Emerging Cyber Security Certification Groups Form Partnership

 March 3, 2011

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Two of the nation’s emerging IT security certification organizations – the Federal IT Security Institute (FITSI) and the Holistic Information Security Practitioner Institute (HISPI) – announced today a strategic partnership with the goal of developing a more common set of certification criteria that will be available to a larger network of IT security managers, and information security practitioners. 

            In a joint statement, FITSI Executive Director Jim Wiggins and HISPI President John DiMaria, said: “At a time of growing concern about the need for enhanced cyber security certification, we believe our two organizations, working together, can offer value added certification to more IT professionals than ever before.  Both of our groups have upheld the highest standards of quality and expertise and we look forward to building increased awareness of our certification while providing additional services and benefits to our members.”

About FITSI:

The Federal IT Security Institute (FITSI) offers role-based certification to four groups of federal IT professionals: managers, designers, operators and auditors.  FITSI provides a series of certification exams nationwide with the objective of making federal IT systems more secure by assuring that the people who create and manage them understand and apply the appropriate federal IT security standards.  FITSI is based in Alexandria, VA.

About HISPI:

The Holistic Information Security Practitioner Institute (HISPI) is an independent certification organization consisting of IT security volunteers from a wide range of corporations and organizations.  As its name implies, HISPI promotes a holistic approach to information security program management by offering certification in information security, information assurance and governance.  It focuses on international standards, best practices, and comprehensive frameworks for developing effective information security programs.  HISPI is based in Lithonia, GA.  

Media Contacts: 

FITSI:  Jim Wiggins, 703-828-1196 x701

HISPI:  John DiMaria, 888-247-4858