Adding Value Through the Security Industry Cybersecurity Certification

As more building technology systems and devices require connections to the internet, technology integrators and service providers need to be knowledgeable about current cybersecurity risks and ensure their teams are trained on properly securing new and existing connected technologies within IT environments.

Watch the full webinar: Adding Value Through the Security Industry Cybersecurity Certification (SICC)

In a recent webinar, Elli Voorhees from the Security Industry Association (SIA) and Anthony Berticelli from PSA Security Network joined Defendify’s Co-Founder, Rob Simopoulos, to discuss the new Security Industry Cybersecurity Certification (SICC). This certification is designed for integrators and service providers to prove they understand current cyber threats and can be trusted to select, install, and configure electronic and physical security devices more securely.

What is the Security Industry Cybersecurity Certification (SICC)?

While there are many security certifications in existence, most focus on high-level areas, and there is a gap in those specifically designed for the physical security industry. The SICC is the industry’s only credential focused specifically on cybersecurity for physical security systems. It assesses a base level understanding that integrators, manufacturers, consultants, and other related industry professionals should possess. Gauging existing understanding of day-to-day security processes and setting a minimum level of security expectations.

As technology integrators and service providers are challenged to attract and retain talent, workforce development and training have become key to filling talent gaps. The SICC is designed to ensure professionals have hands-on experience working with industrial controls, safeguarding assets and processes, and possess a deep understanding of physical security and cybersecurity convergence. Those who have achieved the SICC will have validated the skills required to support technical security installations according to industry best practices for electronic security and cybersecurity, thereby further aligning with clients’ organizational priorities and business objectives. 

Who should consider the SICC, and how does it benefit the security industry?

While recent graduates can certainly study the materials covered by the SICC, this certification program is intended for those with a few years of hands-on experience performing or providing technical support for the installation, networking, configuration, and/or specifying of security devices. Potential candidates could include senior technicians or Chief IT Officers involved in security integration projects or others who may consult on security project specifications or provide direct oversight of technical security system integrations.

SIA provides several training courses and reference materials, and the experience requirement for candidates is in place to set individuals up for success when taking the SICC exam. Once credentials are earned, certified practitioners are also required to pursue continuing education that keeps them ahead of the curve regarding security trends.

By building a cyber-smart culture of employee awareness and institutional knowledge, organizations that encourage their employees to pursue the SICC can demonstrate to clients that they are taking the extra step toward cybersecurity. Eventually, the SICC may become a requirement from manufacturers and vendors, and those who have already begun to pursue the program will be set up for success.

The evolving world of cyber threats and the factors integrators and providers need to establish a robust, comprehensive cybersecurity program. Watch the full webinar to learn more about how integrators and service providers can add value through SICC.

More resources for integrators:

Webinar: Getting Started in Cybersecurity: Expert Tips from Integrators for Integrators
Webinar: Convergence of Contractors and Cybersecurity