Contact:Stephanie Stadler
On Behalf of Secure Elements
Phone: (703) 287-7819
e-mail: sstadler@sheahedges.com

Secure Elements announces first ever training program for authoring standards based XML documents for system audit and compliance measurement
Courses Targeted to Information Security and Audit professionals, System Integrators, Vendors, and Government organizations

HERNDON, VA - Feb 6, 2007 - Secure Elements, Inc., today announced at the RSA 2007 Conference that they will begin offering hands-on training courses regarding authoring and use of the Open Vulnerability Assessment Language (OVAL) and the eXtensible Configuration Checklist Description Format (XCCDF) for individuals and organizations interested in authoring documents for IS Audit evaluations and vulnerability assessments.  As the worlds first vendor to support these standards, and active contributors to the NIST Security Content Automation Program (SCAP), they will provide unique insights, tips, strategies, and lessons learned that are not available elsewhere.  As authors of the content for secure desktop configurations in support of the NIST SCAP initiative, they are uniquely qualified to support initiatives for requiring OMB compliance.

The training courses are targeted to address the need for individuals tasked to author, test, evaluate, or otherwise develop applications and systems that leverage these document formats.  In order to accommodate demand from a wide variety of industry participants, classes will be provided both at the Secure Elements training facility in Herndon, Virginia or at a customers facility.  Trainers with security clearances are available.

"It became apparent in the last few months - after sponsoring free workshops for industry and government participants - that there is an unmet need for this training," said Scott Armstrong, VP of Marketing and Alliances of Secure Elements.  "There is a tremendous need throughout the community to have practical, hands on, learning experience with the authoring and development of content with these standards.   As the standard methodology for measuring and benchmarking audits of security configurations and IS controls these are the standards that enterprises and public sector organizations will be measured by for regulatory compliance."

Additionally, Secure Elements is offering authoring services to vendors and organizations that would benefit by having security checklists for their products and applications available as part of NISTs Security Content Automation Program or for other uses.

"XML, OVAL, and XCCDF represent a complex semantic landscape and even though they are mapped very well, some organizations prefer or need a guide to help them navigate," said Andrew Bove, CTO of Secure Elements.  "For organizations that desire to "jump start" their efforts, or for which the required skill sets may not be their core competency, were here to help." 

Individuals and organizations are encouraged to visit Secure Elements at the RSA Conference 2007 Innovation Station, Booth #1338, at San Francisco's Moscone Center February 6, 7, and 8th.  Product demonstrations of the C5 Compliance Platform will also be available at the booth.

RSA and the RSA Conference logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of RSA Security Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. All other marks are trademarks of their respective companies. 

About Secure Elements
Secure Elements develops innovative products that help organizations achieve IT security compliance.  We enable organizations to audit, evaluate, and comply with internal, industry, and regulatory policies.  Our solutions reduce business risk and IT management costs while improving systems performance and maintaining business continuity.  Based in Northern Virginia, Secure Elements serves organizations in the federal government and critical infrastructure markets, as well as the Global 1000.  http://www.secure-elements.com