The Information Security Interest Group (ISIG) -- which claims around 350 paid members and "over 500 friends" on its lists -- said it created the new category in response to concerns over professionalism in the sector. The development comes as the federal government looks for consultants to analyse the need for an Australian IT security skills accreditation/certification scheme.
Applicants must have worked in Australia for at least one of four years' security experience. They must also hold one of four possible security certifications; Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Auditor (CISA), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) or Infosec Registered Assessor Program (IRAP).
An ISIG spokesperson said: "We hope to achieve two things with the adoption of the grade of professional member: Firstly to recognise our members who have achieved a clear level of professionalism, and secondly to set a standard for information security professionalism in Australia.
"The standards we have set for professional membership are based on well recognised and respected qualifications that set high standards in their examinations and the administration of their qualification process."
ISIG said it was confident its professional development programs covered Australian standards, regulations and forensics. However, the organisation wanted to see a national program implemented.
ISIG secretary Mark Ames told ZDNet Australia at least two organisations were developing programs to meet ISIG's needs.
Ames said ISC squared -- an international organisation which administers the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and Systems Security Certified Practicioner (SSCP) designations -- was "looking at developing a localisation for Australia".
He said the Australian Computer Society was "also looking at developing some local regulatory status training and certification".
ACS computer science board director Vijay Varadharajan said in a recent newspaper column the organisation "is working on a security certification framework that takes account of international standards".
Ames declined to comment directly on whether ISIG would respond to the federal government's consultancy call. However, he said ISIG planned to continue working with government on skills and accreditation issues.
Ames said there were 1,000-2,000 IT security professionals working in Australia. The professional membership program would help ISIG "reach more people".
