CA Sri Lanka helps fight cyber crime

Thursday, 24 May 2012 01:30 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

With internet crimes increasing radically worldwide, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) recently commenced a Diploma program which aims to give professionals a thorough understanding on how to safeguard their company’s information in today’s vulnerable world where IT related crimes are excessively prevalent.

The Diploma in Information Systems Security, Control and Audit (DISSCA) conducted jointly with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India featured Indian expert Anand Prakash Jangid (ACA, CISA, CISM, DISA, and ACP) who was specially flown to the country as the resource person for the diploma program.

With organisations being increasingly vulnerable to information system related risks, companies are taking special measures to ensure that they can combat such forms of crimes and risks, the CA Sri Lanka initiated diploma is a platform which educates managers, supervisors, internal auditors, accountants and financial controllers on how to safeguard their information.

The joint effort towards launching this highly sought-after diploma runs back to 2002 and to date 450 students have been trained in 18 batches. Harnessing world-class competencies in systems audit, control and security; enhancing technological skills of accounting professionals; empowering organisations and accounting professionals to face contemporary challenges in the current dynamic business environment; and establishing standards in systems security, control and audit, good governance and security practices are amongst the objectives of this diploma.

Meanwhile addressing the diploma awarding ceremony held recently at the CA Sri Lanka premises in Colombo 7, Jangid noted that according to statistics released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), cyber crime earnings has today overtaken even drug trafficking. He advised that therefore steps should be taken to ensure companies don’t fall prey to such forms of internet based crimes and every effort should be taken to combat cyber crimes.

CA Sri Lanka Vice President, Arjuna Herath speaking at the event highlighted the vulnerabilities facing information system security today and emphasised on the precautions that should be taken to avert such risks.

He noted that the DISSCA course is a very successful diploma program in the country as most professionals engaged in IS Audit process have already completed this or are in the process of completing it. Emphasising on the importance of this course, Herath noted that in India no one

can do systems audits without obtaining the DISSCA qualification.