INE Resources
06/24/2025
INE
Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks: A Practical Guide for Government Information Security Teams
A Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack is one of the most disruptive threats a cybersecurity professional can face in the public sector. These attacks put public systems and networks under intense strain—causing services to go offline and halting essential operations for cities, towns, law enforcement and public utility infrastructure. When a DDoS attack strikes, it isn't always about stealing data; it's about testing the strength of public sector defenses.
06/23/2025
INE
INE Releases Top Five Takeaways from Cisco Live 2025
IT training provider reports on industry conversations and trending topics from San Diego conferenceAI reigned supreme at Cisco Live 2025, as organizations collectively acknowledged that the rise of AI is requiring significant changes to data center operations. INE, a leading global provider of networking training and certification prep, is releasing its analysis of the top themes to emerge as key takeaways from the conference. Cisco Live, held June 8-12 in San Diego, drew more than 22,000 IT professionals to discuss, debate, and innovate the growing overlap between AI, network security, and enterprise infrastructure.“The conference highlighted a critical inflection point for the industry. Organizations are no longer asking whether they should adopt AI, but rather how quickly they can do so while maintaining security and performance standards,” said Rohit Pardasani, INE Networking Instructor and 5X CCIE. “This shift has created an intense focus on network security training and workforce development that really dominated the conference.”Top Five Themes from Cisco Live 20251. "Agentic AI" Becomes the New Industry BuzzwordThe shift from traditional AI assistance to autonomous AI agents that can complete entire workflows without human intervention was a consistent talk track throughout the five-day conference. The consensus among IT leaders was clear: the industry is moving beyond chatbots and simple automation toward AI that can think and act independently. Cisco's President and Chief Product Officer Jeetu Patel declared this "the agentic era of AI" during keynotes. Agentic AI dominated keynotes, breakout sessions, and hallway conversations as attendees are grappling with what the seismic shift means for their organizations."From a technical standpoint, what we're seeing is a convergence that I haven't witnessed since the early days of IP networking,” added Pardasani. “Cisco's introduction of AgenticOps and the Deep Network Model represents more than just another management platform; it is fundamentally changing how we think about network intelligence. The fact that they're embedding LLMs directly into network operations means we're moving from reactive troubleshooting to predictive infrastructure management."The skills gap in this area is already apparent, with many professionals seeking training in specialized areas like Automated AI Solutions on Cisco Infrastructure and Understanding AI and LLMs as a Network Engineer to develop the foundational knowledge needed to work alongside AI agents.2. Security-First Architecture Takes Center StageGone are the days of bolting security onto existing infrastructure as an afterthought. An overwhelming theme throughout the conference was that security must be embedded at every layer from day one. Cisco pointed to embedded security features within its networking infrastructure through enhanced Hybrid Mesh Firewall capabilities and Universal Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA). Recent breaches were highlighted as examples of how zero-trust architectures are no longer optional but essential for organizations serious about AI adoption. "The security integration is very significant,” said Pardasani. “When you look at Hybrid Mesh Firewall and Universal ZTNA being baked into the network fabric itself, rather than bolted on afterward, it signals a major architectural shift. We're talking about microsegmentation at wire speed with AI-driven policy enforcement. For network engineers, this means understanding not just routing and switching, but also how AI models interact with network telemetry streams."This growing emphasis on integrated security has led to increased demand for comprehensive network security training that covers infrastructure security fundamentals. Many professionals are also looking for hands-on experience in both Red Team and Blue Team tactics to understand security from multiple perspectives and meet the growing demand.3. The Great Network Performance ChallengeWith AI workloads generating unprecedented bandwidth demands, conference discussions consistently returned to one critical question: "Is your network ready?" Technical sessions revealed that many organizations are hitting performance walls, with Cisco aiming to help enterprises bolster security and resilience as they power up compute-intensive AI workloads. This sparked intense interest in next-generation hardware solutions, including new 8000-series routers and optimization strategies that can handle the explosive growth in data center traffic.