INE Resources
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.
05/29/2025
INE
Building a Continuous Learning Plan for Cybersecurity
In an industry where 52% of security professionals report their skills become partially outdated every 12-18 months (CompTIA), continuous learning isn't just a career enhancer—it's a career requirement. Creating a structured approach to cybersecurity professional development has become essential for long-term success in the field.
05/28/2025
INE
INE Security and RedTeam Hacker Academy Announce Partnership to Advance Cybersecurity Skills in the Middle East
INE Security, a global cybersecurity training and certification provider, today announced a strategic partnership with RedTeam Hacker Academy through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement significantly accelerates INE Security's expansion strategy in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region while enhancing cybersecurity training capabilities across the market.The agreement was formalized at the Dubai World Trade Centre, with the signing ceremony attended by Jaizal Ali, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of RedTeam Hacker Academy, and Brett Erskine, Chief Revenue Officer of INE Security. This partnership represents a shared commitment to addressing the growing cybersecurity skills gap and empowering the next generation of cybersecurity professionals in the region."Our partnership marks a significant step forward in INE Security's continued growth and expansion in the Middle East," said Brett Erskine, Chief Revenue Officer at INE Security. "RedTeam Hacker Academy, under the visionary leadership of Founder and CEO Jaizal Ali, has built an impressive and well-respected cybersecurity brand dedicated to providing exceptional cybersecurity education. We are confident that this alliance will significantly strengthen RedTeam Hacker Academy's cyber offerings. Additionally, it will play a crucial role in establishing INE Security's market leadership and sustained growth throughout the region.”Jaizal Ali, CEO of RedTeam Hacker Academy, welcomed the collaboration: "We are honored to partner with INE Security, the industry's premier technical training provider. This partnership enables RedTeam Hacker Academy to leverage INE Security's world-class resources and global expertise, allowing us to deliver even more comprehensive cybersecurity education. Together, we will provide unparalleled training solutions that meet the highest industry standards."This partnership represents a pivotal milestone in INE Security's ambitious growth strategy for the MEA region. Through this collaboration, INE Security will deliver:Expanded local expertise through RedTeam Hacker Academy's regional knowledgeComprehensive cybersecurity training programs for individuals, organizations, and government entities throughout the region that combine global best practices with regional insightsEnhanced market penetration across the MEA regionStrengthened brand presence in key Middle Eastern marketsStrategic positioning for future growth opportunities in the regionThe partnership reinforces INE Security's commitment to providing world-class cybersecurity education while addressing the critical skills gap in the region. Through this collaboration, INE Security and RedTeam Hacker Academy will help organizations across the Middle East and Africa better protect their digital assets while creating pathways to rewarding cybersecurity careers for local talent. Both organizations are committed to making this partnership a cornerstone of cybersecurity excellence in the region. To learn more about becoming an INE Security partner, visit our partnership page. About INE SecurityINE Security is the premier provider of online cybersecurity training and industry-recognized cybersecurity certifications. Harnessing the world's most powerful hands-on lab platform, cutting-edge technology, global video distribution network, and world-class instructors, INE Security is the top training choice for Fortune 500 companies worldwide for cybersecurity training and for IT professionals looking to advance their careers. INE Security's suite of learning paths offers an incomparable depth of expertise across penetration testing, ethical hacking, and advanced cybersecurity disciplines. The company is committed to delivering advanced technical training while also lowering barriers worldwide for those looking to enter and excel in a cybersecurity career.About RedTeam Hacker AcademyFounded and led by CEO Jaizal Ali, RedTeam Hacker Academy is a distinguished cybersecurity education institution committed to delivering world-class cybersecurity training. The academy has built a strong reputation for its innovative approach to cybersecurity education, providing comprehensive programs that prepare professionals to address contemporary security challenges.
