A PERSONAL INVITATION FROM OUR PRESIDENT:
It is my pleasure to extend this invitation to you to become an active member of the International Association for Computer Systems Security.
Driven by the relentless advance of computer and communications systems technological progress world-wide, INFORMATION has become the fastest growing resource on the planet! Used properly, it is one of the most essential elements in the daily activities of people, business and government. Used improperly, it is one of the most dangerous!
Since 1973, our Workshops and Seminars have helped concerned individuals around the world protect their information systems resources. Since 1981, our Association has provided an informative quarterly NEWSLETTER to keep you tuned in to the latest problems and cost-effective solutions; a valuable, multi-section COMPUTER SECURITY GUIDE book containing useful information; an identification card which entitles you to significant discounts on our publications, as well as our Workshop registration fees.
Technological advances help not only the security professional, but also the professional thief. In the early days of computer systems development, some sense of security was derived from the fact that a great deal of specialized knowledge and expensive hardware were required to penetrate and compromise the security of computer systems. In today's world, we can no longer use the umbrella of technical complexity to shield us from the determined cracker or cyber-terrorist. On the contrary, the departure from highly controlled centralized computer operations to loosely controlled distributed networks, coupled with the low cost and availability of hardware and software in the hands of an increasingly clever adversary, continue to make our professional lives very challenging indeed.
Skillful thieves perform their own risk analysis of targeted victims and take advantage of every opportunity that come their way. Probing for soft spots, weaknesses and operational vulnerabilities, that can be exploited to their advantage. What can be gained---- and what can be lost? What resources are required for success? What security is in place and what could happen if I am caught? Credit card, ATM and EFT networks are under constant attack world-wide by the cyber-predator using emulation and carrier tapping techniques to defraud their victims. Poor security, non-existant laws regarding computer crime and un-informed or un-concerned management, all increase the thiefs chances of success.
We take pride in the fact that we were the first organization in the world to certify an individuals qualifications as an ASSOCIATE or SENIOR grade COMPUTER SYSTEMS SECURITY PROFESSIONAL (CSSP), based upon a rigorous review of their work experience, education and the results of a two-part, seven hour written examination. We began this program in March of 1983 and today many organizations require that type of qualification as a pre-requisite to hiring an individual to protect their information resources.
Over the past thirty years, through our Seminars and Workshops, our CSSP certification program, our publications and consulting services, I believe we have made a significant difference in the advancement of our profession! Together, we can continue to meet the security challenges of this dynamic "Information Age", providing organizations with a secure operating environment and protecting individual privacy, while making your career more rewarding.
You may join our dynamic International Association by obtaining and completing the OFFICIAL MEMBERSHIP FORM and mailing it together with the annual fee, to our Association headquarters in New York. You may obtain this form by providing us with your name and postal mailing address via telephone, fax, or e-mail and we will Airmail you the Form and any other requested information. As a Member, you will join an elite group of professionals and share in the rights and privileges of this world-class organization.
I look forward to personally meeting you at one of our Workshops or Seminars and working with you in our dynamic Association
Sincerly,
Robert J. Wilk, P. Eng., C.S.S.P.;
President and Founder