INE Resources
01/13/2026
INE
The Top 5 Skills for Cyber Defenders in 2026
Cybersecurity professionals often focus on the hard skills: techniques and systems learned and certifications earned. CIOs and CISOs have cited these five skills as the top priority for blue team cybersecurity professionals.
01/13/2026
INE
INE Security Announces “2026: Year of the Defender”—A Global Initiative to Position Technical Teams as the New Front Line of Cybersecurity
CARY, NC — January 7, 2026 — As attackers increasingly exploit the "white space" between networks, cloud environments, and code bases, INE Security today announced the Year of the Defender. This initiative recognizes that cyber readiness has been fundamentally redefined: upskilling and cross-training are no longer optional—they are the new foundation of effective defense.In the modern enterprise, technologies once managed in silos are now inextricably linked. This interconnectedness has expanded the attack surface and shifted the burden of defense onto the shoulders of all technical teams. Networking, systems, and development professionals are no longer operating at the periphery of security; they are now the central nervous system of organizational resilience.“Cyber readiness is no longer defined by how many tools an organization deploys,” said Alexis Ahmed, Cybersecurity Instructor at INE Security. “In 2026, readiness depends on whether every technical professional—from the network engineer to the software developer—has the proactive skills to understand how systems connect, where vulnerabilities emerge, and how attackers exploit the gaps between them.”The Front Line: Exploiting Gaps Between Systems and TeamsModern attackers do not target isolated technologies; they exploit misconfigurations, identity weaknesses, and the communication breakdowns between siloed teams. These attack paths move fluidly across networks and cloud platforms, leveraging a lack of cross-domain visibility.The financial impact of these gaps is staggering. In 2025, the global cost of cloud misconfigurations was estimated at $10.3 billion, driven by insecure storage, identity failures, and container vulnerabilities. These failures almost always occur at the intersection of networking and cloud responsibilities where a lack of security-first training leaves an opening. Under the Year of the Defender initiative, INE Security is helping enterprises bridge these gaps by transforming every technical contributor into a proactive defender.Zero Trust and Cloud Complexity Raise the BarAs Zero Trust architecture becomes the industry standard—with 52% of organizations already fully deployed—the technical requirements for infrastructure design have reached a new level of complexity. Simultaneously, 71% of organizations now operate more than 10 separate cloud security tools, leading to massive alert fatigue.To combat this, the Year of the Defender focuses on execution over mere monitoring. By training technical teams in proactive defense and risk prioritization, organizations can reduce the noise and stop threats before they escalate into breaches.AI and Cloud Security: The New Core CompetenciesEmerging technologies are further reshaping defender expectations. For the second consecutive year, AI security skills and cloud security skills have ranked as the top capabilities required by the market. As technical teams build generalized AI knowledge, they must also understand AI-driven threats. This shift reflects a growing reality: modern defense requires an adaptable, cross-domain skill set that extends far beyond traditional role boundaries.Closing the Risk Multiplier: The Skills GapStaffing shortages and skills gaps are now primary risk multipliers. IBM’s research confirms that organizations with severe staffing shortages incur significantly higher costs per breach. Furthermore, nearly 69% of organizations report that multiple cybersecurity incidents have been tied directly to a lack of skilled personnel.“Tools alone don’t close skill gaps,” added Ahmed. “In 2026, the organizations that survive and thrive will be those that prioritize the continuous, hands-on training of their technical teams. We are empowering the front line to identify, intercept, and neutralize threats in real-time.”About Year of the DefenderThe Year of the Defender initiative by INE Security highlights a fundamental shift in cybersecurity strategy: modern defense depends on defenders who understand the entire ecosystem. Through continuous, hands-on training across networking, security, cloud, and emerging technologies, INE is building the next generation of resilient technical workforces.Organizations looking to strengthen defender readiness and close critical skills gaps can learn more about INE’s team training programs at learn.ine.com/schedule-a-demo.<br />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.
