CREST is an international not-for-profit accreditation and certification body that provides internationally recognised accreditations for organisations (such as ICSI) as well as professional certifications for individuals in the field of cyber security.
For over 10 years, CREST has been organizing CRESTCon UK, its annual technical cyber security industry conference and exhibition in the UK, which always features an impressive line-up of speakers.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, CRESTCon UK 2021 had to be a virtual event, which was held on 29 June 2021. ICSI was proud to contribute to the conference with a webinar presented by Costas Senekkis, ICSI’s Senior Security Consultant and Penetration Testing Team Lead, who has extensive experience in training cyber security teams around the world.
In his presentation, Costas shared important information regarding ICSI, cyber security market issues, the cyber security skills gap, the value of CREST exams, and how ICSI can take the stress out of the exams through thorough prep work.
One of the key takeaway messages of the webinar was the huge and growing demand for certified security professionals, and the equally large shortfall of candidates with the skills, confidence and practical training to successfully fill the job vacancies. The rise in cyber crimes is only expected to exacerbate the problem in the immediate future, which is why it is so important that companies invest in upskilling and training their existing IT teams.
Indeed CREST certification will open the door to exceptional career prospects. Costas referred to two certifications in particular:
- CREST Practitioner Security Analyst
The CREST Practitioner Security Analyst (CPSA) examination is an entry-level examination that tests a candidate’s knowledge in assessing operating systems and common network services at a basic level below that of the main CRT and CCT qualifications.
- CREST Registered Penetration Tester
The CREST Registered Penetration Tester (CRT) examination is recognised by the NCSC as providing the minimum standard for CHECK Team Member status and is designed to assess a candidate’s ability to carry out basic vulnerability assessment and penetration testing tasks.
Costas explained the value of these exams which validate the technical abilities of the candidates. He gave an overview of the exam format, what is expected of the candidates, and how ICSI’s exam preparation courses will prepare candidates through quizzes and a mock exam to give them the best possible chances of passing and obtaining certification.
The webinar also included an overview and demo of ICSI’s labs which registered students have unlimited access to. With no special technical requirements for access other than a reliable internet connection, ICSI’s labs present students with real-life scenarios that allow them to perform and practise the actual technical work and tasks they would be required to do on the job.
The presentation ended with a brief Q&A session which included practical advice for job seekers.