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AI Security Readiness Is Now an Operational Skill Beyond the Engineering Team
Generative AI did not wait for enterprise AI strategies to mature before entering the workplace.Employees began using chat-based AI tools to summarize documents, troubleshoot issues, draft code, analyze tickets, write reports, and accelerate daily work before many organizations had clear policies, visibility, controls, or training programs in place. That created risk from the beginning: sensitive data could be pasted into public tools, AI-generated answers could be trusted too quickly, and business users could introduce AI into workflows before IT, security, legal, or compliance teams understood where data was going or how outputs were being used.Today, those risks are not brand new. They are evolving.AI is moving from informal use into structured enterprise workflows. Chat assistants are being connected to internal data. Retrieval-augmented generation systems are searching across knowledge bases. AI-enabled tools are supporting security operations, software development, cloud administration, IT support, reporting, and automation. Agents are being granted more access to systems, APIs, and workflows.That creates a new security reality: AI risk is no longer limited to the people building models. It belongs to the people using, connecting, monitoring, and securing AI-enabled systems every day.That is why AI security readiness matters.What is AI security readiness?AI security readiness is the operational capability to identify, assess, test, mitigate, and continuously monitor security risks associated with AI-enabled systems.It is not the same as general AI literacy. AI literacy helps users understand what AI is, how to use it responsibly, and where broad risks may exist. AI security readiness goes further. It helps technical practitioners understand how AI systems behave in real environments, where security assumptions can fail, and how to validate controls around prompts, retrieval layers, tools, outputs, logging, permissions, and human review.In practical terms, AI security readiness means a team can answer questions like:What data can this AI system access?Where can sensitive information leak?Could a prompt injection attack alter system behavior?Are retrieval results properly authorized, scoped, filtered, and validated?What tools, APIs, or actions can the AI system trigger?Where does human approval need to be required?How will the team test whether controls are working?Those are not abstract AI questions. They are operational security questions.The risk started with adoption. It is expanding with integration.Many organizations initially treated generative AI as a productivity issue. Employees were using chatbots, copilots, and assistants to move faster, often outside formal technology review processes. The early risks were immediate and practical: sensitive data exposure, unverified outputs, shadow AI use, weak guidance, and limited logging or oversight.Now the risk surface is expanding because AI is becoming more integrated.A chatbot used by one employee creates one type of risk. A retrieval system connected to internal documents creates another. An AI agent that can open tickets, query databases, call APIs, summarize alerts, or trigger automation introduces a different level of exposure.The shift is not from “safe” to “risky.” The shift is from unmanaged individual use to embedded operational dependence.That distinction matters. Organizations do not need panic. They need maturity.Why AI security is no longer only an engineering problemMany organizations began formal AI programs as innovation projects. A small technical group evaluated tools, tested use cases, reviewed vendors, and explored proofs of concept. But that model doesn't fully reflect how generative AI is being used across the business.AI-enabled workflows appear across IT support, SOC operations, software development, cloud operations, internal knowledge management, ticketing, reporting, and automation.A help desk technician may use AI to summarize an incident. A SOC analyst may use AI to enrich an alert. A developer may use AI to generate or review code. A cloud engineer may use AI to draft automation. A business user may use an AI assistant to search internal documents.Each workflow introduces different security questions.A SOC analyst does not need to become an AI researcher to use AI safely. But that analyst does need to understand why AI-generated enrichment should be verified before escalation. A cloud operations professional does not need to build a language model from scratch. But that professional does need to understand how tool permissions, secrets, logs, and human approval gates affect AI-enabled automation.This is the practical middle ground organizations need to build.INE’s AI Systems Security Specialist (eAIS) Certification is designed for that exact gap: foundational, role-aligned skills for identifying, testing, and securing AI-powered systems. The certification is built for IT support teams, help desk professionals, system administrators, junior security analysts, SOC teams, DevOps, platform and cloud operations professionals, students, and career changers entering cybersecurity.Where traditional approaches fall shortMost organizations already have some combination of cybersecurity awareness, acceptable-use policies, security tooling, and application security processes. Those remain important. They are not enough on their own.AI awareness training can explain policy, ethics, and safe-use expectations. But awareness does not teach a practitioner how to test whether a retrieval-augmented generation system is exposing sensitive documents or whether an AI agent has too much permission.Traditional application security can help identify code-level and architecture-level weaknesses. But AI-enabled systems introduce behavior that depends on prompts, retrieved context, model responses, tool access, logging, and downstream interpretation.Advanced AI red teaming is valuable for mature programs and specialized teams. But many organizations need a broader baseline first. They need IT, SOC, DevOps, cloud, and security practitioners who can recognize common AI-specific risks and apply practical controls before escalation.That baseline is quickly becoming part of operational maturity.Practical AI security risks teams need to recognizeAI security readiness starts with knowing what can go wrong in real workflows.Sensitive data exposure can happen when employees paste confidential information, customer data, source code, credentials, incident details, or regulated data into AI systems without understanding retention, logging, or access implications.Prompt injection occurs when crafted instructions manipulate an AI system into ignoring rules, revealing information, or taking unintended actions. This can happen directly through user prompts or indirectly through content the AI system retrieves or processes.RAG exposure can happen when retrieval systems surface documents, embeddings, or context that users should not access. A system may appear secure at the interface while still retrieving from poorly scoped data sources behind the