(ISC)² is a member of The Collaborative Alliance for Cybersecurity, a consortium of organisations that represent a substantial part of the cybersecurity community in the UK. As part of the Alliance, we will be participating in the design and delivery of the new UK Cyber Security Council on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS). The Alliance, with the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) nominated as lead organisation, was selected following a competitive grant competition by DCMS. The Collaborative Alliance for Cybersecurity brings stakeholders together in the interest of advancing a healthy cybersecurity workforce for the UK, from the development of professional recognition to the collaboration around acknowledged priorities to move this workforce forward. The

There are few certainties in life, with taxes being very much at the top of the list. However, for (ISC)2 members in the UK, we have some good news for you on that front. From now on, members in the UK will be able to claim tax relief on their annual maintenance fee (AMF) in most cases. We have been granted Approved Professional Organisations and Learned Societies status by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), the UK’s tax, payments and customs authority. This status recognises (ISC)2 among a select number of essential professional societies and bodies operating in the UK that share or advance professional knowledge, maintain or improve professional conduct and competence, or protect members from claims made against them while doing

As the cybersecurity skills shortage intensifies, cyber professionals have become the target of stiff competition among recruiters and employers. Compensation and benefits packages are becoming increasingly generous, essentially giving jobseekers the chance to write their own ticket. Compensation packages have exceeded $6 million at some large technology companies, according to a recent Bloomberg article. Such packages typically involve mostly stock but even so, they prove that it definitely pays to be in the cybersecurity field. Even the direct charges of top security officers are commanding salaries in the $1 million range, according to Bloomberg. The reasons for these bloated pay packages should come as no surprise to anyone in the cybersecurity field. As cyber attacks and extortion schemes continue to

Recruiting cybersecurity professionals is a major challenge because of the scarcity of qualified candidates, but at least employers don’t have to worry about them wanting to change professions. Most cybersecurity workers (64%) plan to finish out their careers in cybersecurity, according to (ISC)² research. Of course, this creates a new challenge for employers – how to retain their cybersecurity staff. With a worldwide shortage of nearly 3 million, there’s always a chance workers will leave for better pay or more attractive working conditions. To prevent this, employers must put serious effort into retention with measures such as robust training, professional development and open communication. The research shows that cybersecurity professionals want their opinions to be taken seriously when asked for

Part of (ISC)²’s role in the cybersecurity industry includes representing its members in legislative matters to ensure that we’re advocating for the profession and providing guidance to government leaders on new policies that may be championed. On Wednesday, August 14, (ISC)² Director of Cybersecurity Advocacy John McCumber will meet with The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation to discuss the findings of the (ISC)² Cybersecurity Workforce Study and its implications on cybersecurity workforce advancement that the U.S. government might spearhead in collaboration with the private sector.  This type of input session will help to inform the committee during the August Congressional recess so that legislative decisions can be moved forward when Congressional leaders return to Capitol Hill in