WiCyS + ISC2 Fall Camp Opens Applications for Certified in Cybersecurity Certification
In Cookeville, Tenn., Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS), a nonprofit organization aiming to promote women’s participation in cybersecurity, partnered with ISC2 to introduce the WiCyS + ISC2 Certified in CybersecuritySM Certification Fall Camp. This program, which opened its applications on August 5, 2024, targets underrepresented demographics to provide a pathway into cybersecurity education and certification.
The Fall Camp presents an entry-level certification called Certified in Cybersecurity (CC), which requires no prior work experience or prerequisites, making it accessible to a wide range of participants, including IT professionals, career changers, college students, and high school graduates. In addition to the certification, the program emphasizes community building, mentorship, and incentives to create a holistic learning experience.
Building on the success of the Spring Camp, where over 100 women obtained certification, WiCyS Executive Director Lynn Dohm highlighted the importance of offering educational opportunities to underrepresented groups in the cybersecurity field. The Certified in Cybersecurity certification aims to help individuals from diverse backgrounds launch careers in cybersecurity within a supportive and inclusive environment.
Scheduled to run from September 12 to October 12, the WiCyS + ISC2 Fall Camp will cover five key security domains: security principles, business continuity, disaster recovery, incident response concepts, access control concepts, network security, and security operations. Participants will have access to ISC2’s self-paced online training for CC, WiCyS mentors, ISC2 technical mentors, and open office hours for curriculum-related questions and troubleshooting.
Dwan Jones, ISC2’s director of diversity, equity & inclusion, emphasized the need for well-trained cybersecurity professionals from varied backgrounds to contribute diverse perspectives to the industry. The Fall Camp aims to equip entry-level professionals with foundational cybersecurity knowledge sought by employers, helping them develop skills applicable to their work and ultimately fostering a robust and inclusive cybersecurity workforce capable of addressing evolving threats.
Applications for the WiCyS + ISC2 Certified in CybersecuritySM Certification Fall Camp are open until August 20, with commitment forms expected to be sent out between August 29 and August 30. Those interested in applying can visit https://www.wicys.org/benefits/isc2-certified-in-cybersecurity-certification for more information.
WiCyS, founded in 2013 by Dr. Ambareen Siraj through a National Science Foundation grant to Tennessee Tech University, serves as a global nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing women’s involvement in cybersecurity. ISC2, on the other hand, stands as the leading member organization for cybersecurity professionals worldwide, advocating for a secure cyber world through certifications like the CISSP® and initiatives promoting diversity and cybersecurity education.
As the WiCyS + ISC2 Fall Camp gears up to empower aspiring cybersecurity professionals, the collaboration between WiCyS and ISC2 represents a crucial step towards building a more inclusive and skilled cybersecurity workforce for the future.