“The performance requirements for AI workloads are forcing us to rethink everything we know about network design,” said Pardasani. “Traditional oversubscription ratios don't apply when you're dealing with GPU clusters that need consistent, low-latency connectivity for model training. The new 8000-series routers with Silicon One aren't just faster - they're designed for the deterministic performance patterns that AI requires. Engineers who understand both traditional networking and these new AI-centric design patterns will be invaluable."The complexity of managing these high-performance environments is driving professionals toward training in Network Programmability and Automation, and even more specialized courses in Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI). These types of training help professionals to master automation frameworks and software-defined networking technologies that can dynamically adapt to AI workload demands.4. Management Complexity Reaches a Breaking PointMany IT professionals at the conference expressed frustration with managing dozens of separate dashboards and tools. A recurring theme was simplification, and attendees were hungry for unified platforms that could provide a single view across their entire infrastructure. This demand led Cisco to unveil its Cisco Cloud Control to “drive all its networking, security, and observability tools" from one place. Conversations in the expo hall frequently centered on reducing operational overhead and streamlining workflows.To address these challenges, many network professionals are turning to practical courses in Network Programmability & Automation and Practical Python Cisco Network Automation to develop the scripting skills and automation tools needed to integrate multiple management platforms and reduce operational overhead through Infrastructure as Code (IaC) approaches.5. Skills Gap Anxiety Drives Certification UrgencyPerhaps the most urgent theme was the growing concern about workforce readiness. Conference attendees openly discussed their struggles to find talent with AI infrastructure skills. The emerging message was clear: traditional networking knowledge alone is no longer sufficient in the AI era, with organizations seeking expert-level professionals who can design and implement complex enterprise solutions.This skills shortage is driving increased interest in comprehensive certification programs that keep pace with vendor roadmap updates, particularly expert-level training including CCIE certification preparation across multiple tracks (Enterprise Infrastructure, Security, Data Center, Collaboration, and Service Provider). About INE INE is the premier provider of online networking and cybersecurity training, cybersecurity certifications, and Cisco training and certification prep. Harnessing a powerful hands-on lab platform, cutting-edge technology, a global video distribution network, and world-class instructors, INE is the top training choice for Fortune 500 companies worldwide for networking training in business and for IT professionals looking to advance their careers. INE’s suite of learning paths and preparation for professional IT security certifications offers an incomparable depth of expertise across networking, cybersecurity, and cloud, and is committed to delivering advanced technical training while also lowering the barriers worldwide for those looking to enter and excel in an IT career.
06/18/2025
INE
The New Reality of Cyber Defense: INE's Skill Dive CVE Labs Are Game-Changers for Security Teams
The cybersecurity playbook is being rewritten in real time. What used to be a manageable flow of vulnerabilities has become a relentless torrent, and attackers aren't waiting around for defenders to catch up.The numbers paint a stark picture: From January to April of 2025, over one in four vulnerabilities (28.3%) were exploited within just one day of being disclosed, according to VulnCheck. Meanwhile, the National Vulnerability Database recorded 40,003 CVEs in 2024, a staggering 39% jump from the previous year. For security teams already stretched thin, this isn't just a challenge – it's a crisis.INE Security's Skill Dive lab platform is addressing this issue head-on with its CVE lab collection, a safe way for security analysts and professionals to practice defending against real vulnerabilities before those same threats hit their networks.The Old Playbook Is BrokenThe days when security teams had weeks or months to understand a new vulnerability and roll out patches are long gone. According to Verizon's latest Data Breach Investigations Report, vulnerability exploitation as an initial attack vector grew by 34% and now accounts for 20% of all breaches.In 2024 alone, 768 CVEs were publicly reported as exploited in the wild for the first time – a 20% increase from 2023. Further troubling CISOs and keeping them up at night is that attackers are getting faster and more sophisticated in how they monitor and weaponize new disclosures."Security teams can get caught in an endless cycle: