In Cary, North Carolina, on August 22nd, 2024, INE Security, a prominent cybersecurity training and certification provider, announced its new partnerships with various higher education institutions as part of its ongoing commitment to investing in the education of budding cybersecurity professionals.
Dara Warn, the CEO of INE Security, emphasized the critical skills gap in the cybersecurity industry and the significant implications it has for businesses and individuals. The aim of these partnerships is to collaborate with higher education institutions to bridge this gap, redefine the approach to preparing cybersecurity students, and ultimately bolster the overall strength and security of the industry. With digital threats transcending borders, the demand for comprehensive cybersecurity education has never been more urgent.
Universities worldwide are recognizing the pivotal role they play in grooming the next generation of cybersecurity experts, not just for national security reasons but also to maintain global competitiveness. As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, educational institutions are under pressure to equip their students with the skills needed to effectively navigate and counter these risks.
The urgency for advanced cybersecurity training stems from the sheer scale and global nature of cyber threats. The 2020 Cost of a Data Breach Report by IBM revealed that the average total cost of a data breach worldwide skyrocketed to $3.86 million, underscoring the profound economic impact of such incidents. To combat this global threat landscape, a workforce proficient in technical skills and well-versed in international cybersecurity challenges is imperative.
One of the key partnerships is between INE Security and Columbus State University (CSU) in the United States. Recognizing the severe shortage of IT and cybersecurity professionals in Georgia, CSU launched the NEXUS program in 2017. However, the program lacked hands-on labs and certification opportunities, hindering students from gaining essential practical skills and accredited certifications for the cybersecurity workforce. By integrating the Junior Penetration Tester (eJPT) certification into its curriculum in collaboration with INE Security, CSU successfully addressed this training gap. The hands-on nature of the eJPT certification, along with its immediate feedback mechanism, proved instrumental in enhancing practical training for 122 students who completed it.
Another noteworthy collaboration is between INE Security and FOUR18 Intelligence, focusing on delivering live-fire training to students to enhance real-world cyber defense education. The partnership aims to make high-quality cybersecurity training accessible globally and offers hands-on engagement opportunities to prepare students for actual security risks. By leveraging FOUR18’s DEF3NSE system, students benefit from immersive learning experiences that equip them to tackle real-world security challenges effectively.
INE Security also joined forces with Virtually Testing Foundation (VTF), a California-based e-learning non-profit organization aiming to educate individuals transitioning into the cybersecurity field. Through this partnership, VTF interns gain access to premium training materials, hands-on labs, on-demand videos, and industry certifications at no cost, empowering them with essential cybersecurity skills to bridge crucial skills gaps.
The cybersecurity field presents promising career prospects, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 31% growth in employment for information security analysts from 2019 to 2029. This growth underscores the increasing demand for cybersecurity professionals capable of addressing national and international challenges. Moreover, the integration of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning in combating cybercrime underscores the evolving nature of the field, offering continuous learning opportunities for aspiring professionals.
Higher education institutions that invest in comprehensive cybersecurity training with experienced partners are making significant contributions to the global economy. By equipping students with the requisite skills to confront international cyber challenges effectively, these institutions are not only enhancing their graduates’ competitiveness but also preparing them to lead in the global cybersecurity landscape. These efforts not only safeguard the institutions’ data and reputations but also ensure their students are well-equipped for a future where cybersecurity expertise is indispensable.
In conclusion, the partnerships between INE Security and various higher education institutions underscore a concerted effort to address the critical skills gap in the cybersecurity industry. By fostering collaborations that enhance practical training, hands-on engagement, and real-world cybersecurity education, these initiatives are poised to shape the next generation of cybersecurity professionals and bolster the industry’s resilience against evolving threats.