01/08/2026
INE
INE Releases Top 5 Network Security Trends of 2026
AI-Driven Defense, Zero Trust, Identity Security, and Regulatory Accountability Redefine Enterprise CybersecurityCARY, N.C. — [January 8, 2026] — INE, a global provider of networking and cybersecurity training and certifications, today released its Top 5 Network Security Trends of 2026, outlining the most significant forces reshaping how organizations defend their networks, identities, and critical infrastructure amid an increasingly automated and regulated threat landscape.As enterprises accelerate digital transformation, the attack surface continues to expand across cloud, hybrid, and distributed environments. At the same time, cybercriminals are leveraging artificial intelligence, automation, and social engineering at scale, forcing organizations to rethink both their security architectures and workforce readiness.“The cybersecurity landscape of 2026 is going to be defined by speed, automation, and accountability,” said Brian McGahan, 4x CCIE and Director of Networking Content at INE Security. “Traditional security models can’t keep pace with AI-driven threats and identity-based attacks. Organizations that succeed will be those that invest in highly trained professionals who can adapt and respond as fast as the threat environment evolves.”INE’s Top 5 Network Security Trends for 20261. AI-Driven Security Becomes Operationally AutonomousArtificial intelligence is no longer just assisting security teams — it is actively making decisions, orchestrating responses, and predicting attacks before they occur.In 2026, AI-powered security platforms enable:Predictive threat detection and pre-emptive containmentAutomated incident response and remediationReal-time behavioral analysis across users, devices, and networksHowever, adversaries are also weaponizing AI to scale phishing, exploit vulnerabilities faster, and evade detection.Training as a Solution:<br /> To effectively deploy and govern AI-driven security, organizations must ensure teams can interpret outputs, validate decisions, and mitigate AI bias. Security leaders should:Implement AI literacy programs for security and network teamsProvide hands-on training with AI-powered security toolsSimulate autonomous threat-response scenariosEstablish continuous learning paths as AI security models evolve2. Zero Trust Is the Default Security ModelBy 2026, Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) is no longer aspirational — it is the baseline expectation.Zero Trust enforces:Continuous verification of users, devices, and applicationsLeast-privilege access across all environmentsElimination of implicit trust, regardless of network locationAs hybrid and cloud-native environments expand, organizations must assume no connection is safe without verification.Training as a Solution:<br /> Zero Trust requires cultural as well as technical change. To operationalize it successfully, organizations should:Develop immersive Zero Trust training programsTrain teams on identity-centric network designConduct simulations that reinforce continuous authenticationDeliver organization-wide security awareness aligned with Zero Trust principles3. Quantum-Prepared Security Enters Strategic PlanningQuantum computing may not be mainstream yet — but quantum-enabled threats are already influencing security decisions in 2026.Organizations are beginning to:Assess cryptographic vulnerabilities to future quantum attacksAdopt post-quantum cryptography standardsDesign crypto-agile architectures that can evolve as algorithms changeThe focus is shifting from if quantum will disrupt security to when.Training as a Solution:<br /> Security professionals must understand both the risks and the roadmap. Leaders should:Introduce training on post-quantum cryptography fundamentalsDevelop crypto-agility planning workshopsEducate teams on long-term data protection strategiesAlign cryptographic training with regulatory and industry standards4. Identity Becomes the Primary Security PerimeterIn 2026, identity — not the network — is the most targeted attack vector.Threat actors increasingly exploit:Compromised credentialsMachine identities and service accountsAI-generated impersonation and deepfake attacksAs a result, identity security is now central to network defense.Training as a Solution:<br /> To defend identity at scale, organizations must invest in advanced IAM skills. Security leaders should:Train teams on adaptive and risk-based authenticationProvide education on securing human and machine identitiesConduct simulations involving identity compromise and lateral movementReinforce identity-first security thinking across IT and security teams5. Regulation, Compliance, and Security Accountability IntensifyCybersecurity in 2026 is no longer just a technical concern — it is a legal, financial, and reputational obligation.Organizations face:Stricter breach disclosure and reporting requirementsIncreased regulatory scrutiny across industriesExecutive-level accountability for cyber riskSecurity maturity is now measured not only by prevention, but by demonstrable compliance and governance.Training as a Solution:<br /> Security and networking teams must understand how technical decisions map to regulatory outcomes. Organizations should:Provide training on global cybersecurity regulations and frameworksAlign technical security training with compliance requirementsEducate leaders on cyber risk governance and reportingBuild cross-functional awareness between security, legal, and executive teams“Security tools alone aren’t enough,” McGahan added. “Organizations that will thrive in 2026 are those that treat cybersecurity training as a strategic investment — empowering their teams with the skills needed to operate, govern, and secure increasingly complex networks.”INE emphasizes that addressing these trends requires continuous education and hands-on training to help security and networking professionals keep pace with rapidly evolving technologies and threats. To learn more about how organizations can train networking and security teams to prepare for these trends, including AI-driven security operations, Zero Trust implementation, identity protection, and regulatory readiness, visit learn.ine.com/schedule-a-demo.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.