patch, react, patch, react,” said Tracy Wallace, INE Security’s Director of Content Development. “But the teams that break out of that cycle are the ones practicing with these vulnerabilities before they become emergencies. They're not just responding faster; they're anticipating what comes next."Beyond Reading Bulletins: Why Practice MattersMost cybersecurity training stops at explaining what vulnerabilities are and how they work in theory. Traditional cybersecurity education focuses on concepts rather than application. Skill Dive's CVE Lab Collection takes a different approach by letting security professionals actually exploit and defend against real vulnerabilities in safe, controlled environments.The platform continuously updates its labs to focus on the vulnerabilities that matter most. Recent additions include the kinds of threats security teams are seeing in the wild: Calibre RCE (CVE-2024-6782), OpenMetadata Authentication Bypass (CVE-2024-28255), and persistent threats like Log4Shell (CVE-2021-44228) that continue to plague organizations years after disclosure. These labs are particularly valuable for penetration testing and security professionals preparing for advanced security certifications.What Makes Skill Dive DifferentUnlike traditional IT training that focuses on broad concepts, Skill Dive's CVE labs zero in on the specific vulnerabilities actively being exploited in enterprise environments. The lab collection offers:Labs built around actual CVEs that are causing real damage in the wildMonthly updates that keep pace with emerging threatsSafe practice environments where teams can experiment without riskCoverage spanning everything from zero-days to common misconfigurationsBoth offensive and defensive techniques for comprehensive understandingThe approach recognizes a simple truth: security professionals learn best through a strategic combination of education, experience, and exposure. Whether someone is a seasoned pentester with years of experience or a professional building foundational skills through security certifications, hands-on practice with real vulnerabilities accelerates learning and retention.Real Impact for Real TeamsSecurity teams using Skill Dive report faster incident response times when familiar vulnerabilities appear in their environments. It's the difference between scrambling to understand a new threat and confidently implementing defenses based on prior hands-on experience."Security teams are tired of being surprised by the same types of attacks over and over,” adds Wallace. “We have built a safe environment for teams to train, fail, learn, and try again. By the time that CVE shows up in your environment, you've already dealt with it."INE Security’s Skill Dive platform currently houses over 2,400 labs across 25 specialized collections, with new labs added monthly to keep current with the evolving threat landscape. This isn't just about staying current—it's about staying ahead.AvailabilityEnterprise packages for team training and Individual subscriptions to Skill Dive are available now. For more information, visit ine.com/cyber-ranges. About INE SecurityINE Security is the premier provider of online networking and cybersecurity training and cybersecurity certifications. Harnessing a powerful hands-on lab platform, cutting-edge technology, a global video distribution network, and world-class instructors, INE Security is the top training choice for Fortune 500 companies worldwide for cybersecurity training in business and for IT professionals looking to advance their careers. INE Security’s suite of learning paths offers an incomparable depth of expertise across cybersecurity. The company is committed to delivering advanced technical training while also lowering the barriers worldwide for those looking to enter and excel in an IT career.
06/17/2025
INE
Cybersecurity 2030: Skills That Will Define Careers
As we look toward 2030 and beyond, cybersecurity technology trends indicate a shift from reactive security models to predictive, automated approaches. This transformation is creating new skill requirements that combine traditional security expertise with emerging technological capabilities. The professionals who master these future-focused competencies will find themselves at the forefront of a rapidly expanding field.
06/17/2025
INE
Cybersecurity Jobs That Will Dominate 2026: INE Security Prepares Professionals for the Most Critical Roles
