2026 SC Award winner Cloud Security Alliance — Best Professional Certification Program

Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) is the winner of the 2026 SC Award for Best Professional Certification Program, recognized for its Trusted AI Security Expert (TAISE) credential. The category honors professional industry groups that grant certifications to security practitioners seeking structured education and validated credentials.

TAISE delivers comprehensive training focused on the secure development, deployment, and governance of generative AI systems. The self-paced program includes 10 modules and can be completed in approximately 21.2 hours, with enrollment providing access for up to one year. The curriculum covers GenAI architecture and design, AI use cases and ethical implications, model lifecycle and threat taxonomy, governance and risk management, data security and privacy, and cloud security in AI environments. Graduates are trained to evaluate GenAI architectures, apply bias mitigation and explainability techniques, implement governance frameworks, secure AI systems using Zero Trust and MLSecOps practices, and establish continuous monitoring and adaptation strategies.

SC Awards judge Gary Long, a cybersecurity veteran with over 30 years in the public and private sectors, noted: “The topics are well-suited for the audience, and the cost is quite appealing when compared with similar offerings. Enrollment includes access for up to one year, and the 10-module course can be completed in 21.2 hours.”

Organizations are deploying AI rapidly, often before governance and security controls are fully defined. At the same time, global regulators are advancing frameworks such as the NIST AI Risk Management Framework, the EU AI Act, and emerging ISO standards. CSA positions TAISE as a way to equip professionals with the knowledge to interpret these frameworks, build AI governance programs, and proactively identify security and safety risks before they escalate.

Backed by CSA in collaboration with Northeastern University, TAISE blends academic research with industry practice. The program includes a TAISE Prompt Library that provides curated prompts and exercises to reinforce practical application of concepts. CSA describes the certification as preparing professionals not only to use AI technologies, but to lead responsible and secure AI adoption within their organizations.