A new guide to recruiting in the information security industry has been published.

The free reference guide, published by (ISC)2 a non-profit making organisation that certifies information security staff worldwide, provides tips on how to best find, recruit and retain qualified information security staff.

The hiring guide highlights the history and growth of the information security profession, typical job functions and career paths, and ideal candidate traits. It provides tips on crafting job descriptions, screening, interviewing, extending an offer and more. The 30-page guide concludes with a section on retention and a list of online resources.

Eddie Zeitler, executive director for (ISC), says: “Hiring first-rate information security staff is critical to mitigating risks that can destroy a company’s reputation, violate privacy, result in the theft or destruction of intellectual property, and even endanger lives.

“We hope this guide helps HR professionals, recruiters and hiring managers better understand the scope of this burgeoning profession and lessen the pain of obtaining the best and brightest information security staff.”