With the increasing number of cyberattacks targeting small businesses, it is essential to be prepared for any unexpected security incidents. Cybersecurity training is the most effective way to achieve this preparedness. In this article, we will examine different options for cybersecurity training.
What Is Cybersecurity Training and Why Is It So Important?
Cybersecurity training is essentially the process of educating and training individuals on the safe use of the company’s systems, networks, servers, and other components of its IT infrastructure to reduce security risks.
It also empowers individuals with the best practices to save and share confidential data to mitigate the risks of a data breach. In the event of any security incident, cybersecurity training helps take appropriate security measures to minimize damage.
Here are the reasons why cybersecurity training is important for your business:
- In-depth cybersecurity training prepares your employees to mitigate social engineering attacks, ransomware attacks, or any other type of cyber attacks
- A comprehensive cybersecurity training program can help your employees minimize risks that could result in data breaches.
- With customers increasingly becoming aware of cyber attacks, cybersecurity training in your company can build customer trust.
- Regular training keeps your cybersecurity team abreast of the latest threats and security measures to mitigate the threats.
- Cybersecurity training is essential for regulatory compliance
Even if you have full-time security professionals to tackle cybersecurity challenges, providing your employees with essential cybersecurity awareness training goes a long way to protect confidential data and IT infrastructure in your business.
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How to Choose the Best Cybersecurity Training Courses for Your Needs
Be it online or in-person, there are plenty of cybersecurity training options in the market for students and professionals.
The following tips will help you choose the best training course for your needs:
- First, determine the mode of training – online or in person – you prefer
- Check the curriculum of courses to make sure your chosen course has enough focus on practice
- Pick a cybersecurity training course of the right level – beginner, intermediate, or advanced – based on your skills
- Make sure you choose a course that has up-to-date content
When it comes to selecting the best training program, you need to consider your requirements first. Then, start exploring various cybersecurity training options.
It is not like you will always have to spend money to access cybersecurity awareness training.
Many organizations offer free cybersecurity awareness training. And completing free courses can be a great start to building a foundation for further learning.
General Criteria for Choosing the Best Cybersecurity Training Options- Our Methodology
In guiding individuals and organizations to choose the most suitable cybersecurity training, we use a specific set of criteria. These criteria help identify programs that offer thorough, up-to-date, and practical cybersecurity education. Each criterion is rated on a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 signifies the least importance and 5 the highest importance in our review process:
- Comprehensiveness of Curriculum
- Importance: 5
- The program should cover a broad range of cybersecurity topics, including network security, threat analysis, ethical hacking, incident response, and data protection.
- Practical and Hands-On Training
- Importance: 5
- Emphasis on practical, hands-on experience in dealing with real-world cybersecurity scenarios is crucial for effective learning.
- Instructor Expertise and Experience
- Importance: 5
- The qualifications, industry experience, and teaching expertise of instructors are vital to ensure high-quality education.
- Up-to-date and Relevant Content
- Importance: 5
- The training content should be current and align with the latest trends, threats, and technologies in the cybersecurity landscape.
- Certifications and Accreditation
- Importance: 4
- The availability of recognized certifications upon completion of the program can be crucial for career advancement and credibility in the field.
- Interactive and Engaging Learning Methods
- Importance: 4
- Interactive and engaging teaching methods, including simulations, workshops, and group discussions, significantly enhance the learning experience.
- Flexibility and Accessibility
- Importance: 3
- Flexible scheduling options and accessibility, including online learning platforms, are important for accommodating different learners’ needs.
- Feedback and Assessment Mechanisms
- Importance: 4
- Regular assessments, feedback, and progress tracking are important for evaluating the effectiveness of the training and the learners’ understanding.
- Post-Training Support and Resources
- Importance: 3
- The program is enhanced by access to post-training support, which includes alumni networks, ongoing learning resources, and career guidance.
- Cost-Effectiveness
- Importance: 4
- The training program should offer good value for money, considering the quality of education, resources provided, and potential return on investment.
By applying these criteria, we aim to guide users towards cybersecurity training programs that not only provide comprehensive and current knowledge but also focus on practical skills, expert instruction, and recognized certifications.
Cybersecurity Training Options to Develop Cybersecurity Skills
Here are the top ten options to develop cybersecurity skills:
Cybrary
Whether you’re looking for a threat-informed training program or a certification preparation course, Cybrary offers solutions to fully equip small business owners and their teams to skill up and confidentially mitigate cyber threats.
The company enables individuals and teams to sharpen cybersecurity skills with scenario-based training and a variety of up-to-date, interactive learning methods.
SANS Institute
SANS institute is a leading platform offering cybersecurity research, cybersecurity training, and various cybersecurity certifications for security professionals.
Degree and certification programs from SANS Institute can prepare your cybersecurity workforce to meet the challenges businesses are facing today.