INE Security, a leading global cybersecurity training and IT security training provider, is releasing new analysis of cybersecurity roles that will dominate the 2026 job market. Based on a comprehensive analysis of industry data and research released at major cybersecurity conferences, including RSA Conference 2025, GISEC Global 2025, and worldwide Black Hat events, INE Security has identified cybersecurity job roles where the highest market demand intersects with hands-on technical expertise."Skill shortages are a major concern throughout the cybersecurity industry, particularly in mission-critical roles,” said Tracy Wallace, INE Security’s Director of Content Development. “INE Security's hands-on cybersecurity training methodology creates job-ready professionals in the areas where technical expertise can make the greatest immediate impact. Our 3,100+ browser-based labs don't just teach concepts—they build the practical IT security training skills that organizations need right now."Critical Cybersecurity Roles Shaping 2026:🎯 Identity Security Posture Management (ISPM) Specialists: With identity-related breaches continuing to plague organizations, ISPM specialists will be essential for enterprises seeking to uncover and address identity risks across hybrid cloud and on-premises systems. RSAC 2025 emphasized new ISPM capabilities and innovations to protect passwordless environments, while major vendors announced ISPM solutions as core offerings.INE Security Training Advantage: Comprehensive Active Directory security training, Identity and Access Management courses, and privilege escalation techniques integrated across the eJPT and eCPPT learning paths provide unparalleled preparation for ISPM roles<br />Hands-On Expertise: More than 500 hands-on labs focused on identity security give professionals the practical expertise enterprises desperately need to secure hybrid environments<br />Career Pathway: Clear progression from fundamental identity concepts to advanced enterprise identity architecture management🎯 Crowdsourced Red Team Specialists: The cybersecurity industry is exploring offensive security through distributed approaches. At RSAC 2025, Bugcrowd launched the industry’s first Crowdsourced Red Team as a Service platform, connecting organizations to global networks of vetted ethical hackers for real-time, intelligence-led testing. This model brings the potential for massive scale and flexibility to traditionally resource-heavy security assessments.INE Security Training Advantage: Proven pentester training progression from eJPT (Junior Penetration Tester) through eCPPT (Certified Professional Penetration Tester) to eWPTX (Web Application Penetration Tester eXtreme) creates the exact ethical hacking expertise needed for distributed red team operations<br />Real-World Simulation: Students practice authentic attack scenarios through browser-based labs that simulate crowdsourced testing environments<br />Industry Recognition: INE Security's pentester certifications are trusted by Fortune 500 companies globally, specifically for roles requiring hands-on offensive security expertise🎯 Mobile Threat Analysts: Cyber attackers are increasingly prioritizing mobile over desktop environments. Zimperium's 2025 Global Mobile Threat Report showed that smishing now comprises over two-thirds of mobile phishing attacks. Organizations need specialists focused exclusively on mobile security infrastructure.INE Security Training Advantage: The eMAPT (Mobile Penetration Testing) certification provides foundational mobile security expertise, positioning graduates for the expanding mobile defense field<br />Expanding Curriculum: INE Security is developing advanced mobile defense training to address enterprise mobile threat intelligence and incident response<br />Market Opportunity: As one of the few providers offering hands-on mobile security labs, INE Security graduates enter this high-demand field with immediate practical capabilities🎯 AI Security Specialists/Engineers: The demand for AI security expertise has reached unprecedented levels. RSA Conference 2025 featured over 100 sessions dealing with artificial intelligence, with attendees noting the event had transformed into "RSAI" rather than RSAC. GISEC Global 2025 was held under the theme 'Securing an AI-Powered Future,' emphasizing AI governance and digital ethics as critical areas requiring immediate attention.INE Security Training Advantage: INE Security's strong training materials in threat detection and analysis, combined with foundational AI skills, provide professionals with transferable skills applicable to AI security roles<br />Market Opportunity: Represents the highest-growth career opportunity in cybersecurity as organizations deploy AI-powered security tools while defending against AI-enhanced attacks<br />Industry Development: The cybersecurity training industry is scrambling to develop AI security courses to meet skyrocketing demand<br />🎯 Cloud Security Engineers: Cloud Security Engineers are integral to organizational resilience as businesses accelerate cloud adoption. With 45% of organizations reporting unfilled cloud security roles and experienced professionals commanding salaries above $155,000 annually, this represents one of the highest-demand technical specializations. AWS Certified Security - Specialty is now recognized as one of the highest-paying technical cloud positions in the world, with an average global salary of $158,594. INE Security Training Advantage: Comprehensive cloud certification preparation across AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud platforms with dedicated learning paths for AWS Solutions Architect Associate, AWS SysOps Administrator Associate, Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500), and Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104)<br />Hands-On Cloud Labs: 130+ hands-on labs specifically designed for cloud security scenarios, plus additional cloud security collections in Skill Dive for real-world practice<br />Security-First Approach: INE Security's "learn by doing" cybersecurity education methodology ensures graduates develop practical cloud security skills that directly address enterprise needs for securing AWS, Azure, and GCP environmentsTraining That Delivers Career ResilienceINE Security's approach addresses the intersection of market demand and practical skills development:Immediate Market Entry: Identity security, red team operations, and mobile defense roles offer immediate career opportunities for technically skilled professionals<br />Skills Premium: Organizations investing in cybersecurity education programs are overwhelmingly more likely to retain cybersecurity professionals, according to a 2024 LinkedIn workforce study, directly addressing skills shortages in high-demand technical roles<br />Future-Proofing: As digital transformation accelerates, technical security roles address fundamental infrastructure needs that will intensify through 2026 and beyond<br />Clear ROI: Professionals can immediately contribute to identity security, red team operations, and mobile defense initiatives with hands-on expertise"The convergence of identity threats, sophisticated attacks, and mobile vulnerabilities creates new opportunities for cybersecurity professionals who combine technical depth with practical experience," continued Wallace. "INE Security's strength lies in preparing professionals for roles where hands-on technical skills directly address critical business security needs."About INE SecurityINE Security is the premier provider of online networking and cybersecurity training and cybersecurity certifications. Harnessing a powerful hands-on lab platform, cutting-edge technology, a global video distribution network, and world-class instructors, INE Security is the top training choice for Fortune 500 companies worldwide for cybersecurity training in business and for IT professionals looking to advance their careers. INE Security’s suite of learning paths and preparation for professional certifications offers an incomparable depth of expertise across cybersecurity and is committed to delivering advanced technical training for cybersecurity jobs while also lowering the barriers worldwide for those looking to enter and excel in an IT career.//////////////////<br />LinkedIn The cybersecurity job market is shifting fast. Here are the 5 roles that will dominate 2026:🔐 Identity Security Posture Management Specialists - Identity breaches are skyrocketing. Organizations need experts who can secure hybrid environments and passwordless systems.⚔️ Crowdsourced Red Team Specialists - Distributed offensive security is the new frontier. Bugcrowd just launched the first Crowdsourced Red Team as a Service platform.📱 Mobile Threat Analysts - Smishing now accounts for 67% of mobile phishing attacks. Desktop-focused security isn't enough anymore.🤖 AI Security Engineers - RSA Conference 2025 became "RSAI" with 100+ AI security sessions. The demand is unprecedented.☁️ Cloud Security Engineers - 45% of organizations have unfilled cloud security roles. Average salary: $158K+.The common thread? Technical depth + hands-on experience = career resilience.Read the full article here: <LINK>What's driving demand in your cybersecurity niche?#Cybersecurity #InfoSec #CyberJobs #CareerDevelopment #CloudSecurity #IdentitySecurity #RedTeam #MobileSecurity #AISecurity #CyberTraining #ITCareers #CyberSkillsX (Twitter) The 5 cybersecurity roles that will dominate 2026:🔐 Identity Security Specialists ⚔️ Crowdsourced Red Team Experts<br /> 📱 Mobile Threat Analysts 🤖 AI Security Engineers ☁️ Cloud Security Engineers (avg. $158K)Read our article: <LINK>#Cybersecurity #InfoSec #CyberJobs #CloudSecurity #RedTeam #AISecurity #CyberCareers
06/10/2025
INE
INE Security Alert: Research Shows Purple Team Skills Drive Job Security as Cybersecurity Pros Seek Career Stability
New research reveals that cybersecurity professionals with purple team capabilities – skills that blend offensive and defensive expertise – are in high demand, and have the potential to command salaries significantly higher than traditional specialists. The industry research findings, highlighted as part of INE Security's comprehensive study of career trends in cybersecurity, reinforce how industry professionals are adapting to both economic pressures and evolving threat landscapes by developing cross-functional skills that bridge traditional red team and blue team disciplines."We're seeing a fundamental shift in what makes cybersecurity professionals valuable," said Tracy Wallace, Director of Content Development at INE Security. "While the broader tech sector has lost over 300,000 jobs in the past two years, cybersecurity professionals with specialized purple team skills are not only keeping their positions – they’re actually advancing, thriving, and proving that they possess strong earning power."Research Findings Paint Clear PictureINE Security's analysis of current