scenes.Tool misuse becomes a risk when AI systems can call APIs, query databases, create tickets, execute commands, send messages, or trigger automations. The more agency a system has, the more important least privilege, validation, and human approval become.Unsafe logging and retention can create new exposure paths when prompts, outputs, embeddings, chat histories, ticket summaries, or troubleshooting records store information that should not be retained or broadly accessible.Overreliance becomes an operational risk when teams accept AI outputs without review. In security operations, development, and IT workflows, a confident answer is not the same as a verified answer.These risks do not mean organizations should avoid AI. They mean AI adoption has to be paired with practical security skills.How eAIS helps validate AI security readinesseAIS gives practitioners and teams a structured path for building and validating foundational AI security skills.The certification focuses on practical operational readiness, including AI system architecture, exposure points, prompt injection, AI abuse techniques, defensive controls, AI security testing, validation, and safe operational use.That matters because organizations need more than policy acknowledgment. They need evidence that practitioners understand how AI systems change risk and can apply controls in realistic scenarios.The eAIS learning path supports preparation through expert-led instruction and hands-on training covering AI system architecture, embeddings and RAG security, prompt injection and jailbreaks, tool and agentic workflow abuse patterns, defensive controls, secure integrations, human-in-the-loop automation, telemetry, and AI security testing.For enterprise teams, INE Enterprise supports workforce development through hands-on labs, assessments, reporting, team management, analytics, and practical learning paths that help leaders track progress and performance across teams.For SOC teams specifically, eAIS can also complement defensive operations training. INE’s cybersecurity training supports practitioners building skills across security operations, incident response, threat hunting, penetration testing, cloud security, and related domains. Together, AI security readiness and core SOC skills help organizations prepare analysts for both traditional security operations and the AI-enabled workflows increasingly appearing inside modern SOCs.What organizations should do nextAI security readiness should become part of workforce planning, not an afterthought added after AI adoption accelerates.Security leaders can begin by identifying where AI is already used across IT, SOC, DevOps, cloud, and development workflows. From there, teams should map the highest-risk AI-enabled processes, define baseline controls, and determine which roles need practical AI security training.A useful first step is to separate three groups:General users need acceptable-use guidance and awareness.Technical operators need practical AI security readiness: how to recognize AI-specific risk, apply baseline controls, test behavior, and use AI safely in operational workflows.Specialists need deeper AI red teaming, architecture review, governance, and advanced testing capabilities.Most organizations will need all three layers. The urgent gap is the middle one, where many real-world AI risks will first be noticed, handled, or missed.The future of AI security is operationalAI security will continue to evolve quickly. New tools, architectures, attack techniques, and governance expectations will keep changing how organizations assess risk. But the underlying workforce challenge is already clear.Organizations cannot secure AI adoption with policy alone. They also cannot rely only on a small group of specialists to review every AI-enabled workflow. AI has already entered daily work. Now security capability has to meet it there.AI security readiness turns AI risk from a vague concern into a measurable skill set. It helps practitioners understand where AI systems can fail, how attackers may exploit them, and what controls can reduce risk. It helps leaders move from AI enthusiasm to AI governance with operational confidence.For organizations building that capability, INE’s eAIS Certification offers a practical starting point for validating foundational AI systems security skills. Teams looking to scale training across roles can also explore INE Enterprise or talk to an INE Team Advisor about workforce readiness in the AI era.
FAQWhat is AI security readiness?AI security readiness is the operational capability to identify, assess, test, mitigate, and continuously monitor security risks associated with AI-enabled systems. It includes understanding how AI systems use prompts, retrieval, tools, data, outputs, logs, permissions, and human review so teams can apply practical controls and validate that those controls work.Are generative AI security risks new?No. Generative AI introduced practical risk as soon as employees began using widely available AI chatbots in daily work. What is changing now is the level of enterprise integration, data access, automation, and autonomy. The risks are not new, but they are evolving.Who needs AI security training?AI security training is useful for security analysts, SOC teams, IT support, help desk professionals, system administrators, DevOps teams, platform engineers, cloud operations teams, junior cybersecurity professionals, and anyone responsible for using or securing AI-enabled workflows.How is AI security different from AI literacy?AI literacy helps users understand AI concepts, acceptable use, and broad risks. AI security focuses on practical risk reduction: identifying prompt injection, data leakage, RAG exposure, tool misuse, unsafe outputs, excessive permissions, and control failures in real workflows.Why do SOC, IT, DevOps, and cloud teams need AI security skills?These teams increasingly use AI in operational workflows and may also support systems that connect AI to data, tools, logs, infrastructure, and automation. AI security skills help them verify outputs, protect sensitive data, apply least privilege, test controls, and prevent unsafe AI-assisted actions.What does the eAIS Certification cover?INE’s AI Systems Security Specialist (eAIS) Certification focuses on foundational AI security readiness, including AI system architecture, prompt injection, RAG security, tool and agentic workflow risks, defensive controls, testing, validation, and safe operational use.Is eAIS only for AI engineers?No. eAIS is designed for technology and operations professionals who may not build AI models but increasingly work with AI-enabled systems. That includes IT support, help desk, system administrators, SOC analysts, DevOps, platform, cloud operations, students, and career changers entering cybersecurity.How can enterprises build AI security readiness across teams?Enterprises can begin by identifying where AI is already used, mapping high-risk workflows, defining baseline controls, and training technical operators who support AI-enabled systems. INE Enterprise can help teams scale hands-on training, assessments, learning paths, reporting, and progress tracking across cybersecurity and IT roles.
