's more, revenue is predicted to sit at US$3.5 billion in total end-user sales of the actual modem hardware.  

So what's causing such a substantial shift in the market?  

"Earlier last year, we predicted the decline based on an evolving market for both business and consumer adoption of computing solutions," said Jeff Orr, ABI senior practice director.  

"Increased form-factor choices from tablets to two-in-one ultra portable PCs have pushed mobile broadband modems further down the list of must-have features. Mobile device data sharing plans are helping bring awareness to Mobile Hotspot Routers, though these offers still remain rare on a global scale."  

While it may appear that devices such as tablets and ultra portables require modem hardware, the truth is they're increasingly able to establish internet connections through different sources. For example, many devices include built-in radios to connect to mobile broadband networks.  

This, however, isn't the sole cause of sinking mobile broadband modem shipments.  

New smartphones can establish wireless hotspots – essentially creating local networks for other devices to connect to, and subsequently access the internet. These can be created for either a single user or multiple people in an area – offering an alternative to mobile broadband modems.  

With smartphones seeing such prolific expansion cross the the globe, this could be the final nail in the coffin for dedicated mobile broadband hardware.

The necessity of mobile internet

Businesses need to start focusing on mobile broadband, especially given the benefits of a highly connected workforce.

When staff can access the internet on the go, it opens the door for organisations. Workers can stay in touch with each other through email and instant messaging, and even collaborate through company systems. There is also the benefit of cheaper international calling thanks to voice over the internet.

Of course, businesses shouldn't rush blindly into the field, equipping staff with mobile broadband-capable devices without the proper precautions.

IT security needs to the highest priority, as untrained staff could inadvertently open the business to data breaches – losing valuable and sensitive information. The answer is an IT security framework, one that helps companies to put strong, cohesive security solutions in place.

For companies wanting to take on mobile broadband initiatives, but wary of doing so without appropriate security considerations, get in touch a dedicated provider like ALC Training.

ALC are able to deliver leading frameworks to businesses across the globe – bolstering security practices.

Top 5 courses for the first half of the year

Getting up to speed with a framework or methodology is a great way for people to upskill and for businesses to create more effective staff, but it can be daunting to choose from the substantial array of courses.

To help you get started, we've put together a list of the five courses that should be considered in the first half of 2015. From ITIL to PRINCE2, it's time to become more capable.

ITIL Foundation

IT is a powerful area of business, and one with the ability to transform how companies work. Of course, it's never as easy as simply taking on a new technology.

ITIL is the best possible course of action as it's a widely accepted approach to service management that helps both individuals and organisations use IT for business transformation.

If you want to get started with ITIL, Foundation is the best possible introductory certification. ALC Training is hosting the necessary courses throughout key Australian cities from January 2015.

COBIT5 Foundation

While businesses may know how to implement IT and utilise effectively to transform operations, there's also a need to actually manage and govern the systems on a day to day basis.

COBIT5 is a great way for enterprises to do so, providing globally accepted principles and practices – as well as analytical tools – to increase trust in information systems. For companies holding back from IT it's an excellent framework to understand.

COBIT5 Foundation courses are being held in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Adelaide, providing a great starting point for companies and individuals wanting to start using the framework.

TOGAF 9 Level one and two certificate course

Improving business efficiency may sound a like a difficult task, especially in larger companies with hundreds of employees. However, it's actually far easier when handled through a methodology.

TOGAF9 offers the necessary knowledge for individuals and businesses, and it's used by organisations across the globe for exactly this purpose.

The Level one and two certificate course is an excellent starting point, taking participants through the basics of TOGAF9 and setting them up for future courses.

This course is being held in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth through until June.

SABSA

Security has been quite a hot topic in recent years, especially as IT has continued to grow within the workplace. Now more than ever IT security needs to be a top priority, as the sheer amount of sensitive data at risk could mean severe breaches.

SABSA is an excellent solution to security concerns, as it's a proven way for individuals and businesses to implement strong security architectures. What's more, it can continually be used to effectively ensure business security.

Courses are being held in Sydney and Melbourne for the Foundation course – an excellent launching point for this capable framework.