05/27/2025
INE
INE Security Partners with Abadnet Institute for Cybersecurity Training Programs in Saudi Arabia
INE Security, a global leader in Cybersecurity training and certifications, has announced a strategic partnership with Abadnet Institute for Training, a Riyadh-based leader in specialized Information Technology, Cybersecurity, and Networking training. The collaboration leverages INE Security's internationally recognized cybersecurity training content and Abadnet's established presence in the Saudi Arabian market to deliver comprehensive cybersecurity education programs across the region.This partnership aligns INE Security's advanced technical training resources with Abadnet Institute's mission to develop the next generation of cybersecurity professionals through world-class, hands-on training. Established in 2007, Abadnet Institute serves over 10,000 learners annually through internationally accredited programs designed to support both individual career advancement and organizational workforce development, including comprehensive cybersecurity training, security certifications, and pentester career preparation.Through this collaboration, INE Security is supporting Abadnet's specialized bootcamps with Junior Penetration Tester (eJPT) content, hands-on labs, and other cybersecurity certification preparation, including pathways to CompTIA Sec+ qualification. The partnership has already launched its first successful academy, consisting of 200 students, with all available licenses being fully subscribed."We're excited to partner with Abadnet Institute, a recognized leader in IT and Cybersecurity education with strong brand recognition across Saudi Arabia and the broader GCC region," said Brett Erskine, Chief Revenue Officer at INE Security. "This strategic partnership enables learners to access practical, career-advancing cybersecurity skills and industry-recognized credentials. Together, we're helping individuals and organizations build real-world, job-ready capabilities in penetration testing and ethical hacking, which are in high demand across the region.""Abadnet Institute is pleased to collaborate with INE Security, recognizing the exceptional quality and depth of their cybersecurity training materials," said Ahmed Alkathiri, Chief Operations Officer at Abadnet Training Institute and distinguished cybersecurity expert holding multiple INE Security certifications, including eCPPT, eWPT, and eJPT. "As someone who has personally experienced the transformative value of INE Security's training programs throughout my successful 15-year career in cybersecurity, I'm particularly excited about this partnership. It enhances our ability to deliver cutting-edge, internationally recognized cybersecurity training to our students, further strengthening our position as a leading provider of technical education in the Kingdom.""The integration of INE Security's eJPT content into our specialized bootcamps represents a significant enhancement to our cybersecurity education curriculum," added Ahmed Fatouh, Head of Cyber Security Department at Abadnet Institute for Training. "As lifelong learners and passionate teachers, we are committed to providing our students with the most relevant, hands-on cybersecurity training experiences that prepare them for successful careers as penetration testers and ethical hackers. This partnership with INE Security allows us to deliver on that commitment at an even higher level."The collaboration is part of INE Security's strategic investment in the region, designed to bolster the growing digital employment ecosystem and support the development of highly skilled cybersecurity professionals who will contribute significantly to the Kingdom's economy and digital security infrastructure.Learn more about INE Security for your organization.About INE SecurityINE Security is the premier provider of online cybersecurity training and certification. Harnessing the world's most powerful hands-on lab platform, cutting-edge technology, global video distribution network, and world-class instructors, INE Security is the top training choice for Fortune 500 companies worldwide for cybersecurity training and for IT professionals looking to advance their careers. INE Security's suite of learning paths offers an incomparable depth of expertise across penetration testing, ethical hacking, and advanced cybersecurity disciplines. The company is committed to delivering advanced technical training while also lowering barriers worldwide for those looking to enter and excel in a cybersecurity career.About Abadnet Institute for Training: Established in 2007, Abadnet Institute for Training is a Riyadh, Saudi Arabia-based leader in specialized Information Technology, Cybersecurity, and Networking training. The institute provides internationally accredited, hands-on programs to over 10,000 learners annually, supporting both individual career advancement and organizational workforce development. With a strong reputation across the GCC region, Abadnet Institute is committed to developing the next generation of technical professionals through world-class, practical education.