INE Launches eAIS Certification to Build Practical AI Security Readiness
New AI Security Fundamentals credential focuses on prompt injection, RAG security, tool misuse, and safe operational use of AI across IT and cybersecurity teamsCARY, N.C. —June 23, 2026 — INE, a leading provider of cybersecurity and networking training, today announced the launch of AI Systems Security Specialist (eAIS), a new certification designed to help IT, cybersecurity, and operations professionals understand, assess, and secure modern AI-enabled systems.As organizations rapidly adopt copilots, chat assistants, LLM-enabled applications, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and agentic workflows, AI security is moving beyond a specialized engineering discipline and becoming a frontline responsibility. eAIS is built for technology and operations professionals who are not AI engineers, but are increasingly expected to identify AI-specific risk, apply baseline controls, and use AI safely in day-to-day operational environments.The certification addresses a growing gap between general AI literacy and advanced AI red teaming. eAIS focuses on the practical middle ground: helping practitioners recognize how AI systems change risk, where sensitive data can leak, how attackers exploit AI workflows, and how to validate that foundational defenses are working.“With eAIS, we are giving practitioners a practical, security-first credential that helps them understand AI risk, apply effective controls, and make safer decisions in real operational environments. For enterprises managing AI adoption this is a game-changer in assessing and validating needed skills.” said Lindsey Rinehart, CEO of INE. Built for Practical AI Security ReadinesseAIS is designed for IT support teams, help desk professionals, system administrators, junior security analysts, SOC teams, DevOps, platform, and cloud operations professionals, as well as students and career changers entering cybersecurity.The certification emphasizes security-first AI fundamentals, including:Understanding how LLM applications, RAG pipelines, tools, agents, and logging systems create new exposure pointsIdentifying prompt injection, jailbreaks, data leakage, RAG poisoning, tool misuse, and over-permissioning risksApplying practical safeguards such as least privilege, parameter validation, fail-closed controls, human-in-the-loop gates, structured outputs, retrieval hardening, and safe loggingTesting and validating mitigations through repeatable, hands-on exercisesUsing AI safely in SOC, IT operations, automation, and SDLC workflows through verify-before-act practices, audit trails, review gates, and secrets hygieneUnlike broad AI literacy programs, eAIS is vendor-neutral, tool-agnostic, and grounded in operational security outcomes. Learners are trained not only to understand AI risk, but to implement and verify controls in ways that align with real enterprise environments.Comprehensive Coverage Across AI Security DomainsThe learning path includes focused modules on AI systems for security practitioners, embeddings and RAG security, prompt injection and jailbreaks, tool and agentic workflow abuse patterns, defensive controls, secure integrations, human-in-the-loop automation, telemetry, and AI security testing.For enterprises, eAIS provides a clear signal that teams can safely evaluate AI-enabled workflows and apply baseline controls before risk becomes operational exposure. For practitioners, it offers a practical credential for building confidence in one of cybersecurity’s fastest-growing areas.AvailabilityThe AI Security Fundamentals (eAIS) certification and learning path are available now through INE. For details on exam requirements, preparation resources, and enterprise training options, visit ine.com/enterprise.