The company’s cybersecurity training courses emphasize key areas such as cyber defense, cloud security, digital forensics, industrial control systems, and cybersecurity leadership.
SANS cyber range challenges provide an opportunity to apply your skills and gain hands-on experience throughout the cybersecurity training.
The company also offers live training sessions and training events.
EC-Council University
For online cybersecurity degrees, EC-Council University is a cost-effective option. It offers graduate and undergraduate online courses in cybersecurity.
The university was recognized as One of the 20 Most Valuable Online Colleges in America by The Knowledge Review Magazine.
CISSP Training Bootcamp
Infosec Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Training Bootcamp is a guaranteed way to earn your CISSP certification.
Quick highlights of CISSP Training Bootcamp include but are not limited to:
- Exams pass guarantee
- Unlimited exam practice tests
- Free annual Infosec Skills subscription ($299 value)
- Six days of live, expert CISSP instruction
SecurityTube.net
Being an infosec video aggregator, SecurityTube.net offers a rich library of video content to enhance practical security knowledge. You can browse and watch videos on various information security topics to boost your cybersecurity awareness. Content includes up-to-date information and a variety of engaging formats.
ISC(²)
ISC(²) is a world-renowned organization offering various training programs to qualify for its prestigious certificates, including:
- Certificate in Cybersecurity
- Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- CISSP Concentrations
These certification courses are in high demand for those who want to make a career in cybersecurity.
CompTIA
The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is a leading authority in the global information technology ecosystem.
Its CertMaster Learn™ for Security+ offers rich resources, including 40 hours of engaging content, 16 lessons with interactive performance-based questions, 160 practice questions with immediate feedback, and more.
This self-paced course will prepare you for an industry-leading CompTIA Security+ certificate.
Cisco
When it comes to cybersecurity training for information security professionals, Cisco is a reputed name. With the Cisco Digital Learning subscription, you will get access to product and certification courses for the following:
- CyberOps Associate
- CyberOps Professional
- CCNP Security core and concentration exams
Microsoft Cybersecurity Training
Holding the Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect Certification means you can:
- Design a zero-trust strategy and architecture
- Assess Governance Risk Compliance (GRC), along with technical strategies and strategies for security operations
- Design security for infrastructure
- Design a strategy for data and applications
The company offers free training (online) to prepare for the examination.
Udemy
Udemy is a great place to find a low-cost cyber security course to secure systems, enhance network security, protect data, mitigate cyber threats, and much more.
You can complete Udemy cybersecurity courses at your own pace.
These courses can help a wannabe cybersecurity analyst with no prior experience understand basic and advanced cybersecurity topics. It offers practical information in an easy-to-understand, engaging format.
Navigating the Cybersecurity Training Landscape
Selecting the appropriate cybersecurity training program is a critical decision for your business. To ensure you make an informed choice, take into account the following factors:
- Industry Relevance: Ensure the training aligns with your industry’s specific cybersecurity challenges.
- Customization: Look for programs that can be tailored to your team’s skill levels and needs.
- Practicality: Assess the hands-on opportunities and real-world simulations offered.
- Certification Path: Determine if the training leads to recognized cybersecurity certifications.
- Budget: Evaluate the overall cost, including certification exam fees.
- Reviews: Check feedback from peers or industry experts on the effectiveness of the training.
- Continuous Learning: Inquire about options for ongoing skill development and updates.
- Accessibility: Consider whether the training format suits your team’s schedules and preferences.
- Support: Explore additional resources like job placement assistance or networking opportunities.
- Cybersecurity Culture: Ensure the training fosters a cybersecurity-aware workplace culture.
FAQs About Cybersecurity and Training
Are Employees Able to Identify Cybersecurity Attacks? How Can You Train Them?
Without cybersecurity training, employees cannot quickly identify cybersecurity attacks. There are various free and paid cybersecurity courses to train your employees to identify ransomware attacks or other kinds of attacks.
Are There Prerequisites for Cyber Security Training?
There are no prerequisites for cybersecurity training. However, having a bachelor’s degree in computer science, cybersecurity, and related technical fields helps individuals grasp cybersecurity concepts easily.
How Can Cybersecurity Professionals Stay up to date and Advance Their Careers?
Staying updated and advancing their careers is essential for cybersecurity professionals, and they can achieve this by following cybersecurity influencers, attending live events, checking vulnerability and risk advisory feeds, and listening to podcasts.
Is There Such a Thing as Free Cyber Security Training?
Yes, you can find free cybersecurity training courses on the web. SANS Institute, Coursera, and edX offer free training on cybersecurity fundamentals.
Is There Software for Employee Cyber Security Awareness?
Yes, there are software programs for employee cyber security awareness. A few leading software applications are KnowBe4, Hoxhunt, and Infosec IQ.
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