KPMG
Speciality: red teaming and ethical hacking
KPMG is a global professional services firm specializing in accounting, advisory, and consulting, with a Costa Rica-based headquarters and registered entity. It employs over 47,500 staff, generates $36 billion annually, and provides penetration testing and ethical hacking services through CREST accreditation and a dedicated cyber defense team. Key competitors include Accenture, PwC, and Deloitte.
ISO 27001: Information Security Management Certification
Origin
ISO 27001 was developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and was first published in 2005. It evolved from the British Standard BS 7799-2, which was created in the late 1990s. The standard was developed in response to the growing need for organizations to systematically manage and protect sensitive information in an increasingly digital business environment. ISO 27001 has since been revised, with major updates released in 2013 and 2022 to address evolving cybersecurity threats and best practices.
Industry Value and Importance
ISO 27001 is globally recognized as the leading standard for information security management systems (ISMS) and is valued for providing a systematic, risk-based approach to protecting sensitive data. Organizations that achieve ISO 27001 certification demonstrate to clients, partners, and regulators that they have implemented comprehensive security controls and are committed to maintaining confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information. The certification is particularly important for organizations handling sensitive data, as it helps meet regulatory compliance requirements, reduces security incidents, builds customer trust, and often provides a competitive advantage in procurement processes where information security assurance is required.
CREST Cybersecurity Certification
Origin
CREST (Council of Registered Ethical Security Testers) was established in 2006 in the United Kingdom by a group of cybersecurity professionals and industry representatives. It was created to address the growing need for standardized, recognized qualifications in penetration testing and cybersecurity services. The organization emerged from concerns about the quality and professionalism of security testing services, aiming to provide a framework that would certify both individual practitioners and the companies that employ them.
Industry Value
CREST certifications are highly valued in the cybersecurity industry because they demonstrate a practitioner's technical competence and adherence to professional ethical standards. Many government agencies, financial institutions, and large corporations specifically require CREST-certified professionals when procuring penetration testing or security assessment services. The certification provides assurance to employers and clients that certified individuals have been independently verified to possess the necessary skills and knowledge, and that they follow established codes of conduct. This makes CREST credentials particularly important for cybersecurity professionals working in regulated industries or seeking to work with organizations that have stringent security requirements.
- Halliburton
- Citigroup
- Deutsche Bank
- Pepsico
- ING Group
- Rolls Royce
- Hershey
- Alteryx
- Appian
- BlackLine
- Celonis
- Coupa
- E2open
- Google Cloud
- IBM
- USAA
- H-E-B
- Patagonia
- Publix
- Fidelity