05/21/2025
INE
INE Security Alert: Leveraging Cybersecurity Certifications to Drive Career Advancement
INE Security, a global leader in cybersecurity training and certifications, has released guidance for cybersecurity professionals on leveraging cybersecurity certifications as powerful tools to secure interviews and career advancement opportunities. With 64% of security professionals experiencing burnout (Tines State of Mental Health in Cybersecurity 2023), practitioners need practical strategies to advance their cybersecurity careers, secure appropriate compensation, and build sustainable professional paths in an industry where their skills are in critical demand."Certifications serve two critical roles: they act as door openers that get your resume noticed, and they can be the deciding factor that gets employers to invite you for an interview,” says Jamie Kahgee, Vice President of Technology for INE Security. “When used strategically, certifications can be the key differentiator that elevates a candidate’s compensation package.” Research demonstrates that cybersecurity certifications provide significant advantages in securing interview opportunities:Security professionals with industry-recognized cybersecurity certifications who effectively showcase these qualifications are more likely to get interviewed. A recent Fortinet study reports that 91% of respondents prefer to hire candidates with professional certifications, and 67% of organizations prefer their team members or direct reports to be certified.<br />Organizations facing critical security skills gaps actively seek certified professionals. Candidates with relevant certifications consistently receive more interview invitations across all experience levels.<br />Organizations that invest in employee training and certification paths see better retention. Professionals are 42% more likely to stay with an organization that invests in improving their skills through training and certification support (IBM).“Certified professionals tend to have a better concept for foundational impact with problems, which can be vital for debugging existing issues, defining the base to build off of, and understanding best practices and industry standards to apply,” says Kahgee. “All things being equal, when you're comparing candidates side by side, seeing that someone has been certified gives you some peace of mind that they actually know what they're talking about. This is especially important when considering newcomers who haven't built up much work experience yet."This guidance is part of INE Security's broad commitment to cybersecurity career resilience, designed to empower cybersecurity professionals and guide organizations in developing, retaining, and future-proofing their security teams. Resources released as part of this initiative provide teams and practitioners with strategies for sustainable career development in a field where burnout and rapid job transitions are common.“With 80% of organizations experiencing breaches attributable to skills gaps, certified security professionals who are able to demonstrate real-world capabilities have a strong advantage in locking in the interview for cybersecurity positions,” says Dara Warn, CEO of INE Security. “Cybersecurity certifications represent verified expertise that directly addresses specific critical skills gaps. Candidates can and should use them as the foundation for getting their foot in the door.”Turning Certifications into Career Leverage The cybersecurity industry's ever-shifting landscape demands professionals who can demonstrate current, relevant expertise. Cybersecurity certifications serve as powerful credentials that validate skills and provide concrete qualifications that help resumes stand out. By strategically highlighting how certifications address specific organizational needs and industry challenges, candidates can significantly increase their chances of securing interviews that lead to rewarding career opportunities.To learn more about how partnering with INE Security can elevate your career, visit security.ine.com<br />About INE SecurityINE Security is the premier provider of online networking and cybersecurity training and certification. 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.
05/14/2025
INE
INE Security Alert: Continuous CVE Practice Closes Critical Gap Between Vulnerability Alerts and Effective Defense
INE Security, a global leader in hands-on cybersecurity training and certifications, today highlighted how ongoing real-world practice with the latest CVEs (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) is essential for transforming security teams from reactive to proactive defenders.With over 26,000 new CVEs documented in the past year, security teams are drowning in vulnerability alerts while facing exploit windows that have compressed to hours in many cases."Reading CVE bulletins is not the same as knowing how to stop the attack," said Dara Warn, CEO at INE Security. "Our Skill Dive platform gives practitioners hands-on experience with real vulnerabilities in contained environments, cutting incident response times when these same issues hit production. This practical approach delivers far more value than traditional security certifications alone."Skill Dive is INE Security's risk-free technical environment featuring exclusive labs not found in learning paths and courses. Skill Dive’s Vulnerabilities Lab Collection offers a continuously updated library of labs specifically designed to provide hands-on practice with actual CVEs, allowing security practitioners, including those preparing for pentester certifications, to experience both the exploitation and mitigation of current real-world threats in a safe environment.CVEs: From Bulletin to DefenseCVEs are the