May 31, 2019
New digital badge aimed at security pros looking to improve skills in managing human risk
Channelnomics Staff
Security training organization SANS is launching a new credential program focused on security awareness skills and program management. The new SANS Security Awareness Professional (SSAP) credential is one of the first certs from a recognized training organization to focus entirely on issues related to mitigating risk introduced by user behavior — things like clicking on malicious phishing links or falling victim to social engineering ploys.
The Lowdown: SANS says the new SSAP badge is suitable for a wide range of professionals connected to security organizations, including CISOs, security awareness officers, training officers, governance and compliance officials, security team members and managers, incident responders, and more.
The Details: The SSAP can be earned via the MGT433 SANS course titled “How to Build, Maintain, and Measure a Mature Awareness Program.” The credential is awarded in the form of a digital badge that can be displayed on networking pages and résumés to highlight the professional achievement.
MGT433 spans two days and covers practical information that can be implemented into existing awareness campaigns immediately, SANS officials said. The course teaches key concepts and skills needed to effectively secure the human element by fostering behavior change and a mature awareness program.
While MGT433 is open to registration now, the SSAP credential will be available later this summer, officials said.
The Buzz: “The SSAP is ideal for those looking to get into or develop, expand, and perfect their expertise in the growing field of security awareness and managing human risk,” said Lance Spitzner, MGT433 course author and instructor.