market conditions reveals several key trends driving the rise of purple team capabilities:Salary Premium: Purple team positions command salaries ranging from $57,000 to $186,000, representing an 18% premium over traditional single-discipline security roles, according to ZipRecruiter.Market Demand: Despite 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity positions globally, 64% of organizations cite skills gaps rather than headcount as their primary security challenge (2024 ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study).Career Advancement: Professionals with purple team experience show faster progression to senior and leadership roles, as organizations value comprehensive security understanding."When organizations face budget pressure, they keep the people who can handle multiple responsibilities,” Wallace explained. “Purple team professionals represent exactly that kind of versatility."Economic Uncertainty Drives Skill ConvergenceCybersecurity professionals are navigating an increasingly complex career landscape. While the broader technology sector faces layoffs and budget constraints, cybersecurity remains a growth area, albeit one with changing requirements.Current economic pressures and evolving threats are creating demand for cybersecurity professionals who understand both sides of the security equation. The 2024 ISC² Cybersecurity Workforce Study supports these findings, showing that nearly two-thirds of cybersecurity leaders (64%) believe that skills gaps can have a more negative impact than staffing shortages, and 90% currently have one or more skills gaps on their cybersecurity teams. "Economic turbulence has a way of separating essential highly specialized skills from nice-to-have specializations," Wallace noted. "Organizations under financial pressure need security staff who can adapt, collaborate, and deliver results regardless of resource constraints."Scarcity Creates Value in a Competitive MarketINE Security's analysis of current purple team job postings reveals consistent compensation patterns across major employers:Meta's Offensive Security Engineer, Purple Team: $117,000-$137,000 annually, plus a comprehensive benefits package (Washington, DC)KBR's Red Team Operator, Blue/Red Cooperative Operations: $80,700-$121,000 (Washington, DC)Kroll's Purple Team Specialist: $100,000-$140,000 (Remote positions available)JPMorgan Chase Purple Team Operator: $80,000-$120,000 (Dallas, TX)These positions represent a premium over traditional single-discipline security roles, with the limited supply of qualified candidates driving competitive compensation packages.Career Resiliency Through AdaptationINE Security's ongoing focus on cybersecurity career resilience has revealed that sustainable cybersecurity careers require continuous adaptation rather than static specialization. Purple team approaches provide a framework for ongoing learning that remains relevant regardless of how specific technologies or threats evolve.The research shows that professionals who develop purple team capabilities early in their careers demonstrate greater long-term earning potential and job satisfaction. These individuals often become the bridges between different organizational functions, making them indispensable during both growth and contraction phases."The most bulletproof careers are built on adaptability rather than narrow expertise," Wallace noted. "Purple teams teach you to think systematically about security challenges, communicate across disciplines, and adapt to new situations. Those capabilities transfer regardless of what specific technologies you're working with."About INE SecurityINE Security is the premier provider of online networking and cybersecurity training and cybersecurity certifications. Harnessing a powerful hands-on lab platform, cutting-edge technology, a global video distribution network, and world-class instructors, INE Security is the top training choice for Fortune 500 companies worldwide for cybersecurity training in business and for IT professionals looking to advance their careers. INE Security’s suite of learning paths and preparation for professional certifications offers an incomparable depth of expertise across cybersecurity and is committed to delivering advanced technical training for cybersecurity jobs while also lowering the barriers worldwide for those looking to enter and excel in an IT career.
06/09/2025
INE
Cross-Training: How Other Tech Skills Enhance Security
The most valuable cybersecurity professionals aren't just security experts—they're multi-skilled technologists who understand how security integrates with broader business and technical systems. This shift toward cybersecurity skill diversification is creating new opportunities for security professional development and career advancement.
06/03/2025
INE
CVEs vs. Misconfigs: Where Should You Focus Defense?
There's a hot debate happening in cybersecurity circles: Should we spend more time chasing CVEs or fixing misconfigurations? It's a fair question that gets to the heart of how we allocate our security resources. The short answer? We need both, and here's why.
