Red Hat Announces First Performance-Based Security Certification

New Security Specialist curriculum from Red Hat is also first of its kind for Linux.

RALEIGH, N.C. -

Red Hat (NASDAQ: RHAT), the world's leading provider of open source to the enterprise, today announced the availability of a new security certification for IT professionals: Red Hat Certified Security Specialist (RHCSS). The announcement of the RHCSS certification is the Company's latest milestone in its "Security in a Networked World" initiative launched in August.

Adding to its award-winning Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) program, and Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA) program, Red Hat Certified Security Specialist (RHCSS) is the first performance based certification focused on security competency for enterprise Linux servers. Over the past year, Red Hat has expanded its portfolio of security solutions with the availability of SELinux in Red Hat Enterprise Linux v. 4, Red Hat Directory Server and Red Hat Certificate System. The new RHCSS program provides a complete curriculum of hands-on training courses to support these solutions.

RHCSS, as with Red Hat's other certifications, will be entirely performance based and conducted on live systems. The RHCSS requires exams for participants to prove enterprise security administration skills, including:

  • Securing network services
  • Setting up directory services and authentication, as well as single sign-on
  • SELinux security policy administration
  • Specializations in certificate management and in configuring firewall and VPN solutions

"Deploying Linux and open source solutions is the first step in enhancing enterprise security. 'Security in a Networked World' is a company-wide initiative that not only includes technologies, but services as well. We now offer the world's first Linux security certification, and the first performance-based security certification on a server OS." said Peter Childers, vice president of Global Learning Services. "Organizations are under enormous pressure to prove that they are in control of their networks and data. Leaders will look to high-value performance-based tests of competency, such as RHCE and RHCSS, to determine who is qualified for today's information assurance roles."

Red Hat is the world's largest vendor of training and certification by revenue, sales, number of certified professionals, courses available and locations served. With more than 53% marketshare of all Linux training in North America, Red Hat's flagship certification, Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE), is consistently named in the top 10 hottest certifications by Certification Magazine. For more information or to enroll, please visit: /training/

About Red Hat, Inc.

Red Hat, the world's leading open source and Linux provider, is headquartered in Raleigh, NC with satellite offices spanning the globe. Red Hat is leading Linux and open source solutions into the mainstream by making high quality, low cost technology accessible. Red Hat provides operating system software along with middleware, applications and management solutions. Red Hat also offers support, training and consulting services to its customers worldwide and through top-tier partnerships. Red Hat's open source strategy offers customers a long term plan for building infrastructures that are based on and leverage open source technologies with focus on security and ease of management. Learn more: http://www.redhat.com

Forward-Looking Statements

Any statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects for the Company, including statements containing the words "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "will," and similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including: the factors discussed in our most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC (a copy of which may be accessed through the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov), reliance upon strategic relationships, management of growth, the possibility of undetected software errors, the risks of economic downturns generally, and in Red Hat's industry specifically, the risks associated with competition and competitive pricing pressures and the viability of the Internet. In addition, the forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company's views as of the date of this press release and these views could change. However, while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company's views as of any date subsequent to the date of the press release.

LINUX is a trademark of Linus Torvalds. RED HAT is a registered trademark of Red Hat, Inc. All other names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

  • About Red Hat
  • Red Hat is the world’s leading provider of open source software solutions, using a community-powered approach to reliable and high-performing cloud, Linux, middleware, storage and virtualization technologies. Red Hat also offers award-winning support, training, and consulting services. As the connective hub in a global network of enterprises, partners, and open source communities, Red Hat helps create relevant, innovative technologies that liberate resources for growth and prepare customers for the future of IT. Learn more at http://www.redhat.com.



  • Forward-Looking Statements
  • Certain statements contained in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements provide current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions and include any statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including: risks related to delays or reductions in information technology spending; the effects of industry consolidation; the ability of the Company to compete effectively; the integration of acquisitions and the ability to market successfully acquired technologies and products; uncertainty and adverse results in litigation and related settlements; the inability to adequately protect Company intellectual property and the potential for infringement or breach of license claims of or relating to third party intellectual property; the ability to deliver and stimulate demand for new products and technological innovations on a timely basis; risks related to data and information security vulnerabilities; ineffective management of, and control over, the Company’s growth and international operations; fluctuations in exchange rates; and changes in and a dependence on key personnel, as well as other factors contained in our most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (copies of which may be accessed through the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov), including those found therein under the captions "Risk Factors" and "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations". In addition to these factors, actual future performance, outcomes, and results may differ materially because of more general factors including (without limitation) general industry and market conditions and growth rates, economic and political conditions, governmental and public policy changes and the impact of natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods. The forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company’s views as of the date of this press release and these views could change. However, while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company’s views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.