AI Is Finding More Vulnerabilities Than Teams Can Fix — Here’s the Real Challenge
AI is changing cybersecurity operations faster than most organizations can adapt.Security teams now have access to tools that can scan codebases, identify weaknesses, surface suspicious behaviors, and accelerate investigations at unprecedented scale. Tasks that once required days of manual effort can now happen in minutes.On the surface, that sounds like progress.But for many organizations, the result has been a growing operational problem: more findings, more alerts, and more decisions than teams can realistically process.The challenge is no longer visibility.It’s prioritization, validation, and operational readiness.More Visibility Doesn’t Automatically Reduce RiskAI-powered security tooling has dramatically increased the volume of information security teams can access.Teams can now:Analyze larger environments fasterDetect patterns humans may missSurface vulnerabilities at scaleAutomate portions of research and analysisBut identifying issues is only part of the equation.Every finding still requires someone to determine:Is this a legitimate risk?Does it impact production systems?Is immediate action required?What are the operational consequences of remediation?Those decisions still rely heavily on human judgment, context, and experience.The operational bottleneck has shifted.Security teams are no longer struggling to see problems. They are struggling to decide what matters most.AI-Powered Systems Are Expanding the Attack SurfaceAt the same time, organizations are rapidly adopting AI-powered systems across business and technical workflows.LLM applications, AI copilots, retrieval-based systems, and autonomous agents are becoming part of everyday operations in IT, security, engineering, and customer support environments.These technologies create new efficiencies—but they also introduce new categories of risk.Security and IT teams now need to understand:How AI systems process and expose dataWhere prompts, logs, and retrieved information create exposure pointsHow prompt injection and jailbreak techniques workHow AI-enabled tools and integrations can be abusedWhat controls reduce operational risk in AI-powered workflowsFor many organizations, this represents a significant skills gap.Traditional cybersecurity training often doesn’t address AI-specific workflows and risks. At the same time, most AI education focuses on model development or productivity—not operational security.Why Traditional Approaches Are Falling ShortMany organizations are attempting to address AI-related risk through policy alone.Governance frameworks, usage restrictions, and internal guidelines are important—but they are not enough to prepare technical teams for the operational realities of AI-powered systems.Security teams need practical knowledge that helps them:Recognize AI-specific threatsValidate findings instead of blindly trusting outputsApply foundational safeguardsSafely test and evaluate AI-enabled applicationsSupport AI adoption without increasing organizational riskThis is not purely a security challenge.It’s an operational readiness challenge that affects security, IT, cloud, platform, and engineering teams alike.The Organizations Adapting FastestThe organizations responding most effectively to this shift are not necessarily the ones deploying the most AI tools.They are the ones investing in workforce readiness.Forward-looking teams are building foundational AI security capability across technical functions so employees can:Understand how AI systems behave in real environmentsRecognize where exposure and misuse can occurMake informed operational decisionsApply practical controls that reduce risk without slowing innovationThis approach improves more than security posture.Building Practical AI Security ReadinessAs AI becomes embedded across enterprise environments, organizations need professionals who can securely support, evaluate, and operate these systems in practice—not just understand them conceptually.The AI Systems Security Specialist (eAIS) learning path and certification was designed to help IT and cybersecurity professionals build foundational, hands-on skills for working securely with modern AI-powered systems.eAIS focuses on practical operational readiness, including:AI system architecture and exposure pointsPrompt injection and AI abuse techniquesFoundational controls for securing AI-powered systemsAI security testing, validation, and operational safetyThe program is designed for security analysts, IT teams, cloud and platform professionals, and organizations looking to build practical AI security capability across technical teams.Looking AheadAI will continue to accelerate how organizations detect, analyze, and respond to security challenges.But the organizations that succeed long term will not rely on automation alone.They will invest in building teams capable of understanding AI systems, evaluating risk intelligently, and making informed operational decisions in increasingly complex environments.That is where the real competitive advantage will come from.👉 Learn more about the AI Systems Security Specialist (eAIS) Learning Path and Certification
8 Must-Have Networking and Cybersecurity Skills for OT Environments
The Line Between IT and OTMost organizations focus heavily on protecting information technology (IT) systems — company networks, applications, devices, cloud infrastructure, and the sensitive data they store.Today’s most persistent cybersecurity threat in IT environments is identity and credential compromise, increasingly fueled by AI-enhanced phishing attacks. Once attackers gain access, the risk of data theft, operational disruption, and ransomware escalates quickly.Operational technology (OT) environments face a different challenge. Industries that rely on heavy machinery and physical infrastructure must prioritize safety and availability above all else — keeping the power on, production running, and critical services operational.OT systems control the physical processes behind industrial operations, including pumps, turbines, conveyors, safety systems, and industrial control systems (ICS). Unlike traditional IT environments, many OT networks were designed for reliability and uptime long before modern cybersecurity threats became a concern.As a result, legacy software, remote vendor access, and an expanding network edge of connected sensors and mobile devices can introduce significant security gaps.Professionals working in energy, utilities, manufacturing, and transportation need strong networking and cybersecurity foundations to secure these increasingly connected OT environments.
Top Networking Skills for OT SecurityStrong networking fundamentals are essential for securing modern OT environments. As IT and OT systems become more interconnected, professionals need to understand how data moves across industrial networks, how access is controlled, and how to reduce risk without disrupting operations.INE provides technical training and certification preparation across leading networking and security technologies, including Cisco, Fortinet, and more.The following networking skills help security and infrastructure teams build more resilient OT environments.
1. Network SegmentationEffective OT security starts with network segmentation. Organizations must separate corporate IT systems, industrial control networks, vendor access paths, and field devices to prevent threats from moving laterally across the environment.Proper segmentation helps contain incidents, limit unauthorized access, and protect critical operational systems without disrupting uptime.
INE Training: Enterprise Network Security PrinciplesLearn security fundamentals including attack surfaces, Layer 2 and Layer 3 threats, segmentation strategies, security zones, device hardening, and perimeter defense techniques.
2. Remote Access Controls Industrial environments often rely on legacy devices, fixed communication paths, and systems that cannot tolerate unexpected downtime or configuration changes. Because of this, security teams must carefully manage how users, vendors, and operators connect to OT systems.That includes understanding firewalls, VLANs, jump hosts, remote access policies, and traffic monitoring across both enterprise and industrial networks.Secure remote access goes beyond VPN connectivity alone. Organizations also need role-based permissions, session logging, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and visibility into traffic moving between control centers, substations, and field devices.