06/02/2025
INE
Why Cyber Specialists Thrive During Economic Downturns
New INE Security Analysis Shows Targeted Cybersecurity Training Creates Career Stability in Uncertain TimesWhile tech giants have eliminated 300,000+ jobs over two years, cybersecurity professionals face a different reality. Organizations desperately need cybersecurity talent, yet many positions remain unfilled -- not from lack of demand, but because employers won't settle for candidates without specialized skills. This creates a unique opportunity: professionals who invest in targeted cybersecurity education and security certifications can build recession-proof careers while others struggle.INE Security, a leading provider of cybersecurity training and certifications, analyzed this market dynamic and found that specialization doesn't just improve job prospects, it multiplies career value exponentially."Specialization in cybersecurity creates a career insurance policy that generalists simply can't match," explains Dara Warn, CEO of INE Security. "While general IT professionals compete on price and availability, specialists compete on unique value. When you're one of the few professionals in your region who can architect zero-trust implementations or perform advanced mobile pentesting, you're not just employed – you're essential."The Math That Matters: Why Specialization PaysThe U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 33% growth for information security analysts through 2033, which is ten times faster than the average occupation. But despite 87% of companies reporting cybersecurity skill gaps (McKinsey & Company), many are willing to wait for the right candidates rather than hire generalists.This creates a mathematical advantage for specialists. When hundreds apply for general IT roles, specialized positions like mobile security pentester or cloud architect often struggle to find even five qualified candidates. That scarcity translates directly into negotiating power and compensation opportunities.The $4.88 Million QuestionWith the average cybersecurity breach spiking 10% over the last year to $4.88 million (IBM Ponemon Institute), organizations can't afford mediocre security. They need specialists who can prevent, detect, and respond to threats immediately. Since 68% of breaches involve human elements like social engineering, according to Verizon’s 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report, employers seek professionals who understand both technical vulnerabilities and human behavior patterns.This urgency explains why 91% of hiring managers prefer certified candidates (Fortinet) and why specialized roles command premium rates:Penetration Testing: The global pentesting market will grow from $2.74 billion to $6.25 billion by 2032. Certified pentesters with hands-on experience often earn double general security salaries (Fortune Business Insights).Mobile Security: With 38% of mobile apps containing high-risk vulnerabilities, mobile security specialists are in extreme demand but short supply (Positive Technologies).Incident Response: Specialists command emergency rates exceeding $750/hour because when breaches happen, organizations need immediate expertise, not someone learning on the job (Industry Research).<br />The Certification Advantage: Real NumbersProfessional certifications create measurable career advantages beyond just knowledge validation. Gallup research shows 81% of Americans with professional certifications are employed versus 68% without them. In cybersecurity, this advantage amplifies because security certifications prove competency in high-stakes scenarios.From foundational credentials like Sec+ to advanced pentester certifications, the progression path is clear. Career advancement opportunities expand dramatically with specialized certifications. This motivation helps combat feelings of career stagnation that contribute to burnout, an increasingly critical problem within the cybersecurity industry. But certifications alone aren't enough—employers increasingly demand proven practical experience.Beyond Paper: Why Hands-On Training Multiplies ValueThe business case is compelling: well-trained cybersecurity teams generate $70,000 in annual savings and 10% productivity increases (IBM). Organizations recognize this ROI, which explains why 67% prefer team members with certifications - they validate both knowledge and practical capability (Fortinet).Modern cybersecurity education leverages cyber ranges and virtual labs that simulate real attack scenarios. This allows professionals to practice incident response, penetration testing, and threat analysis without risking production systems. The result? Professionals who can demonstrate actual competency rather than just theoretical knowledge.Real-World Application: The eMAPT ExampleINE Security's enhanced Mobile Application Penetration Tester (eMAPT) certification exemplifies this integrated approach. Beyond advanced mobile security methodologies, the program includes extensive hands-on exercises in dedicated cyber ranges that replicate real mobile application infrastructures. Through June 24, 2025, learners can save $200 on the eMAPT certification and gain access to INE Security’s updated Mobile Application Penetration Testing Learning Path.Learners practice iOS and Android security assessment against actual vulnerabilities in controlled environments. This combination of security certifications and practical lab experience addresses the core employer demand: verifiable expertise backed by demonstrated capability.The Ultimate Career Insurance PolicyThe cybersecurity profession rewards those who invest in continuous learning through specialized training. The combination of recognized security certifications, hands-on laboratory experience, and practical skill application creates professionals who thrive regardless of economic conditions.While traditional IT training paths may offer broader options, cybersecurity education provides something more valuable: career resilience in an increasingly uncertain world. As threats evolve and breach costs climb, organizations will continue prioritizing specialists who can deliver immediate value.About INE SecurityINE Security is the premier provider of online networking and cybersecurity training and cybersecurity certifications. Harnessing a powerful hands-on lab platform, cutting-edge technology, a global video distribution network, and world-class instructors, INE Security is the top training choice for Fortune 500 companies worldwide for cybersecurity training in business and for IT professionals looking to advance their careers. INE Security’s suite of learning paths offers an incomparable depth of expertise across cybersecurity and is committed to delivering advanced technical training while also lowering the barriers worldwide for those looking to enter and excel in an IT career.