PRINCE2 Foundation

Project management is something every business and individual is going to need at some point, whether it's for running a trade show, conference or internal project within the company. When it comes time to host such an endeavour having a strong framework is invaluable.

PRINCE2 Foundation is the best possible option for those needing a capable project management framework, as the course takes participants through the advanced PRINCE2 framework, which is designed specifically to ensure projects are handled correctly.

PRINCE2 courses are available in all major Australian cities throughout the first half of 2015.

If you'd like to sign up for one of these courses in cities across Australia, get in touch with the team at ALC Training today.

We'll answer any questions about our range of courses and the best way to move through each level.

IBM study demonstrates necessity of cyber security efforts

For many businesses a data breach may seem like something that only ever hits large enterprises, as the attackers are after sensitive records or financial information.

The truth is much more startling, however, with no company or sector safe from a data breach. Cyberattackers stand to gain a lot from a successful attack, whether it’s through selling on data or simply damaging the company for another purpose.

This past year saw the total number of attacks on US retailers drop, but the amount of stolen information climb. It’s time for businesses to start placing an emphasis on information security endeavours.

Understanding retailer attacks

There was a 50 per cent decline in the total number of cyber attacks against US retailers in 2014, according to a new study from computer company IBM.

While this may sound like an improvement over 2013, the actual number of stolen records is still high. In fact, even though the number of breaches actually dropped, attackers extracted 61 million records from US retailers.

IBM security researchers say this is evidence of “increasing sophistication and efficiency” when it comes to attacks. New methods mean cyber criminals can better plan their assaults on businesses, lifting greater quantities of information in fewer attacks. This is likely a preferable approach to carrying out many smaller breaches.

“The threat from organised cyber crime rings remains the largest security challenge for retailers,” said Kris Lovejoy, general manager for IBM security services.

“It is imperative that security leaders and chief information security officers in particular, use their growing influence to ensure they have the right people, processes and technology in place to take on these growing threats.”

Interestingly, cyber attacks slowed down on the two busiest American shopping days – Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The number of data breaches dropped by over 50 per cent from 2013 during the two days.

IBM noted that retailers and wholesalers were the top targeted industries in 2014, likely due to the substantial amount of customer information retained by these types of business. This quite a change from two years prior, where manufacturing took the top spot.

While businesses may understand why cyber attackers go after sensitive information, what actually happens following an attack?

The damage of a breach

Once attackers manage to breach a server and steal sensitive information, whether it’s credit card details or the personal data of customers, companies face a substantial degree of risk.

Firstly, there’s the threat of reputation damage, as customers will be less willing to place their trust in the IT systems of the company, knowing that a breach has occurred.

In competitive markets where other companies offer similar services, customers could easily jump ship.

There is also the financial risk of a cyber attack, as the business will need to both invest in new security systems to prevent attacks from occurring in the future and reimburse customers if necessary.

Following an attack, companies should address the breach by securing other systems, form a team to locate the source of the breach and put a fix in place and begin testing it.

Businesses should also take steps to notify customers of the attack and keep them informed of any ongoing developments.

How SABSA can help

If security systems are the wall against which cyber attacks push up against, then a strong security framework is definitely the supporting structure.

When staff can use a security architecture framework like SABSA to put strong systems in place and subsequently maintain them, ongoing security will be far easier.

Speak to ALC Training to get started with a highly capably security framework – one designed to ensure businesses are always prepared to implement strong security architectures.

 

Have you considered certifications for 2015?

With the new year just around the corner, there's no better time to assess how up-to-date you (or your business) is with the most comprehensive IT frameworks.

These methods have been utilised time and again by organisations across the globe to better utilise IT, effect stronger control over projects and ensure better security architectures are in place. There are certainly no better tools to prepare for a new year.

So, for your new years resolution, why not take on a powerful new framework?

ITIL

ITIL is best known as the widely accepted IT service management approach used by companies across the globe. It's able to help both individuals and organisations utilise IT to manage transformation and growth – key with the ongoing developments in the sector.

But what are the best courses?