01/06/2026
INE
INE Launches New “Security Operations Certified – Level 1 (eSOC) Learning Path” to Meet Rapidly Growing Global Demand for SOC Analysts
CARY, NC — January 6, 2025 — INE Security, a global leader in cybersecurity training and certification, today announced the launch of its new Security Operations Certified – Level 1 (eSOC) Learning Path. This comprehensive new path is designed to equip aspiring and current cybersecurity professionals with the foundational skills, tools, and hands-on experience required to excel in modern Security Operations Centers (SOCs).As organizations worldwide face an unprecedented rise in cyber threats, the demand for capable SOC analysts and security responders has never been higher. INE Security’s eSOC Learning Path directly addresses this workforce gap by delivering structured, expert-led training aligned with real-world challenges SOC teams encounter daily.Building the Next Generation of SOC TalentThe eSOC Level 1 Learning Path provides a deep dive into the fundamentals of security operations while integrating the latest advancements in AI-supported analysis and investigation. Learners progress through practical scenarios designed to build confidence and technical competency from day one.Learning objectives include:SOC Fundamentals, AI & Core Analyst SkillsThreat Detection, Logging & AnalysisIncident Response & InvestigationSOC Tools, Reporting & Emerging Technologies<br />“Our mission has always been to make world-class cybersecurity education accessible, relevant, and career-defining,” said Lindsey Rinehart, INE’s Chief Executive Officer. “With the eSOC Learning Path, we’re giving students and teams a powerful way to gain the operational skills needed to protect organizations in an increasingly complex threat landscape.”Designed for Both Emerging and Experienced Security ProfessionalsThe eSOC Learning Path is ideal for:Security Analysts & Incident RespondersSecurity Engineers & ArchitectsSOC Managers and Technical Security LeadersSecurity Managers seeking to strengthen analysis quality, reduce turnover, and improve SOC efficiencyProfessionals or career changers entering the Blue Team field<br />By providing a clear roadmap from foundational knowledge to actionable skills, this Learning Path helps organizations build stronger SOC teams while enabling individuals to accelerate their security careers.Closing the Cybersecurity Skills GapWith cyber incidents rising and global shortages of qualified analysts, companies are struggling to staff and retain effective SOC teams. INE’s new eSOC Learning Path equips analysts with the capabilities needed to respond to threats faster, reduce alert fatigue, and operate with confidence in high-pressure environments.“The cybersecurity skills gap isn’t just a statistic—it’s a daily reality for organizations struggling to stay ahead of evolving threats,” said Tracy Wallace, INE’s Director of Content Development. “This Learning Path was built to close that gap by immersing learners in the actual tools, behaviors, and decision-making needed to operate as effective SOC analysts from the start.”AvailabilityThe first courses in the Security Operations Certified – Level 1 (eSOC) Learning Path are available now, with continued course and lab releases rolling out into 2026.For more information, visit INE.com.<br />About INE Security:INE 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.<br />
12/26/2025
INE
December 2025 Critical CVE Round Up
A breakdown of the most critical CVEs disclosed in December 2025, including zero-day exploits, RCE vulnerabilities, and enterprise security risks.
12/19/2025
INE
Top Takeaways from Black Hat MEA 2025
Black Hat MEA 2025 delivered an unmistakable message: the threat landscape is accelerating faster than most organizations are prepared for. Cybercrime is expanding in sophistication and scale, while AI is rapidly transforming security—both as a powerful defensive ally and an increasingly capable tool for attackers. Across keynotes, panels, and research sessions, one theme dominated the conversation: security teams must rethink how they operate, modernize their defenses, and adopt proactive strategies before emerging threats outpace their capabilities.<br />Top Takeaways from Black Hat 2025AI's Role in Cyber Warfare: The industry is seeing a shift from automation to autonomous security operations (SecOps). CISOs must move toward proactive, autonomous defense and begin building Secure AI Factories. Organizations should be leveraging Agentic AI for threat hunting and defense, as well as countering AI-powered adversary techniques such as automated reconnaissance and polymorphic malware.Evolving Cybercrime: Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) is now a professional business model for threat actors. AI has made it easier to scale attacks. Red team professionals should embrace Malwareless Operations. Defenders need to focus on early detection and program-level resilience. Detection strategies that start at encryption are "already too late."Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC): Organizations need to be ready for ‘the Q Day threat.’ Cybersecurity teams need to take proactive steps on Quantum Security and Cryptography to achieve crypto-agility before large-scale quantum computers become a reality. Developer/App Sec Supply Chain Risk: The developer's desktop is the new beachhead for supply chain attacks, and security needs to shift from scanning code to securing the coding environment itself. Security teams must treat developer ecosystems as high-value targets, as traditional tools fail to monitor this supply chain vector. The Key Message: Proactive PreparationAcross every discussion at Black Hat MEA 2025, the takeaway was consistent: the organizations that will withstand the next era of cyber threats are the ones preparing now. Reactive security models are no longer enough. By the time an attack is visible, it’s already too late. Building resilient teams, adopting autonomous and AI-driven defenses, strengthening crypto-agility, and securing the developer ecosystem must become immediate priorities.Empower your team to meet these challenges head-on with INE’s comprehensive platform of networking and cybersecurity training, skill assessments, hands-on labs, CTFs, and certifications. The threats of tomorrow are already here. Start preparing today.<br />