standard identifiers for known vulnerabilities, but many security teams struggle to implement effective mitigations at scale, even those with Sec+ and other entry-level certifications.Common challenges include:Risk prioritization across hundreds of monthly CVEsTesting mitigations without impacting productionAdapting defenses to diverse system configurationsBuilding response muscle memory that works under pressureGetting ahead of the threat curve instead of constantly reactingPractice Today's Threats. Prevent Tomorrow's Breaches.INE Security’s Skill Dive Vulnerabilities Lab Collection delivers:Exclusive vulnerability labs not available in standard security trainingMonthly CVE updates focusing on high-impact vulnerabilitiesIsolated practice environment for both offensive and defensive techniquesComplete severity coverage from critical zero-days to common misconfigurationsPractical exploitation and defense experience that transfers directly to production incidents"When a critical CVE drops, you don't have time to theorize," said Tracy Wallace, Director of Content at INE Security. "Teams with hands-on practice respond significantly faster because they've seen similar attack patterns before. Log4Shell (CVE-2021-44228) was a perfect example – practitioners who had experience with JNDI injection attacks were able to implement effective mitigations within hours, while others took days or even weeks to fully remediate."Real Benefits for Security TeamsSkill Dive delivers immediate advantages for practitioners:Develop attack pattern recognition that speeds incident responseUnderstand attack chains beyond what bulletins describePractice team coordination for high-pressure security eventsIdentify defensive gaps before attackers find themBuild skills that directly translate to career advancementSecOps teams, security analysts, and IT admins get exactly what certification courses miss: hands-on practice with real-world vulnerabilities."Security professionals who regularly drill on current vulnerabilities become exponentially more valuable to their organizations," said Wallace. "The best defenders understand both the attack and defense sides of the equation."High-Impact CVEs in the Skill Dive CollectionThe platform features hands-on labs for the most actively exploited vulnerabilities in enterprise environments, including:OpenMetadata Authentication Bypass (CVE-2024-28255): Exploit the target machine running OpenMetadata by bypassing the authentication and gaining remote code execution (RCE)Calibre RCE (CVE-2024-6782): Exploit the remote code execution vulnerability in Calibre, leading to unauthorized system accessLog4Shell (CVE-2021-44228): Practice identifying and remediating this critical remote code execution vulnerability that continues to plague Java applications across multiple sectorsSpring4Shell (CVE-2022-22965): Gain hands-on experience with this widely exploited RCE vulnerability affecting Spring Framework applications"We continuously track which vulnerabilities are most actively exploited," said Wallace. "Our collection prioritizes CVEs with the highest real-world impact, not just theoretical severity ratings."Proactive Security Through Deliberate PracticeThe Skill Dive approach includes:Monthly updates aligned with emerging threat patternsRealistic environments mirroring production systemsPractical documentation focused on effective mitigationsContinuous evolution based on real-world attack trendsRecent lab additions include other top-exploited vulnerabilities such as Cacti Import Packages RCE (CVE-2024-25641), Gradio Path Traversal (CVE-2024-1561), Calibre Arbitrary File Read (CVE-2024-6781), Graylog Information Exposure (CVE-2024-24824), and Navidrome SQL Injection (CVE-2024-47062). "Security teams that regularly practice with new vulnerabilities stop more breaches, period," said Wallace. "Practice transforms defense from constant firefighting into strategic advantage."AvailabilityIndividual subscriptions to Skill Dive are available now. Enterprise packages for team training are also available.For more information, visit ine.com/cyber-rangesAbout 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.
05/09/2025
INE
INE Security Alert: Top 5 Takeaways from RSAC 2025
Comprehensive Training Platform Delivers Solutions for AI Security, Cloud Management, and Incident Response ReadinessFresh from a high-impact presence at RSAC 2025, where INE Security welcomed thousands of visitors to its interactive booth at San Francisco’s Moscone Center, the global cybersecurity training and certification provider is addressing some of the top cybersecurity priorities emerging from the industry-leading event. As an exhibitor that engaged with both frontline practitioners and top-level decision makers, INE Security gained firsthand insights into organizations' most pressing security challenges: the convergence of AI-driven threats, multi-cloud vulnerabilities, and increasingly sophisticated attack vectors. Four days of packed session tracks and face-to-face discussions with industry leaders pointed to a clear reality: a large majority of ransomware victims lack effective response plans, and even more security professionals have doubts about their organization’s readiness for zero-day attacks. INE Security is addressing how a comprehensive training platform directly addresses the five most critical security imperatives that dominated this year's conference conversations.Top 5 Cybersecurity Imperatives from RSAC 20251. AI Risk Management Becomes Business-CriticalAI security solutions dominated RSAC this year, signaling that as organizations adopt advanced response technologies, comprehensive training must keep pace. 72% of leaders report an increase in organizational cyber risks, with ransomware remaining a top concern, according