ICSA Labs began as NCSA (National Computer Security Association). In its early days, NCSA focused almost solely on the certification of anti-virus software. Using the Consortia model, NCSA worked together with anti-virus software vendors to develop one of the first anti-virus software certification schemes. Over the past decade, the organization added certification programs for other security-related products, and changed its name to ICSA.

ICSA Labs is currently an independent division of Verizon Business providing resources for research, intelligence, certification and testing of products, including anti-virus, firewall

Firewall (computing)

A firewall is a device or set of devices designed to permit or deny network transmissions based upon a set of rules and is frequently used to protect networks from unauthorized access while permitting legitimate communications to pass....

, IPsec

IPsec

Internet Protocol Security is a protocol suite for securing Internet Protocol communications by authenticating and encrypting each IP packet of a communication session...

 VPN

Virtual private network

A virtual private network is a network that uses primarily public telecommunication infrastructure, such as the Internet, to provide remote offices or traveling users access to a central organizational network....

, cryptography

Cryptography

Cryptography is the practice and study of techniques for secure communication in the presence of third parties...

, SSL VPN, network IPS, anti-spyware and PC firewall products.