ISSA forms Lankan Chapter

Information Systems Security Association (ISSA), announced and welcomed the recently formed Sri Lanka chapter to its strong worldwide network, spanning 170 countries.

ISSA is a not-for-profit, international organization of information security professionals and practitioners containing 140 active chapters and reaching over 13,000 security professionals.

The ISSA community provides a forum for practitioners to enhance their knowledge, skills and leadership roles in information security.

Its' members are consistently recognized as experts on critical issues in all areas of information security, and the group is seen as an important resource for all kinds of business organizations, global enterprises, Banking and Financial Services sector and Government organizations.

The Colombo Chapter was mentored and founded by Thilak Pathirage of Seylan Bank, the incumbent President, with a team of security experts in the country. The objectives of the association are to develop the profession of information security as well as establish security governance and standards in the Country.

The local chapter will initially focus on the industry verticals of Banking and Finance, Telecom and Government.

ISSA international President Kevin L Richards welcomed the ISSA Sri Lanka - Colombo Chapter to the ISSA International chapter network. The primary goal of the ISSA is to promote best management practices through its chapter networks, international conferences, local chapter seminars, workshops, peer networks, educational programs, training and other activities.

The organization has created a professional network that extends throughout the world for participation and communication among the ISSA's large membership, which helps maintaining its position as the Global Voice of Information Security.

The ISSA chapter in Sri Lanka will aim to provide educational forums, publications and peer interaction opportunities that enhance knowledge, skill and professional growth.

Members include practitioners at all levels of the security field in a broad range of industries such as communications, education, healthcare, manufacturing, financial and government.

Commenting on the formation of the chapter, President Pathirage stated fast growing economy of Sri Lanka will soon turn into a knowledge economy based on information society which is the vision of the President.

"This creates greater opportunities for information security professionals with the emerging need of Security Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) requirements in both public and private sector organizations in the country.

The ISSA Sri Lanka chapter is ready to bring all security professional into one umbrella and develop the profession that is on par with international standards," he said.