On Data Privacy Day, the Security Industry Association (SIA) has released a set of new and updated resources and programs around data privacy for security industry professionals.

SIA’s new Data Privacy Pro Certificate is a new course offering that helps learners gain a strong understanding of key data privacy concepts. The course covers topics including:

• Understanding personally identifiable information
• Security industry-specific considerations
• Privacy by design
• Privacy impact assessments
• Encryption and security
• Navigating data partnerships
• Key principles of data protection and securing data
• Building trust through transparency and informed consent
• Collaborating with law enforcement
• Essential data handling strategies
• Navigating data privacy and compliance in the U.S. and abroad

Member registration for the Data Privacy Pro Certificate is free thanks to the underwriting support of the Secure Worker Access Consortium and its managing partner, Daniel Krantz; nonmembers can access the course for $99.

SIA has released a new 2025 edition of its Guide to U.S. Biometric Privacy Laws — a reference guide to state laws on biometric information and related legislative trends. Biometric technologies have emerged as critical to the security field because they can enhance capabilities of solutions like video security, access control and identity management systems that help customers secure their facilities, employees and patrons against the threat of violence, theft or other harm. 

In its Security Cornerstones Learning Series, which offers education on core business and technology topics within the security industry, SIA has produced an educational module on data privacy in the security, which addresses critical principles governing the collection, use and protection of personal data.

“On Data Privacy Day, SIA is proud to reiterate and build on its commitment to promoting sound data privacy practices in our converged security technology industry through the introduction of three new and enhanced resources on data privacy,” said Don Erickson, CEO, SIA. “Privacy and security have complementary roles in networked security solutions, and SIA is proud to be a leader on advancing both. We encourage our members and the broader industry to take advantage of these informational, impactful certification, training and learning offerings.”

On Jan. 28, SIA joined the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and a coalition of other trade associations in signing and circulating a letter to the congressional leaders of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce urging renewed action on the development of a comprehensive national privacy law.

On Jan. 28, SIA Data Privacy Advisory Board Chair Bobby Prostko shared a letter with SIA members highlighting the importance of this global initiative to raise awareness of the importance of protecting personal data. Prostko, who serves as deputy general counsel, IP and cybersecurity, and chief privacy officer at Allegion, encouraged the industry to reaffirm its commitment to privacy and uphold the highest standards of security and trust.

These programs are the latest in SIA’s initiatives and activities on data privacy, which include engagement with our member volunteers through the SIA Data Privacy Advisory Board — an expert-led group providing information and best practices to help SIA members handle sensitive data in a safe and secure manner to protect the personally identifiable information of their employees, partners and customers from potential breaches.