to the World Economic Forum. Organizations deploying AI tools and Large Language Models discover their systems vulnerable to sophisticated exploits that can manipulate AI behaviors, leading to data breaches and system compromises. This shift demands immediate security expertise to protect AI implementations.2. LLM Vulnerabilities Expose Enterprise DataLarge Language Models (LLMs) emerged as a flashpoint at RSAC, sparking debates on the risks and merits. Despite the variety of strong opinions, what is clear is that LLMs are here to stay. They represent a new frontier for cyber threats, with critical vulnerabilities emerging from AI training data, model manipulation, and prompt injection attacks. The cybersecurity community at RSAC 2025 identified this as one of the year's most pressing concerns, with a large majority highlighting the advance of adversarial capabilities (such as phishing, malware development, and deep fakes) as their greatest concern regarding generative AI impact on cybersecurity. Organizations must understand and defend against these AI-specific attack vectors to protect their digital assets, creating new specialized job titles such as AI Security Analyst.3. Multi-Cloud Environment Security Becomes Complex Across domains, cloud remains top of mind for industry executives. As businesses adopt multiple cloud platforms, security analysts face new challenges in maintaining consistent security postures across diverse environments. Research presented at RSAC 2025's cloud security sessions by the Cloud Security Alliance found that although misconfigurations appear in a majority of real-world breaches, over 50% of organizations rate them as a low-to-moderate risk. This gap highlights a growing disconnect between perceived and actual risk in cloud deployments. Researchers emphasized that IAM hygiene is essential, as are regular audits of the security systems in place. 4. Zero Trust Architecture Needs Proper Implementation While zero trust principles are widely recognized as essential, implementing them effectively across modern IT environments proves challenging. The RSAC 2025 conference theme "Many Voices. One Community" emphasized the need for unified approaches to security, including zero trust implementation. According to Zscaler's ThreatLabz 2025 VPN Risk Report discussed at the conference, 81% of organizations plan to implement zero trust strategies within the next 12 months. Organizations struggle with identity management, access controls, and continuous verification across cloud services, remote workers, and interconnected systems, making it critical for companies to develop talent via cybersecurity certification programs.5. Crisis Response Requires Comprehensive Preparedness When cyber attacks succeed, organizations must maintain critical operations while containing threats. RSAC 2025 sessions on rapid incident response highlighted critical gaps in preparedness, while the Microsoft Digital Defense Report found 76% of organizations which suffered ransomware attacks in 2024 lacked an effective response plan. The role of cybersecurity analyst has evolved to include crisis response capabilities, making effective training in incident management a critical skill. Real world scenario training, such as INE Security’s Skill Dive lab platform, helps build important muscle memory that becomes crucial during a crisis. Addressing the Challenges"After engaging with hundreds of cybersecurity leaders at our booth and participating in thought-provoking discussions throughout RSAC 2025, these five priorities clearly represent fundamental shifts in how organizations must approach cybersecurity," said Dara Warn, CEO of INE Security. "The conversations we had with practitioners and executives alike confirmed that traditional security approaches cannot adequately address AI vulnerabilities, multi-cloud complexities, or the sophisticated response requirements of modern cyber attacks."INE Security provides practical solutions for each critical area:AI Security Fundamentals: Training on securing AI systems, understanding LLM vulnerabilities, and implementing AI-specific security controlsAdvanced Cloud Security: Hands-on experience managing multiple-cloud environments, implementing proper configurations, and maintaining security across distributed platformsZero Trust Implementation: Practical guidance on designing and deploying zero trust architecture with proper access controls and verification systemsCrisis Management Training: Realistic incident response scenarios that prepare teams to maintain operations while containing security breachesContinuous Skill Development: Access to 700+ courses and 50+ learning paths, and preparation for credentials from CompTIA Security+ to advanced professional certificates that help secure environments from modern threats"The energy and insights we gathered at RSAC 2025 reinforced our conviction that the complexity of modern cybersecurity demands organizations invest in comprehensive cybersecurity training," added Warn. "Our comprehensive training and cybersecurity certification platform ensures teams develop the expertise needed to address these challenges effectively."About INE SecurityINE Security is the premier provider of online networking and cybersecurity training and certification. 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.
05/08/2025
INE
5 Critical CVEs Every Security Team Should Master
Staying ahead of threats requires more than theoretical knowledge—it demands practical experience. The most effective security teams regularly practice defending against real-world vulnerabilities before encountering them in production environments. This proactive security defense approach significantly improves response capabilities when actual threats emerge.
