Examining the Expertise of Security Specialist - Ben Brown, CSyP
Cool Chat with Ben Brown CSyP: Security Pro on a Career Path Less Traveled
In our series shining a spotlight on Chartered Security Professionals, we sit down with Ben Brown CSyP to delve into his unique journey and the reasons behind his application to the Register.
- From IT Support to Chartered Security Professional
Unlike many in the field, Ben didn't set out with a dream of becoming a security pro—it just happened organically. As he moved from IT support to consultancy and management, his work tied into large financial organizations where security always played a crucial role. A series of roles in the City of London during a time of more frequent terrorist attacks fostered his skills in risk and incident management. Over the years, Ben has worked for several top UK banks—but one of his most challenging roles was as Head of Systems for Guardian News and Media, where he was responsible for managing several high-profile systems and ensuring a smooth move to new offices in King's Cross.
- A Mixed Educational Background
Being dyslexic made school challenging for Ben, and he left with modest GCSE grades. However, this allowed him to focus on technical college, where he studied general engineering covering mechanical, electrical, and production disciplines. While it might seem unrelated to security, Ben's education instilled a strong understanding of completing work to industry standards, documentation, waste minimization, and ethical practices. His understanding of mechanical systems and electronics has also proved invaluable when analyzing both physical and digital security systems.
- Key Mentors and Supporters
Richard Norman, CISM, CRISC, CISA, CGEIT, CDPSE, played a vital role in Ben's career by helping him develop a deeper understanding of risk, risk management, and its impact on business. Kerry, Ben's wife, who is a Data Protection professional, frequently advises him on legal requirements and the latest decisions of the Information Commissioner's Office.
- Motivation for Chartership
The lack of a widely recognized security credential like the "Register of Chartered Security Professionals" led Ben to ponder the benefits such a mark would bring to the industry. Although there are several professional bodies covering IT, cyber, and information security, the one scheme encompassing security as a whole is the Chartered Security Professional. As the digital and physical security worlds rapidly converge, traditional divisions are becoming increasingly irrelevant. Ben's goal of mentoring the next generation of security professionals and advising the financial services industry motivated him to become a Chartered Security Professional, as this designation is well-known in the public sector.
- Advice for Aspiring Chartered Security Professionals
Ben strongly encourages anyone considering chartership to apply. The process provides a great opportunity to assess your skills and identify areas for improvement. If possible, reach out to a CSyP for advice on what the process involves and what being a Chartered Security Professional entails. Submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) with the Registrar is a smart, risk-free way to ensure your skills meet the necessary standards before committing to the full application process. 🚀🛡️🔥
Enrichment Data:There isn't a universal "Register of Chartered Security Professionals," but chartership can be achieved by joining national or specialized professional security institutes such as the Security Institute (SyI) or the Chartered Institute of Security Professionals. Each has its own specific application process and requirements. For advanced certification, well-known choices are the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and Certified Protection Professional (CPP) that require both experience and exams.
In light of his career path, Ben Brown CSyP believes that education in fields such as finance, business, and even technical disciplines like engineering can provide valuable skills for a career in security. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of self-development and ongoing learning to keep up with the rapidly convergence of digital and physical security, especially for those considering chartership and careers in this field.
