Villanova University's IS Security Government Program Achieves Requirements of the Committee on National Security Systems 4011

TAMPA, Fla., Jan. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- The Information Assurance Courseware Evaluation (IACE) Program has certified that Villanova University's latest government-focused online IS security program conforms 100% to the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS) National Standard for Information Systems Security (INFOSEC) Professionals, NSTISSI No. 4011. This designation enables participants in the Master Certificate in IS Security Management - Government and the Advanced Information Assurance and Management - Government course to prepare for career-boosting information assurance certifications. Students will receive a joint certificate for meeting CNSS National Standard 4011 and completing Villanova's three-course master certificate.

"We are pleased that IACE has recognized Villanova's IS government training program as meeting all the requirements of CNSS National Standard 4011, one of the most stringent government security standards today," said lead Villanova IS Security faculty member and renowned expert Michael Gregg, CISSP(R). IACE, a program devoted to expanding the use of national standards in information assurance training throughout the nation, ensures that recognized institutions meet the national training standards for properly executing the duties and responsibilities of INFOSEC Professionals, Senior Systems Managers, Systems Administrators, Information Systems Security Officers, Systems Certifiers and Risk Analysts.

The CNSS, comprised of representatives from 21 U.S. government departments and agencies, provides a forum for the discussion of policy issues, sets national policy, and promulgates direction, operational procedures and guidance for the security of national security systems. CNSS National Standard 4011 is applicable to all departments and agencies of the U.S. government, their employees and contractors who are responsible for the security oversight or management of national security systems, including agencies such as the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.

In addition to preparing students to meet CNSS National Standard 4011, Villanova's Master Certificate in IS Security Management - Government covers the bodies of knowledge for critical certifications meeting Department of Defense Directive 8570.1, which requires all personnel with privileged access to DoD security systems to obtain a commercial security credential approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). These include:

• CAP(R)
• CISSP(R)
• SSCP(R)
• CompTIA Security+(TM)

Upon evaluating Villanova's CNSS training program, IACE noted, "The streaming video learning modules developed by the university provided an excellent mode to communicate key ideas from numerous seasoned professionals." IACE also acknowledged the program's focus on current trends and threats such as warchalking, Google hacking and "cantennas," which exploit wireless network vulnerabilities.

An article appearing in the May 6, 2009 edition of The Wall Street Journal shows that now is an opportune time for IS professionals to seek CNSS certification. According to "U.S. Cyber Infrastructure Vulnerable to Attacks," the Department of Defense reported 360 million attempts to infiltrate its data networks in 2008 - up from six million in 2006. Increasing cyber attacks cost the U.S. government $100 million in the first half of 2009 alone. As a result, federal government agencies are seeking additional highly trained and credentialed security personnel.

For more information or to register for Villanova's latest 100% online master certificate, IS Security Management - Government, and the Advanced Information Assurance and Management - Government course, go to http://www.VillanovaU.com today.

About Villanova University

Founded in 1842, Villanova University is the worldwide leader in professional education online. A traditional, accredited university located in Villanova, Pennsylvania, it has more than 106,000 alumni, NCAA Division I athletic teams, unparalleled academic and technical support, and an outstanding faculty - over 90% of whom hold the highest degrees in their field. U.S. News & World Report has ranked Villanova the #1 Master's University in the Northern Region for nearly two decades.

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SOURCE Villanova University