05/30/2025
INE
INE Security Alert: $16.6 Billion in Cyber Losses Underscore Critical Need for Advanced Security Training
New FBI Data Reveals Organizations Need Deeper Technical Expertise to Detect, Contain, and Remediate Advanced AttacksThe FBI's latest Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Report reveals a stark reality: cybercriminals extracted a record $16.6 billion from victims in 2024, representing a 33% increase over the previous year. While these losses include both individual and organizational victims, the enterprise-focused attacks highlighted in the report underscore a critical skills gap. INE Security, a global leader in cybersecurity training and certification, is emphasizing the urgent need for technical cybersecurity professionals who can detect, analyze, and neutralize threats once they've bypassed initial defenses.The Technical Challenge Behind the NumbersWhile the FBI report captures the financial damage, the underlying technical reality is more complex:Ransomware Evolution: The 18% surge in critical infrastructure attack, led by sophisticated variants like Akira, LockBit, and RansomHub, demonstrates that modern ransomware operators are using advanced techniques including lateral movement, privilege escalation, and data exfiltration that require specialized detection and response skills.Post-Compromise Detection: The $2.77 billion in Business Email Compromise losses, which primarily target organizations, represent successful attacks that evaded initial security controls. Organizations need security professionals trained in forensic analysis, network traffic analysis, and incident response to identify and contain these threats after they've gained initial access.Cryptocurrency Attack Complexity: The 66% spike in cryptocurrency fraud ($9.3 billion total) includes attacks on both individual and organizational victims, but reflects increasingly sophisticated blockchain analysis requirements and the need for security teams trained in cryptocurrency forensics and threat hunting methodologies.INE Security's Technical Training Response"While the FBI report captures losses across all victim types, the enterprise-focused attacks demonstrate that organizations face increasingly sophisticated threats that require advanced defensive capabilities," said Dara Warn, CEO of INE Security. "Organizations need security professionals with hands-on technical skills to hunt threats, analyze malware, and respond to incidents with deep technical expertise."INE Security's enterprise training programs address the post-breach reality through:Advanced Threat Detection Labs: Hands-on training with current CVEs and attack techniques, enabling security teams to recognize and analyze the specific TTPs (Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures) used by ransomware groups and advanced persistent threats.Incident Response and Forensics Training: Practical skills in malware analysis, memory forensics, and network traffic analysis that enable rapid threat identification and containment once attackers have gained access.Threat Hunting Methodologies: Proactive detection techniques that help security teams identify compromise indicators before attacks reach their intended objectives.Industry-Specific Attack Simulation: Customized training environments that replicate the specific threats facing manufacturing, healthcare, government, and financial sectors—the industries most heavily targeted according to the FBI data.The Skills Gap RealityThe FBI report's emphasis on successful Operation Level Up, which saved victims $285.6 million through proactive identification, underscores the value of skilled security professionals who can proactively hunt threats and analyze complex attack patterns."The difference between a $10,000 security incident and a $10 million breach often comes down to detection speed and response capability," emphasized Warn. "Organizations with certified security professionals trained in advanced technical skills detect threats in hours rather than months.”Enterprise Training That Addresses Real ThreatsINE Security's enterprise programs are designed around the technical realities revealed in the FBI report:Malware Analysis Training: Hands-on experience with current ransomware families and attack techniquesNetwork Security Monitoring: Advanced skills in detecting lateral movement and data exfiltrationCryptocurrency Forensics: Specialized training in blockchain analysis and cryptocurrency threat huntingCustom Threat Simulation: Industry-specific attack scenarios based on actual threat intelligenceFor organizations looking to build the technical security capabilities needed to combat the sophisticated threats highlighted in the FBI IC3 report, INE Security offers customized enterprise training solutions. Schedule a demo to discuss how advanced security training can strengthen your organization's detection and response capabilities.About INE SecurityINE Security is the premier provider of online networking and cybersecurity training and cybersecurity certifications. Harnessing a powerful hands-on lab platform, cutting-edge technology, a global video distribution network, and world-class instructors, INE Security is trusted by Fortune 500 companies worldwide for their cybersecurity training needs, and by IT professionals looking to advance their careers. INE Security’s suite of learning paths offers an incomparable depth of expertise across cybersecurity education and is committed to delivering advanced technical training while also lowering the barriers worldwide for those looking to enter and excel in an IT career.
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