ISC2 Colombo Sri Lanka Chapter launched

The inauguration ceremony of ISC2 Colombo Sri Lanka Chapter was held in Colombo recently. The International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, Inc., commonly referred to as the (ISC)², is the global, non-profit leader in educating and certifying information security professionals throughout their careers.

The Sri Lankan Chapter was formed with the objective of disseminating knowledge and providing a common forum for the information security professionals, the (ISC)² credential holders, and the public of Sri Lanka. In addition, the Chapter encourages Information Security certifications among professionals in the local arena.

The grand ceremony commenced on a traditional note with the lighting of the oil lamp followed by the delivery of Welcome Speech by Chapter President Sandagomi Jeewapadma. Telecommunication and Information Technology Ministry Secretary H.M. Gunasekara and Sri Lanka CERT|CC CEO Lal Dias graced the occasion as Chief Guest and the Guest of Honour respectively. The presence of renowned personalities from the regional information security communities added colour to the event.

Importance of fostering relationships with professional forums

Delivering his address as Chief Guest Gunasekara stated the economic improvements planned by the Government on the IT sector by 2016 including the building of an IT park. Gunasekara said that the IT park was expected to generate a large income to the country. The Telecommunication and Information Technology Ministry Secretary also highlighted the importance of fostering relationships with professional forums like the ISC2 Sri Lanka Chapter for the successful implementation of such projects. Gunasekera expressed his willingness to get the Chapter involved in these activities.

Guest of Honour Lal Dias, identified the formation of the Sri Lanka Chapter as a significant milestone for Information Security professionals in Sri Lanka. Dias also expressed his delight at seeing his effort to set up a ‘focus group’ since the establishment of Sri Lanka CERT in 2006 being finally materialised. Underlining the advantages of establishing a local Information Security Professional Chapter, Dias explained its benefits. “It will substantially strengthen Sri Lanka CERT’s effort to build readiness for impending Cyber Security threats,” Dias said.

Drawing a parallel between Sri Lanka CERT which he heads and its parent body, the ICT Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA), Dias said: “Just as ICTA has endeavoured to build and support organisations such as SLASSCOM for the software exporters, Sri Lanka CERT will assure ISC2 Colombo Chapter continuous support. I am confident that the ISC2 Colombo Chapter will develop to become the envy of other professional associations.”

Layers-7 Seguro Consultoria Private Limited Director Sujith Christy made a presentation on ‘Situational Awareness for Achieving Continuous Monitoring – the Need of the Hour’ and Valiant Technologies of India and UAE Director and CEO Dr. Rama Subramaniam did a presentation on ‘Cyber Crimes – the Changing Face’. Akati Consulting CEO KrishnaRajagopal’s presentation was based on ‘Cyber Warfare – a Reality or a Myth?’

The ISC2 association was represented by ISC2 Asia PacificManaging Director Clayton Jones and Application Advisory Board member Anthony Lim. Jones spoke on the latest developments in the ISC2 Global Chapter programme and explained how Chapters could collaborate to enhance their performance. The event was enlivened by a panel discussion on ‘Defending against insider threats’ led by Colombo Stock Exchange Information Security and Compliance Head Wasantha Perera with a profound team consisting of PricewaterhouseCoopers Associate Director| Consulting – Technology Dilan Walgampaya, Freelance Consultant Haren Kodagoda, Virtusa Consultant Deepthi Peiris and Layers-7 Seguro Consultoria Private Limited Director Sujith Christy.

It was encouraging to witness the active participation of distinguished invitees to the event, from all sectors of the Sri Lankan community, including academic, military, finance, ISPs, Government, aviation, etc. The majority of these representatives consisted of senior information security and IT professionals and CEOs of the Sri Lankan corporate sector. The live screening of the inauguration ceremony was also available on the Chapter official site www.isc2chaptersrilanka.org.

The (ISC)² (www.isc2.org) is recognised for its Gold Standard certifications (including the renowned CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional certification) and world class education programmes. Headquartered in the United States and with an elite network of nearly 75,000 certified industry professionals worldwide, the (ISC)² also has membership Chapters around the globe including Colombo, Sri Lanka. The ISC2 Colombo, Sri Lanka Chapter was officially registered with the (ISC)² and became a recognised entity in early 2012. Information Security Professionals can join ISC2 Colombo Chapter by forwarding their duly completed applications available on the website www.isc2chaptersrilanka.org to [email protected].