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ecfirst Security Consulting Experience Adds Depth To SECURITY CERTIFIED PROGRAM (SCP)

SCP PKI Academy Fueled By ecfirst BizShield™ Security Methodology

GENEVA, ILLINOIS, Nov. 6, 2001 - ecfirst, creator of the BioShield fingerprint-based biometrics product and developer of the vendor neutral BizShield™security methodology, has worked closely with the development of the Security Certified Program (SCP) influencing the SCP PKI Academy with hands-on field experience in the areas of Linux, PKI, biometrics, smart cards and VPNs.

SCP is a two-level vendor-neutral security certification program. Using the two-level program individuals can acquire skills and gain certification as a Security Certified Network Professional (Level 1) and a Security Certified Network Architect (Level 2).

"Today, there is no choice but to digitize and secure every aspect of business," said Uday O. Ali Pabrai, Chairman and CEO of ecfirst. "Security is an enterprise issue. Security is an executive issue that is of strategic importance to businesses as they take steps to secure their most valuable asset – information. This is fueling the demand for skilled security professionals and architects. ecfirst, an SCP Training Partner, has been laser beam focused in the areas of PKI, biometrics and HIPAA-related security consulting. ecfirst has been a key driver in the development of the SCP PKI Academy. The SCP PKI Academy is uniquely positioned to deliver world-class vendor-neutral PKI skills.”

The SCP structure is unique in that it measures competence both in the core skills that are broadly required for the roles of security professional and security architect, as well as skills in specific security technologies such as firewalls, IDS, PKI, biometrics and forensics.

Professionals certified in Network+, MCP, MCSE, CCNA and CCNP would find SCP an ideal next step for demonstrating the security skills and knowledge that employers want and value.

"We are very pleased to have this relationship with ecfirst," said Warren Peterson, co-creator of the Security Certified Program. “To properly educate security professionals on the issues of creating a trusted network, students must use the actual security devices in the classroom. Adding biometric technology to our program is a significant enhancement, and one that the industry demands.”

SECURITY CERTIFIED PROGRAM
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SCP Level 1 is about defense; the state of security technology today at enterprises – firewall systems, intrusion detection systems, and secure Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). SCP Level 1 includes two courses, Network Security Fundamentals and Network Defense and Countermeasures. Each course is 40 hours in duration. To become a Security Certified Network Professional (SCNP), candidates must pass Level 1 exams.

SCP Level 2 is about trust. Enterprises are fast moving to integrate Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), biometrics and smart cards as a part of their infrastructure. This is vital for all businesses as they look to more tightly integrate their partners and suppliers and provide real-time information and services to customers. Level 2, referred to as The PKI Academy, is about PKI fundamentals, technology, and policy, about strong authentication, encryption, biometrics, smart cards and forensics. SCP Level 2 includes two courses, PKI Concepts and Planning, and PKI and Biometrics Implementation. Each course is 40 hours in duration. Level 2 content and hands-on labs are structured to build PKI skills required of today’s security architect. To become a Security Certified Network Architect (SCNA), candidates must pass Level 2 exams. Proctored exams for SCNP and SCNA will be available in the fourth quarter of 2001.

About ecfirst

ecfirst (www.ecfirst.com) is an e-security consulting firm that specializes in e-business application development and enterprise security solutions. ecfirst solutions include ecSecureScan for HIPAA compliance, BioShield – fingerprint-based Windows logon security – for strong authentication, and BizShield™ a roadmap for PKI implementation.

ecfirst clients include , Principal Financial, Chicago Board of Trade, Mitsubishi Motors and numerous others. Based in Des Moines, Iowa with a branch office in Chicago, ecfirst is an RSA Security, IBM, ISS, and Sun Microsystems Business Partner.

About Security Certified Program (SCP)

SCP is an e-learning organization based in Geneva, Illinois with focus on security-related content development. SCP develops and validates skills of information security professionals. The SCP is a two-level, vendor neutral security certification program that enables individuals to acquire skills and get certified as a Security Certified Network Professional (Level One) or a Security Certified Network Architect (Level Two).

The focus of Level One is on Defense, using technologies such as Firewalls, Intrusion Detection and Virtual Private Networks. The focus of Level Two concentrates on trusted communication and emerging security technologies like Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), biometrics, and smartcards. To obtain certification within each level, students must pass two proficiency exams demonstrating their security knowledge. More information is available at www.SecurityCertified.net.