Training & Certification

Cybersecurity Training & Certification Programs encompass a wide range of formal and informal educational initiatives aimed at preparing individuals for careers in cybersecurity, enhancing their skills, and staying up-to-date with the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity.

Overview

With the increasing importance of cybersecurity in the digital age, educational and training programs have emerged to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals. These programs cover a variety of areas within cybersecurity, including network security, ethical hacking, incident response, and more.

College and University Programs

Numerous colleges and universities around the world offer degree programs in cybersecurity, including:

• Bachelor's Degrees
• Master's Degrees
• Doctoral Programs

These programs provide students with a solid foundation in cybersecurity principles and often include hands-on training.

Online Courses and Platforms

Online learning platforms such as Coursera and Udemy offer a wide range of cybersecurity courses and specializations, often allowing students to obtain training certificates. These platforms provide flexibility for learners to acquire skills at their own pace and on various cybersecurity topics.

Certification Programs

Cybersecurity certification programs are essential for validating skills and knowledge. Some widely recognized certification programs include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): A globally recognized certification for information security professionals, covering various domains of cybersecurity.

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Focuses on ethical hacking techniques and tools, preparing professionals to identify and address vulnerabilities.

• CompTIA Security+: An entry-level certification covering essential security concepts and best practices for IT professionals.

• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM): Designed for information security management roles, emphasizing governance and risk management.

• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA): Focuses on auditing, control, and assurance skills, vital for cybersecurity professionals.

• CREST Practitioner Security Analyst (CPSA): An entry-level exam that tests a candidate’s knowledge in assessing operating systems and common network services. CREST Registered Penetration Tester (CRT)

• CREST Registered Penetration Tester (CRT): A mid-level exam, recognized by Governments and regulators around the globe and is accepted by the UK National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) for its CHECK scheme.

• CREST Certified Tester - Infrastructure (CCT INF): An advanced level exam, focused on infrastructure testing, recognized by Governments and regulators around the globe and is accepted by the UK National Cyber Security Council (NCSC) as part of the CHECK scheme.

• CREST Certified Tester - Application (CCT APP): An advanced level exam, focused on application security testing, recognized by Governments and regulators around the globe and is accepted by the UK National Cyber Security Council (NCSC) as part of the CHECK scheme.

These certifications are often required or preferred by employers in the cybersecurity field.

Tool-Specific Training

Major cybersecurity tool providers offer training and certification programs focused on their respective products. These programs enable professionals to become proficient in using specific cybersecurity tools.

Cybersecurity Training Organizations

Several organizations, not affiliated with colleges or universities, provide professional development programs in cybersecurity:

• NPower: NPower offers technology training and job placement programs, including cybersecurity training, to empower underserved young adults and veterans in tech careers.
• SANS Institute: SANS Institute offers a wide range of cybersecurity training and certification programs, including hands-on courses and immersive training events.
• Public Interest Registry: As a trusted resource for the .ORG Community, the .ORG Learning Center provides a variety of useful information and tools that every .ORG needs to be successful online.
• Cyber Readiness Institute: The Cyber Readiness Institute (CRI) brings together the expertise of senior executive leaders at global companies – including Mastercard, Microsoft, ExxonMobil, Principal Financial Group, General Motors, PSP Partners, and the Center for Global Enterprise – to develop free resources to improve the cyber readiness of small and medium-sized enterprises to secure global value chains.
• ICT Academy: ICT Academy is a platform that offers a wide range of education, training, and courses in various fields such as Cybersecurity, Penetration Testing, Ethical Hacking, and Industrial IoT. The platform is dedicated to providing high-quality education and practical training to help individuals acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their respective fields.
• KnowBe4: KnowBe4 offers a range of services and tools, including interactive training modules and simulated phishing campaigns to train employees to recognize and respond to phishing attacks, social engineering attempts, and other cybersecurity risks. They also provide resources and tools to assess an organization's security culture and measure the effectiveness of their training programs.
• Wizer: Wizer is a security awareness training company that provides free and paid training to help individuals and organizations stay safe online. Their training is short, memorable, and tailored to accommodate busy lifestyles and short attention spans. Wizer also offers phishing simulations and gamification to help employees learn and retain security awareness knowledge.
• Cybersecurity Learning Hub, Cybersecurity Career Path: The Cybersecurity Learning Hub is an initiative led by the World Economic Forum to tackle the global cybersecurity skills shortage. The initiative provides free online training resources to help individuals learn the skills they need to pursue a career in cybersecurity.
• Get Safe Online: Get Safe Online is the UK's leading source of unbiased, factual, and easy-to-understand information on online safety and information security for the general public and small businesses.

Importance

Cybersecurity education and training programs are crucial for several reasons:

• Meeting the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals.
• Staying current with evolving cybersecurity threats and technologies.
• Ensuring the security and privacy of digital systems and data.
• Enhancing career prospects in the cybersecurity field.

External Links

• Coursera - Cyber Security Specializations
• Udemy - Cyber Security Courses
• (ISC)² - CISSP Certification
• EC-Council - CEH Certification
• CompTIA - Security+ Certification
• ISACA - CISM Certification
• ISACA - CISA Certification
• Cisco - Training and Certifications
• Palo Alto Networks - Education
• Splunk - Training