Demand for qualified IT security staff is growing fast, with the global total of professionals expected to increase to 2.1 mln by 2008 at a compound annual growth rate of 13.7% from 2003. IDC estimates the number of information security professionals worldwide to be 1.3 mln, a 14.5% increase over 2003. This represents growth rates of 12% for the Americas, 11.4% in Europe and 18.3% in Asia Pacific. 93% of managers hiring security staff cited certifications as important when staffing decisions are being made.