ITIL Foundation: Beginners will want to start off with ITIL Foundation, the ideal starting point for anyone (whether an individual or company) wanting to get started using the tool.

ITIL Capability Certificate Courses: Following on from the beginners course are the capability certificates. These modules are the fastest way to gain expert accreditation and each focuses on a different area to provide specialised, process-level knowledge.

PRINCE2

For project management there's no better option than PRINCE2, a framework utilised by the UK government and other organisations around the world to ensure projects always go to plan. One of the best things about PRINCE is its versatility, as it can be deployed on a basic IT endeavour or a massive conference.

Getting started with PRINCE2 is easy.

PRINCE2 Foundation: Similar to the ITIL Foundation course, the PRINCE2 equivalent has been created for those who need to gain a basic understanding of what the framework actually is.

It's really useful for anyone who wants a practical understanding, but not fully-fledged professional level knowledge.

Implementing PRINCE2: One of the later courses individuals might opt for is Implementing PRINCE2, a course that's necessary if users want to actually embed PRINCE2 as the project management tool within a company.

COBIT 5

For IT governance, COBIT 5 is an excellent option. Given that IT governance has a great deal of strategic importance within organisations, it's necessary to choose a certification that's reliable and delivers the required knowledge.

COBIT 5 Foundation: Of course, there is the COBIT 5 Foundation course which is ideal for anyone new to the methodology and IT governance in general.

This course provides a comprehensive coverage of the COBIT 5 components and also uses an example-driven approach.

SABSA

The last course on the list deals with security architectures and is certainly a powerful option in a world of growing cyber threats.

This framework is designed to empower a company to carry out tasks whilst also remaining secure.

SABSA Roadmap: The course structure for SABSA starts off with Foundation, which covers the basic level knowledge. It then progresses to Advanced Modules, which count towards higher certification. Upon completion of these two courses, participants move to the Topical Master classes which cover specialty areas.

With security essential in the modern business environment, there's no looking past the benefits of SABSA.

The new year is fast approaching and it's time to get enrolled in a comprehensive certification. Doing so will mean businesses are prepared to handle any changes or new developments over the course of 2015.

Speak to ALC Training today if you'd like to find out more about the comprehensive range of courses available. We host certifications in all major Australian cities and in key locations throughout the Asia Pacific.

Get up to speed on the most capable methods and frameworks

If you're looking to upskill your employees to face the challenges of new projects and technology implementations – not to mention security – then frameworks and methodologies are certainly the answer.

These proven tools can provide a solid foundation for your staff, ensuring they're ready to face a number of challenges. Of course, it's important that workers undertake the right training and certification to get the most out of a particular framework or method.

Whether it's ITIL, PRINCE2 or SABSA, businesses need to consider powerful frameworks.

How ITIL can foster transformation

IT has fast become the centre of attention in businesses across the globe and it's now used for everything from internal staff development to creating stronger ties with customers.

For example, businesses use IT systems to manage staff and expand operations, as well as developing new applications for customers. A focus on mobile has also arisen in turn, with mobile communication and productivity now necessities for all companies.

The ITIL framework is designed specifically to help both organisations and individuals realise transformation through IT and offer continuous benefits over the long term. This is a framework that can be used time and again.

Key benefits include:

Managing a project with PRINCE2

It's important to effectively run projects, regardless of whether they're tiny two-day conferences or large endeavours taking place over several months.

If they aren't managed correctly this opens the door to rampant cost and deadline overruns.

The answer to project management concerns is PRINCE2, an essential tool for guidance for individuals and organisations running a project.

One of the best things about PRINCE2 is that it's exceptionally easy to learn and flexible enough to meet the needs of various projects. Like ITIL, this makes it a perfect tool that can be used time and again over the long term, for different projects within the company.

This framework was developed by the UK government, and is used throughout the public and private sector. This is for good reason too, as it offers best practice in project management.

PRINCE2 certainly needs to be considered to ensure projects never go off track.

Placing emphasis on security with SABSA

Security is a growing concern in the business world, especially with the seemingly never ending onslaught of cyberattacks against large corporations and governments across the globe.

These leave organisations facing crippling financial issues and rampant reputation damage – certainly difficult to overcome.

