October 23, 2023 – The Department of Technology’s Information Security Leadership Academy (ISLA) is a rigorous 9-week program designed to provide training in critical technical and leadership concepts required for the state’s security workforce. On September 28, ISLA’s sixth cohort graduated a diverse class that included 24 students representing 22 state departments and agencies. ISLA training provides intensive preparation for students to complete the Certified Information Security Manager exam.
This year’s program was the first to use a hybrid platform featuring in-person and remote training. Held onsite at CDT’s Training and Education Center, the event featured several guest speakers that included Liana Bailey-Crimmins, State Chief Information Officer and CDT Director, and Vitaliy Panych, State Chief Information Security Officer.
This year’s course offerings included a mix of technical sessions addressing FIPS 199/200, risk management, 
and cyber threat Intelligence and response, as well as courses addressing valuable interpersonal skills such as emotional intelligence, conflict and negotiation best practices, and effective presentation skills for an executive audience. Students also participated in live tours of CDT’s Security Operations Center and the California Office of Emergency Services’ Cyber Security Integration Center.