This time of year invariably brings us thoughts of New Year's resolutions. You may be thinking about what you can do to sharpen your security skills. Sure, you have advanced your skills over the last several years through experience and by achieving security certifications -- but what now? Are you adequately prepared to address the challenges of the future?

Don't think that our opponent, be it man-made or natural, will wait for you to become prepared. Now is the time to consider making the next step in advancing your learning quotient. To help meet this goal, here is a list of security-related certifications that can help add something new to your skills and abilities. These are not your standard Microsoft certifications, but that's the point: Unique skills and abilities can make a real difference in your marketability in today's challenging workplace. Let's take a look at what I am talking about here.

First up is the Project Management Professional (PMP). Project management can enhance your existing skill set, including security management skills. After all, it's about building skills to better lead, guide, organize, plan and control. The PMP Certification is offered by the Project Management Institute. The certification validates an individual's project-management skills. The PMP certification is gaining popularity and there are over 75,000 individuals certified in over 120 countries. Portions of the project-management body of knowledge (PMBOK) can be found in