INE Training: Implementing Inter-VLAN Routing Learn how to implement inter-VLAN routing using Router-on-a-Stick and Switched Virtual Interfaces (SVIs) to better manage segmented network communication and traffic control.
3. Security Hardening Security hardening involves configuring systems, devices, and applications to reduce vulnerabilities while maintaining operational reliability. In OT environments, hardening is especially important because many IoT and ICS assets were not originally designed with modern cybersecurity protections in mind.Proper hardening helps reduce the attack surface across industrial systems, limit unauthorized access, and improve resilience against ransomware and other cyber threats.
INE Training: Security Engineering and System Hardening Bootcamp Learn the fundamentals of security engineering and how to properly secure common operating systems, devices, and enterprise infrastructure.
4. Software-Defined Networking (SDN) for OTSoftware-defined networking (SDN) helps organizations manage complex OT environments more efficiently and securely. By using centralized controllers and policy-based management, teams can monitor network activity, segment traffic, and apply security policies consistently across distributed industrial systems.This becomes especially valuable in remote or large-scale operations where administrators need visibility into substations, manufacturing sites, or field devices without manually configuring every network component.SDN also improves scalability by allowing organizations to prioritize critical traffic, automate network changes, and respond more quickly to operational or security issues.
INE Training: Implementing Cisco SD-WANLearn the theory and hands-on configuration, verification, and troubleshooting skills needed to deploy and manage Cisco SD-WAN solutions.
Cybersecurity Skills for OT Environments
5. SCADA and ICS Security FundamentalsYou cannot secure industrial systems without understanding how they operate. In OT environments, that starts with learning the fundamentals of industrial control systems (ICS) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems.Security professionals should understand the role of programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), remote terminal units (RTUs), and distributed control systems (DCS). They also need familiarity with common industrial protocols and how data moves between sensors, controllers, and operator workstations.This foundational knowledge helps teams identify operational risks, secure critical infrastructure, and communicate more effectively with engineering and operations teams.
INE Training: Introduction to Cyber Security Hardening Learn how to securely deploy and harden systems across Windows, Linux, macOS, IoT, and ICS environments to reduce the overall attack surface.
6. Threat Detection, Logging, and Incident ResponseOT environments require continuous monitoring, log analysis, and structured incident response processes to identify and contain threats without disrupting critical operations.Security teams must understand security information and event management (SIEM) platforms, alert triage, log correlation, and threat investigation techniques across both IT and OT systems.The challenge in industrial environments is balancing speed with operational control. Before taking action, responders often need to validate the scope of an incident, analyze logs across multiple systems, and coordinate closely with engineering and operations teams to avoid unintended downtime.INE Training: SOC Logging & Analysis Learn core SIEM concepts including events, alerts, dashboards, visualizations, and practical log analysis techniques used in modern security operations centers (SOCs).
7. Vulnerability Management and Patching in Critical SystemsVulnerability management in OT environments is far more complex than routine software patching. Many industrial systems cannot be taken offline easily, making traditional patch cycles difficult or even impossible.Modern security programs are shifting away from calendar-based patching toward Continuous Exposure Management — using real-time threat intelligence to prioritize known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs) and reduce risk based on active threats.In cases where critical assets cannot be patched immediately, organizations often rely on compensating controls such as network segmentation, virtual patching, and restricted access policies to protect legacy systems while maintaining operational uptime.The goal is not simply to patch systems quickly, but to reduce risk safely without disrupting critical operations.
INE Training: Introduction to Vulnerability Management Learn how to identify vulnerabilities using modern scanning tools, prioritize and classify risks, and build effective vulnerability management and reporting processes.
8. Cloud, Identity, and Secure Access ManagementAs OT and IT environments become more interconnected, security professionals need a strong understanding of identity and access management (IAM), multi-factor authentication (MFA), privileged access controls, and zero trust principles.Managing identity securely is especially important in industrial environments where third-party vendors, engineers, contractors, and hybrid teams may require remote access to critical systems.Organizations must carefully control who can access OT assets, what permissions they have, and how access is monitored across both on-site and remote operations. INE Training: Introduction to Identity & Access Management Learn the fundamentals of authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA), and how these concepts support secure identity and access management practices.
Build Stronger OT Security TeamsAs industrial environments become more connected, organizations need professionals with expertise across networking, cybersecurity, and operational technology.INE helps enterprises develop the technical skills needed to secure modern OT and ICS environments through hands-on training, certification preparation, and practical cybersecurity education.Whether your teams are strengthening network segmentation, improving incident response, or building secure remote access strategies, the right technical foundation is critical to reducing operational risk.Explore INE’s networking and cybersecurity training to help your teams build safer, more resilient OT environments.
