Comments on: Is IT too Important to Be Trusted to IT Pros? http://www.gfi.com/blog/is-it-too-important-to-be-trusted-to-it-pros/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=is-it-too-important-to-be-trusted-to-it-pros Brought to you by GFI Software Fri, 13 Sep 2013 13:27:20 +0000 hourly 1 By: Deb Shinder http://www.gfi.com/blog/is-it-too-important-to-be-trusted-to-it-pros/comment-page-1/#comment-55404 Deb Shinder Mon, 05 Aug 2013 14:33:39 +0000 http://www.gfi.com/blog/?p=10755#comment-55404 David, an additional case against licensing is that it’s normally done by individual states. Networks span state (and national) borders and that could create complicated jurisdictional issues.

That’s been the case with state laws in several states that require computer forensics examiners to be licensed: http://www.mttlrblog.org/2009/02/20/legal-issues-arising-from-new-requirements-for-licensing-of-computer-forensics-in-michigan/

Badly written statutes (and far too many end up that way after going through the amendment processes) could technically make it illegal for you to manage your own home network without getting a license, the same way some overly broad forensics licensing laws can be interpreted to prevent you from working on your own computer, as mentioned in that article.

]]> By: Deb Shinder http://www.gfi.com/blog/is-it-too-important-to-be-trusted-to-it-pros/comment-page-1/#comment-55403 Deb Shinder Mon, 05 Aug 2013 14:29:23 +0000 http://www.gfi.com/blog/?p=10755#comment-55403 Greg, I agree that training is often necessary to obtain the level of skill needed to do the job. IT is becoming more and more complex – and licensing would be more complex than it might seem due to the very questions you raised.

Would licensing laws stop the “amateurs” from working on computers and networks? My opinion is no, unless the penalties were draconian and it was aggressively enforced. One need only look at the widespread disregard for the copyright laws (where fines ARE severe but enforcement very spotty) to know that.

]]> By: Greg G http://www.gfi.com/blog/is-it-too-important-to-be-trusted-to-it-pros/comment-page-1/#comment-55357 Greg G Sat, 03 Aug 2013 05:03:44 +0000 http://www.gfi.com/blog/?p=10755#comment-55357 You raise some excellent points and I think that the need for training and certification is sometimes necessary. But licensing brings up a number of questions that need to be answered before any such program is enacted. What specific skills need to be measured and are these skills just on a written test or will hands on testing be required? Will there be different levels of licensing, l.e., apprentice, journeyman, master? How much training and/or experience will be required to be licensed? For how many specialties will licensing be available (their are more specializations than many people think)? Further, would this stop all the “trunk slammers”, kids next door, nephew who is very knowledgeable, etc. From working on computers, printers, networks, etc. Under penalty of law? Just a few thoughts on this subject.

]]> By: David Mitchell http://www.gfi.com/blog/is-it-too-important-to-be-trusted-to-it-pros/comment-page-1/#comment-55340 David Mitchell Fri, 02 Aug 2013 15:00:45 +0000 http://www.gfi.com/blog/?p=10755#comment-55340 A license is nothing more than a revenue driver for the entity issuing the license. All doctors are licensed yet there are still physicians who do horrible jobs.

If I have a serious issue I want someone board certified.

I think the same applies to IT. A license really doesn’t mean good work or sound skills. It just means they registered with one entity or another. Certifications are a step up from that, but honestly, some of the brightest and most knowledgeable people in IT I have met hold no certifications. Those that do usually do so to warrant a bigger paycheck.

Will it happen? Maybe. Will it improve things? Doubtful.

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