05/07/2025
INE
From Security Engineer to CISO: The Leadership Roadmap
For many cybersecurity professionals, the path from hands-on technical expert to the executive suite seems shrouded in mystery. What transforms a skilled security engineer into a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)? According to Forrester, 69% of CISOs have technical backgrounds, proving that the journey is possible—but it requires deliberate navigation and skill development beyond technical expertise.
05/06/2025
INE
INE Security Alert: Optimizing Performance Reviews to Accelerate Cybersecurity Careers
Building Resilient Security Teams Through Effective FeedbackSecurity teams are at a breaking point. Turnover rates exceed 60%, and feedback loops have become inconsistent at best. Organizations and professionals alike are seeking a more effective approach to delivering and accepting constructive performance feedback that supports growth. As part of its broad commitment to developing enduring security teams and career resiliency, INE Security is sharing critical insights on transforming performance reviews into powerful tools for cybersecurity career advancement.The Performance Review ChallengeWhile technical skills remain paramount in cybersecurity roles, soft skills are equally critical for long-term success. Yet managers often struggle to provide feedback that effectively guides career growth in this specialized field. Recent industry research reveals that a majority of security professionals feel their performance reviews don't properly address unique role challenges or provide actionable advancement roadmaps. This contributes to the alarming statistic that 64% of security professionals experienced burnout in the past year, with over half considering leaving their positions (Tines State of Mental Health in Cybersecurity 2023, Mimecast 2023)."Performance reviews should ideally chart the course for future growth, not simply evaluate past performance," said Dara Warn, CEO of INE Security. "In cybersecurity, where the threat landscape and required skills change dramatically year over year, feedback must be forward-looking and skill-specific. Organizations that invest in comprehensive cybersecurity training and career development see higher retention rates and significantly faster incident response times."Four Components of Effective Cybersecurity Performance ReviewsAnalysis from INE Security identifies four key components that transform standard performance reviews into powerful career advancement catalysts, helping build resilient security teams that endure:Skill-specific assessment tools like INE Security's Skill Sonar provide objective measures of capabilities that highlight vulnerable areas and pinpoint opportunities for improvement. This strategic approach creates clear visibility into gaps that cybersecurity training and certification programs can address, while recognizing specialized expertise that might be invisible in traditional corporate reviews.Incident response retrospectives incorporated into performance discussions allow for constructive analysis of security challenges. These discussions separate systemic issues from individual performance, reducing the "blame culture" that drives burnout while identifying specific areas for skill development through targeted cybersecurity training.Career pathing beyond the security silo helps professionals visualize growth opportunities across security specializations and into adjacent leadership roles. This expansive approach to cybersecurity careers addresses the frustration many security professionals report about feeling "stuck" in narrowly defined technical roles.Peer recognition frameworks acknowledge that managers may not fully understand the technical complexity of certain security functions. Structured peer feedback captures expertise recognition that traditional management hierarchies might miss, particularly for emerging specialties requiring advanced cybersecurity certifications.Creating a Continuous Growth EnvironmentWhen implemented correctly, these approaches transform performance reviews from anxiety-inducing evaluations into powerful development tools. Organizations using these methods report significantly higher retention of security talent, with professionals citing clear cybersecurity career pathways as a primary reason for staying.The most successful security teams implement continuous feedback loops that align with industry certifications and specialized training programs. This integration ensures that professional development aligns with both organizational security objectives and individual career aspirations.Closing the Cybersecurity Skills GapWith 80% of organizations experiencing breaches attributed to cybersecurity skills gaps (Fortinet 2023 Cybersecurity Skills Gap Report), effective performance reviews that drive meaningful skill development are more critical than ever. By implementing these strategies, organizations can simultaneously address their security posture challenges while fostering a culture of continuous growth and professional development.Staying a Step Ahead of the Changing Cybersecurity Jobs LandscapeAs the security industry evolves, cybersecurity jobs are undergoing significant transformation. The global demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to outpace supply, creating unique opportunities for those with the right skills and career development. Organizations that implement effective performance review strategies create internal pathways that keep high-performing security professionals engaged while developing the next generation of cybersecurity talent.Take the Next StepTo learn how INE Security can help your organization build resilient security teams through strategic talent development and comprehensive cybersecurity training, visit www.ine.com.About INE SecurityINE Security is the premier provider of online networking and cybersecurity training and certification. 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.
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