INE Helps Public Agencies Prepare for the Rise of AI-Driven Cyber Attacks
New training initiative addresses deepfakes, AI phishing, and evolving threats targeting public trust and critical servicesCARY, N.C. — June 3, 2026 - INE, global provider of networking and cybersecurity training and certifications, today announced an expanded public sector cybersecurity training initiative designed to help local governments defend against rapidly evolving AI-enabled threats targeting both human and technical systems.AI Attacks Are Eroding Trust Across Public SystemsAs AI-powered attacks become more convincing and automated, public agencies are facing a growing trust challenge on two fronts: trust in communications and trust in the systems behind them.AI-generated voice clones are being used to impersonate government officials and authorize fraudulent transfers. Hyper-personalized phishing campaigns can now mimic internal communication styles using publicly available information from social media, meeting records, and online documents. At the same time, autonomous AI tools are continuously scanning for exposed APIs, cloud misconfigurations, and unpatched legacy systems.These attacks succeed because they exploit both human judgment and technical vulnerabilities simultaneously. A fake voice can sound legitimate. A fraudulent email can appear routine. An improperly secured AI-enabled chatbot can unintentionally expose sensitive information. When incidents occur, agencies are increasingly forced to determine whether systems were breached directly, manipulated through deception, or both.“The public sector is facing a new category of cyber risk,” said Lindsey Reinhardt, CEO of INE. “AI attacks are faster, more convincing, and more scalable than traditional phishing campaigns. Local governments need training that prepares teams to recognize deepfakes, respond to AI-driven threats, and maintain critical public services during an incident.”The Operational Impact Extends Beyond Data LossThe operational impact of these attacks extends well beyond data loss. Residents may lose access to billing systems and public services. Payroll processing can be disrupted. Courts may need to reschedule hearings. Emergency response systems and transit communications can be affected. Public trust can erode quickly when essential services become unavailable.For many public agencies, the challenge is compounded by limited staffing, aging infrastructure, and increasing pressure to modernize services quickly. Attackers understand that even short disruptions can create public confusion, overwhelm internal teams, and damage confidence in local institutions. The speed and scale of AI-enabled attacks are forcing agencies to rethink not only how they defend systems, but how they maintain continuity and public trust during a crisis.Building Readiness for AI-Driven ThreatsINE’s training approach is designed around the real-world scenarios public agencies are increasingly encountering, including incident response, threat hunting, SOC readiness, cloud security, data protection, and AI-focused security awareness. The program supports teams across cybersecurity, networking, cloud, data, and IT operations with practical, hands-on preparation for emerging threats.Municipal agencies that invest in continuous training, rehearsed response procedures, and modern defensive controls are better positioned to contain attacks and recover quickly. As AI-enabled threats continue to evolve, resilience requires more than annual compliance training.INE Enterprise supports public sector organizations with scalable training across cybersecurity, networking, cloud, and AI. With more than 70 learning paths and 4,500 hands-on labs, organizations can build operational readiness across teams and strengthen their ability to protect critical services and public trust.For more information about INE’s public sector cybersecurity training solutions, visit ine.com.
About INEINE is an award-winning, premier provider of online networking and cybersecurity education, including cybersecurity training and certification. INE is trusted by Fortune 500 companies and IT professionals around the globe. Leveraging a state-of-the-art hands-on lab platform, advanced technologies, a global video distribution network, and instruction from world-class experts, INE sets the standard for high-impact, career-advancing technical education.
May 2026 CVEs: Firewall RCEs & Exchange Zero-Days
May 2026 delivered another aggressive wave of high-impact vulnerabilities, with attackers heavily targeting enterprise infrastructure, identity systems, and internet-facing services. This month’s disclosures included a critical Palo Alto firewall vulnerability under active exploitation, a Microsoft Exchange OWA zero-day added to CISA’s KEV catalog, and major risks affecting Azure DevOps, Android, and nginx environments.What makes May especially significant is the concentration of vulnerabilities impacting the technologies organizations rely on most for security, communication, and cloud operations. From perimeter firewalls and email systems to CI/CD pipelines and mobile devices, these flaws demonstrate how attackers continue to focus on high-value platforms capable of enabling broad compromise and lateral movement.Why May’s CVEs MatterSecurity infrastructure itself is under attack: Firewall and reverse proxy vulnerabilities create direct paths into enterprise networksActively exploited enterprise flaws are increasing: Exchange and PAN-OS vulnerabilities were weaponized rapidlyCloud and DevOps platforms remain high-value targets: Azure DevOps exposure raises serious software supply chain concernsMobile enterprise risk continues to grow: Android vulnerabilities increasingly impact corporate identity and MFA workflowsLegacy exposure remains dangerous: The nginx flaw reportedly persisted undetected for nearly 18 yearsTogether, these vulnerabilities reinforce the growing importance of proactive patching, attack surface reduction, and visibility across hybrid enterprise environments.1. Palo Alto PAN-OS Unauthenticated Root RCE (CVE-2026-0300)Impact: Unauthenticated Root Remote Code Execution
Severity: Critical (CVSS 9.3)
