ISACA got its start in 1967, when a small group of individuals with similar jobs—auditing controls in the computer systems that were becoming increasingly critical to the operations of their organizations—sat down to discuss the need for a centralized source of information and guidance in the field. In 1969, the group formalized, incorporating as the EDP Auditors Association. In 1976 the association formed an education foundation to undertake large-scale research efforts to expand the knowledge and value of the IT governance and control field. Previously known as the Information Systems Audit and Control Association, ISACA now goes by its acronym o­nly, to reflect the broad range of IT governance professionals it serves. 
Today, ISACA’s membership—more than 95,000 strong worldwide—is characterized by its diversity. Members live and work in more than 160 countries and cover a variety of professional IT-related positions—to name just a few, IS auditor, consultant, educator, IS security professional, regulator, chief information officer and internal auditor. Some are new to the field, others are at middle management levels and still others are in the most senior ranks. They work in nearly all industry categories, including financial and banking, public accounting, government and the public sector, utilities and manufacturing. This diversity enables members to learn from each other, and exchange widely divergent viewpoints o­n a variety of professional topics. It has long been considered o­ne of ISACA’s strengths.