Since its launch at the Infosecurity exhibition and
conference in April, the UK branch of the US-based Information
Systems Security Association (ISSA) has boosted membership
fivefold, from about 20 founder members to more than 120
organisations and individuals.
Well over half of its members are from the corporate IT user
community.
ISSA, which is a global organisation aimed at identifying and
promoting best practice IT security management approaches, works at
several levels - from local technical, business and management
perspectives to helping create national security policies and
frameworks.
The first major quarterly meeting, on 7 October, will focus on two
areas: the BS7799 security standard; and on optimum response to
security incidents.
Microsoft's head of security Stuart Okin will step into the lion's
den at the meeting to discuss the direction his company is taking
on security.
Louis Gamon, of Yell, and the association's regional director for
Europe and Africa, said the organisation is on track for achieving
250-300 members by the end of 2004.
"At present we are having meetings in the London area but will aim
to set up regional chapters as members from elsewhere in the UK
join," he said.
The subscription is $95.
Gamon aims to involve not only his own members but all 600 or so
certified information systems security professionals in the UK in a
series of seminars with various suppliers.
www.issa.org/signupform.taf