Status: Actively exploited in the wildCVE-2026-0300 is one of the most serious enterprise infrastructure vulnerabilities disclosed in May 2026, affecting Palo Alto PAN-OS firewalls. The flaw exists within the User-ID Authentication Portal (Captive Portal) and allows attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely as root without authentication.Palo Alto linked exploitation activity to a suspected state-sponsored threat cluster identified as CL-STA-1132.Why it matters:Targets internet-facing firewall infrastructureEnables full perimeter compromiseAllows credential harvesting and lateral movementAttackers can deploy tunneling tools and destroy logsSecurity boundaries themselves become compromisedRecommended Actions:Patch affected PAN-OS systems immediatelyDisable exposed captive portals if not requiredReview logs for:ReverseSocks5 activityEarthWorm tunnelssuspicious nginx worker crashesMonitor for unusual outbound traffic patterns2. Microsoft Exchange OWA XSS Zero-Day (CVE-2026-42897)Impact: Session Hijacking and Mailbox Compromise
Severity: High/Critical operational impact
Status: Actively exploitedCVE-2026-42897 is a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability affecting Microsoft Exchange Server Outlook Web Access (OWA). The flaw allows attackers to send specially crafted emails that execute malicious JavaScript when opened in OWA sessions.The vulnerability was rapidly added to CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog due to active exploitation activity.Why it matters:Exchange remains a top enterprise attack targetEnables credential theft and mailbox compromiseCan facilitate phishing pivoting and persistenceEmail remains a primary ransomware initial-access vectorExploitation can spread rapidly across organizationsRecommended Actions:Enable Exchange Emergency Mitigation Service (EMS)Restrict public OWA exposure where possibleRun Microsoft EOMT mitigation scriptsMonitor mailbox activity for anomaliesReview suspicious login and forwarding rule activity3. Azure DevOps Information Disclosure (CVE-2026-42826)Impact: Exposure of Secrets, Tokens, and Pipeline Data
Severity: Critical (CVSS 10.0)
Status: Patched in May 2026 Patch TuesdayCVE-2026-42826 is a critical information disclosure vulnerability affecting Azure DevOps. The flaw drew major attention due to its maximum CVSS score and the sensitive nature of DevOps environments.Azure DevOps systems frequently store deployment credentials, cloud secrets, CI/CD tokens, infrastructure configurations, and source code — making them highly valuable targets.Why it matters:Potential exposure of sensitive cloud credentialsIncreased software supply chain compromise riskCould enable malicious CI/CD pipeline injectionsMay facilitate broader cloud environment takeoverImpacts a core enterprise DevOps platformRecommended Actions:Patch affected systems immediatelyRotate potentially exposed tokens and secretsAudit build pipelines for unauthorized modificationsReview access logs for abnormal retrieval activityValidate least-privilege access policies4. Android System RCE (CVE-2026-0073)Impact: Remote Code Execution on Mobile Devices
Severity: Critical
Status: Included in Google May 2026 Android Security BulletinCVE-2026-0073 affects the Android System component and allows remote code execution under certain conditions across Android 14, 15, and 16 devices.As mobile devices continue to serve as critical identity and access points for enterprise environments, Android vulnerabilities carry growing operational and security implications.Why it matters:BYOD environments expand exposureMobile devices often store corporate credentialsMFA apps can become interception targetsCompromised devices can act as enterprise footholdsEnterprise mobile risk continues to increaseRecommended Actions:Enforce the May 2026 Android patch levelBlock outdated devices through MDM policiesRequire device compliance validationReview mobile EDR and authentication alertsRestrict access from non-compliant devices5. “NGINX Rift” Heap Buffer Overflow (CVE-2026-42945)Impact: Potential Remote Compromise of Web Infrastructure
Severity: Critical
Status: Newly disclosed; exploit-chain concerns growingCVE-2026-42945, dubbed “NGINX Rift,” is a heap buffer overflow vulnerability affecting nginx builds dating back to 2008. Researchers warned the flaw may be chainable with other Linux vulnerabilities to achieve stealthy root-level compromise.Because nginx powers a massive portion of modern web infrastructure, the disclosure immediately raised concerns across cloud-native environments.Why it matters:Affects one of the world’s most deployed web serversMay enable stealthy persistence and root accessCreates potential reverse proxy takeover scenariosImpacts Kubernetes ingress and cloud-native stacksLong-standing flaws increase exposure uncertaintyRecommended Actions:Patch nginx deployments immediately once fixes are availableReview reverse proxy configurations and exposureMonitor for suspicious memory and process activityAudit Kubernetes ingress environmentsConduct forensic reviews for persistence indicatorsFinal ThoughtsMay 2026 reinforced a growing trend in cybersecurity: attackers are increasingly targeting the platforms organizations trust most to secure, manage, and operate their environments. Firewalls, email infrastructure, DevOps pipelines, mobile devices, and reverse proxies all became focal points this month, demonstrating how a single exploited vulnerability can rapidly cascade into enterprise-wide compromise.The combination of actively exploited flaws, supply chain exposure, and internet-facing infrastructure risks highlights the need for organizations to prioritize:Rapid patch management for critical systemsVisibility across cloud, mobile, and hybrid environmentsMonitoring for exploitation activity and persistenceStrong segmentation and least-privilege access controlsContinuous validation of security infrastructure itselfAs threat actors continue to weaponize vulnerabilities faster than ever, organizations need defenders who can identify, prioritize, and respond to emerging threats in real time.👉 Train with INE to build hands-on cybersecurity expertise in vulnerability management, threat detection, cloud security, penetration testing, and incident response — helping your team stay prepared for today’s evolving threat landscape.
