Time Warner Cable and IBM Use Enterprise Security Competency Model to Realign Job Descriptions

First-of-its-kind model by University of Phoenix and ASIS Foundation outlines competencies required for security professionals

PHOENIX, Sept. 28, 2015— Security risks to individuals and organizations are evolving at such a rapid pace, organizations of all sizes are struggling to maintain a security workforce with the skills to thwart criminal efforts that impact a company’s bottom line and protect consumers’ data. Time Warner Cable® and IBM® haven taken an unprecedented step to address security workforce upskilling by realigning security-related job descriptions to the University of Phoenix® and ASIS Foundation™ Enterprise Security Competency Model. The model is a first of its kind in the industry and allows employers of all sizes to accurately define core skills and competencies required for security positions, ensuring a clear path to education, training and ultimately, competency to address 21st century security risks.

“The Enterprise Security Competency Model is the first in the industry to identify the specific professional competencies and skills required to respond to security risks,” said Brian Allen, chief security officer for Time Warner Cable. “When we realigned our job descriptions to conform to this model, it affected more than 100 security-related jobs, increased skill sets and raised expectations for those already employed by Time Warner Cable and serves as a guide for those looking to join our company.”

The security industry is formidable, with an estimated $410 billion annual market in the United States alone[1]. Yet despite its size and scope, the industry had not previously widely endorsed a clear set of competencies and skills to enable the workforce to keep pace with expanding roles and responsibilities.

“The Enterprise Security Competency Model is the industry standard IBM uses to prepare our workforce to address security challenges now and into the future,” said Mark Beaudry, Ph.D., CPP, senior security professional, IBM Corporate Security. “The U.S. Department of Labor’s endorsement of the model developed by University of Phoenix and ASIS further reiterates the need to define security through an industry-accepted standard.”

“We are incredibly pleased to see the Enterprise Security Competency Model have an immediate impact in the industry,” said Dr. Linda Florence, CPP, vice president and dean of specialty programs for University of Phoenix College of Security and Criminal Justice. “Time Warner Cable and IBM are examples of industry leaders championing the need for an industry-wide standard. This will also allow higher education to shape curriculum to train current and future security professionals to help them better succeed in the industry.”

Work on the competency model began in 2013. The U.S. Department of Labor has endorsed this model and has published it to its website.

“The Enterprise Security Competency Model is intended to define the foundation for educating security professionals,” said Spider Marks, executive dean with University of Phoenix College of Security and Criminal Justice. “The endorsement by the U.S. Department of Labor, as well as the adoption of the model by leading U.S. companies like Time Warner Cable and IBM, signal we are moving closer to the consistent education and training of professionals who play a critical role in ensuring the safety and security of our nation.”

For more information about each of these programs, including on-time completion rates, the median debt incurred by students who completed the program and other important information, please visit phoenix.edu/programs/gainful-employment.

For more information about all University of Phoenix programs in security, visit www.phoenix.edu/criminal-justice/security-degree-programs.

About Time Warner Cable
Time Warner Cable Inc. (NYSE: TWC) is among the largest providers of video, high-speed data and voice services in the United States, connecting 15 million customers to entertainment, information and each other. Time Warner Cable Business Class offers data, video and voice services to businesses of all sizes, cell tower backhaul services to wireless carriers and enterprise-class, cloud-enabled hosting, managed applications and services. Time Warner Cable Media, the advertising sales arm of Time Warner Cable, offers national, regional and local companies innovative advertising solutions. More information about the services of Time Warner Cable is available at www.twc.com, www.twcbc.com and www.twcmedia.com.

About IBM
IBM is the world’s largest information technology company, with 80 years of leadership in helping businesses innovate. IBM Software offers the widest range of applications, middleware and operating systems for all types of computing platforms, allowing customers to take full advantage of the new era of e-business. The fastest way to get more information about IBM software is through the IBM Software home page at https://www.software.ibm.com/.

About the ASIS Foundation
The ASIS Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering research and education opportunities that enhance the security profession.  The topics researched by the Foundation produce valuable and actionable knowledge for the security professional. Additionally, through the awarding of scholarships, the Foundation ensures that those pursuing a career in the field of security management are able to realize the highest academic achievements. Foundation programs are supported solely by contributions from individuals, ASIS chapters, and other organizations who share its vision of advancing both the security profession and the professional. www.foundation.asisonline.org.

About the College of Security and Criminal Justice
University of Phoenix® College of Security and Criminal Justice continues the University’s original mission when it began serving working professionals such as police officers more than 30 years ago. The College offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs that provide the skills needed to develop the next generation of leaders in the security and criminal justice fields. Students are supported by faculty members who are experts and leaders in their fields, and can connect with students and professionals through online and campus networking opportunities. The College of Security and Criminal Justice’s Faculty Advisory Council reviews trends and helps keep curriculum on pace with national and international market demands. For more information, visit www.phoenix.edu/colleges/college-of-humanities-and-sciences.

About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help working adults move efficiently from education to careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant and engaging courses, and interactive learning can help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. As a subsidiary of  Apollo Education Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: APOL), University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population, offering associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world. For more information, visit www.phoenix.edu.

[1] https://www.asisonline.org/Documents/
ASIS%20IOFM%20Executive%20Summary%208.23.13.%20final.pdf