Two new qualifications aim to give IT security
professionals the management and communication skills needed to
take up board-level positions.
The qualifications, developed by US security research
organisation the Sans Institute, are the first to combine in-depth
technical knowledge with comprehensive training in business
communication skills.
The MSc in information security engineering is designed to equip
people for technical leadership roles, such as managing network and
security specialists. The information security management degree is
designed to prepare the next generation of chief information
officers.
Although there are other masters degrees in security on offer,
they focus on technical skills and do not equip security
professionals for work in business, said Sans Institute director
Alan Paller.
Candidates, who must be working full-time and have the backing
of their employers, will be able to study for the degrees through a
combination of distance study and intensive residential
courses.
The Sans Institute said the programmes would be extremely
challenging and require students to achieve a level beyond that
demanded by other courses.