What's needed is a capable tool designed to ensure that the security architectures of organisations are up to task of protecting against new cyber threats.

The final framework is SABSA, a methodology designed for enterprise security architecture and service management. This is the world's leading open security architecture framework and methodology and is designed to handle the entire security process.

SABSA guides companies from the concept stages through to design, development, implementation and management. This means businesses are using a tool that leaves nothing to chance – vital when it comes to security.

Choosing a provider

These frameworks and methods may sound difficult to implement, but it's only a matter of using the right certifications and provider.

These experienced professionals ensure that all necessary topics are covered as part of the certification, placing companies in the best possible position to take advantage of the tools.

ALC Training offers ITIL, PRINCE2, SABSA and a range of other courses in cities both within Australia and across the globe. These courses are suited to groups of any size, whether it's a small team or an entire department.

Get in touch today if you'd like to get up to speed on the latest frameworks and certifications.

Trend Micro report showcases necessity of security culture

Business leaders may not have heard of a security culture, but it’s soon going to be a necessity as the number of cyber attacks proliferates.

The attack surface is now growing, according to a recent report by Trend Micro, a software security provider. This essentially means that businesses are being hit by cyber attacks from a number of different areas.

What’s needed is a rethink when it comes to security, something that may sound difficult on paper but only requires appropriate planning.

A growing attack surface

Security threats are evolving, and businesses need to start understanding the risks and what needs to be done to minimise the chance of an attack.

By doing so, a company can avoid a potentially serious data breach, one where sensitive information is exposed.

The Trend Micro report Vulnerabilities Under Attack: Shedding Light on the Growing Attack Surface, noted that Australians clicked on over 45.5 million malicious links in the third quarter of this year. This is up from 39 million in the second quarter, and 27 million in the first.

Australia also ranked fifth in the world for most point-of-sale malware infections in a country – something that businesses will certainly need to rectify to avoid potential reputation damage and customer loss.

“With this fluidity, it’s time to embrace the fact that compromises will continue, and we shouldn’t be alarmed or surprised when they occur,” said Jon Oliver, senior software architect director at Trend Micro Australia and New Zealand.

“Preparation is key, and as an industry we must better educate organisations and consumers about heightened risks as attacks grow in volume and in sophistication.’

He stated that it’s important to understand that cybercriminals will find loopholes in every device and platform.

This expanding attack surface requires businesses to be switched on when it comes to security and one of the best ways to do so is by growing a security culture.

Growing a security culture

A security culture needs to be more than just a consideration for businesses. Such an endeavour could form the backbone of security efforts.

Adopting such a culture means security efforts go above basic systems, to where staff are aware of exactly what can cause data breaches and leaks.

When all levels of an organisation are acutely aware of danger of cyberattacks, there’s a substantially reduced chance of any sensitive information being exposed.

For example, a strong security culture means staff avoid all potentially malicious emails and web links, and promptly report them to the IT department. Likewise, if suspicious hard drives are found onsite, they’re turned into the IT department and not plugged into a network-connected computer.

A security education

Businesses, whether they’re large retailers or SMEs, need to consider the value of a comprehensive security education – one designed to raise awareness of security.

SABSA, for example, is the world’s most successful security architecture, as it uses a best-practice method to deliver cohesive information security solutions.

A SABSA course will provide participants will the knowledge necessary to take charge of security in areas such as risk, assurance, architecture and design.

Preparing for the future

There’s no denying that security threats will continue to propagate over the next few years, being driven by increasing technology use both within businesses and by consumers.

This growing array of potential targets for cyberattackers will require vigilance on behalf of companies and a focus on security cultures and frameworks.

If you’d like to get started with a leading security framework, speak to the expert team at ALC Training. Courses can be delivered anywhere in Australia and to locations across the globe.

Become certified as a CISSP

Are you an IT professional ready to take your qualifications to the next level? ALC Training is one of the top providers of the Certified Information Systems Security Professional course. Our comprehensive 5-day course will cover everything you’ll need to know to pass the CISSP exam. Provided in major cities in Australia, sign up to our CISSP training today.