INE Earns 43 G2 Summer 2026 Awards for Cybersecurity and Technical Skills Training
Verified customer reviews recognize INE as a top platform for hands-on cybersecurity and technical skills development across enterprise and global markets.CARY, N.C. — May 26, 2026 — INE, a global leader in hands-on cybersecurity and technical training, today announced it has earned a record-breaking 43 badges in the G2 Summer 2026 Reports — nearly doubling the company’s previous high and reinforcing INE’s momentum across cybersecurity and technical workforce development.The awards span cybersecurity professional development, technical skills development, and online course provider categories, including recognition across enterprise, SMB, and international regional markets.Because G2 rankings are driven by verified customer reviews, the awards reflect direct feedback from cybersecurity and IT professionals using INE to build real-world technical skills.As organizations face growing pressure to close cybersecurity and technical skills gaps, demand continues to rise for hands-on workforce development platforms that help teams build practical, operational readiness — not just theoretical knowledge.The recognition reflects growing demand for hands-on cybersecurity and technical workforce development solutions that help organizations build practical, operational readiness.
INE delivers hands-on training across cybersecurity, cloud, networking, AI, infrastructure, and data science through expert-led instruction, immersive labs, cyber ranges, and certification preparation.Organizations Choose INE for:Hands-on labs and cyber ranges that simulate real-world environmentsTraining across cybersecurity, cloud, networking, AI, infrastructure, and data scienceCertification preparation for leading industry vendorsWorkforce development solutions for enterprise and growing technical teamsBusiness analytics and reporting for learner progress and team readinessFlexible training solutions designed to scale with organizational needsINE’s business solutions help organizations scale workforce development through hands-on technical training, certification preparation, analytics, and reporting designed to support both team performance and long-term organizational readiness.Learn why cybersecurity and IT professionals worldwide continue to rank INE among the leading platforms for hands-on technical training at ine.com/enterprise.
As GCC Smart Infrastructure Accelerates, Cybersecurity Readiness Becomes Critical to Operational Resilience
Massive investments in AI-enabled infrastructure, smart cities, and connected operational systems are increasing demand for OT and ICS cybersecurity readiness across the GCC.
As GCC nations accelerate investments in smart infrastructure, AI-enabled operations, and connected digital ecosystems, cybersecurity readiness is becoming a growing operational priority across critical sectors.According to recent market reports, GCC smart cities and digital transformation investments are projected to surpass USD 907 billion by 2032, fueled by large-scale initiatives tied to Saudi Vision 2030, the UAE Digital Economy Strategy, and broader regional infrastructure modernization efforts.From telecom and utilities to transportation and industrial environments, these modernization initiatives are rapidly expanding the number of connected systems supporting daily operations. While these technologies are driving efficiency, automation, and innovation at unprecedented scale, they are also increasing operational cybersecurity complexity across Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and operational technology (OT) environments.
Infrastructure Modernization Is Reshaping Operational EnvironmentsAcross the GCC, governments and enterprises are rapidly deploying technologies that are transforming how infrastructure is managed and operated.These initiatives include:AI-driven digital twins for utilities and urban infrastructure5G-enabled smart city systems and industrial automationCloud-native digital identity ecosystemsAutonomous transportation and mobility platformsPredictive maintenance and AI-powered operational analyticsSaudi Arabia’s construction market alone is projected to grow from USD 101.4 billion in 2025 to USD 140.4 billion by 2034, driven by major initiatives including NEOM, Qiddiya, Diriyah Gate, and other Vision 2030 infrastructure projects.At the same time, UAE-led digital economy initiatives are accelerating the deployment of biometric payment systems, AI-enabled governance platforms, and interconnected public service ecosystems designed to support a digital-first economy.
Operational Technology Is Becoming More Connected and More ExposedAs operational systems become increasingly integrated, the line between traditional IT environments and operational technology continues to disappear.Many industrial and infrastructure systems were originally designed for reliability and uptime—not internet-scale connectivity or modern cyber threats. As organizations integrate AI, cloud platforms, IoT devices, and real-time operational technologies into daily operations, cybersecurity demands are expanding across infrastructure teams.This growing convergence is increasing the need for professionals who understand both cybersecurity principles and operational environments.
Key Skills Needed for Modern Infrastructure SecurityOrganizations that invest in workforce readiness alongside infrastructure modernization are expected to be better positioned to support operational continuity, resilience, and long-term digital transformation goals.
Workforce Readiness Will Define Operational ResilienceAs GCC nations continue investing in smart infrastructure, digital economies, and next-generation operational systems, cybersecurity preparedness is expected to become an increasingly important pillar of operational resilience and long-term infrastructure modernization success.INE supports infrastructure-focused organizations with technical training designed to strengthen cybersecurity, networking, and operational readiness across increasingly connected environments. Learn more about INE Enterprise Training for Teams to increase your team’s operational readiness.
About INEINE is an award-winning, premier provider of online networking and cybersecurity education, including cybersecurity training and certification. INE is trusted by Fortune 500 companies and IT professionals around the globe. Leveraging a state-of-the-art hands-on lab platform, advanced technologies, a global video distribution network, and instruction from world-class experts, INE sets the standard for high-impact, career-advancing technical education.
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