12/18/2025
INE
INE Security Expands Across Middle East and Asia to Accelerate Cybersecurity Upskilling
Growth in Egypt, UAE, and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Fueled by Demand for Expert-Led, Hands-On Training to Meet National Digital Transformation Goals[CARY, NC] — December 18, 2025 — INE Security, a global leader in specialized cybersecurity and IT training, today announced continued significant expansion across the Middle East and Asia, capitalizing on major regional learning initiatives. The company’s unique, hands-on methodology is proving to be a cost-effective solution for upskilling cybersecurity professionals in high-growth markets, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Egypt.As these nations prioritize digital transformation and invest heavily in localizing technical expertise, such as through Saudi Vision 2030, the demand for high-quality, practical cybersecurity training has surged. Yet traditional, high-cost training models often fail to scale efficiently to meet the vast skill gaps required to secure rapidly expanding digital infrastructures.INE Security addresses this challenge by providing comprehensive, subscription-based learning paths designed by industry experts. This model delivers superior value by offering unlimited access to thousands of hours of content and real-world virtual labs—such as the innovative Skill Dive platform—ensuring professionals not only learn theory but also gain the hands-on experience necessary to defend complex environments.Meeting Regional Skills DemandsThe key to INE Security’s success in the region lies in its commitment to verifiable competence over mere certification. Organizations in KSA, UAE, and Egypt require solutions that can rapidly validate and elevate the technical skills of their security analysts and engineers in critical areas.Key competencies being rapidly adopted through INE Security training include:Cloud Security best practices for protecting new digital government and private sector infrastructuresIncident Response planning and execution through realistic simulation labsPenetration Testing and offensive security techniques to proactively identify vulnerabilitiesAdvanced Networking fundamentals necessary for robust security architecture<br />“The Middle East and Asia are leading the world in digital ambition, and that ambition requires a skilled cyber workforce trained to meet the highest global standards,” said Lindsey Rinehart, CEO of INE. “Our cost-effective, hands-on training model delivers the depth and scale needed to build real-world defensive capabilities. We are committed to supporting the region’s growing cybersecurity ecosystem and empowering practitioners with the skills they need to protect national assets and drive digital innovation.”Expanding Regional PartnershipsAs part of its continued expansion, INE Security has strengthened its regional presence through new strategic partnerships established over recent months. These collaborations extend INE’s reach and support localized delivery of hands-on cybersecurity training aligned with regional workforce development priorities.New partners across the Middle East and Asia include Red Nexus Academy, RedTeam Hacker Academy, and Abadnet Institute. Through these partnerships, INE is working closely with training providers and academic institutions to broaden access to expert-led instruction, immersive labs, and skill validation programs for cybersecurity professionals across the region.By collaborating with trusted regional partners, INE is able to support national digital initiatives while ensuring training programs reflect local market needs, languages, and technical priorities.A Scalable Model for National GrowthINE’s subscription-based model provides scalable access to hands-on training and real-time skill development across the full spectrum of cyber domains. This approach enables government agencies, universities, and large enterprises to onboard and upskill teams efficiently while maintaining consistency and quality at scale. With built-in skill assessment tools and usage analytics, organizations gain clear visibility into workforce readiness and can confidently measure progress as teams advance through increasingly complex defensive and offensive scenarios.“Organizations across the Middle East and Asia are accelerating their cybersecurity readiness, and they need training solutions that match the pace of their transformation,” said Brett Eskine, Chief Revenue Officer at INE. “INE’s hands-on labs and expert-led learning paths provide a scalable and measurable pathway for organizations across the region to build the cyber expertise required for modern digital infrastructures.”INE remains committed to empowering professionals throughout these dynamic regions by delivering accessible, high-impact learning tools that help strengthen national security resilience while advancing individual careers. To learn more about INE Security’s enterprise training solutions and regional expansion initiatives, visit ine.com/enterprise. <br />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.
12/17/2025
INE
INE Training Emerges as Critical Tool for Organizations Seeking Cyber Insurance Approval and Maintaining Coverage
As Insurers Tighten Requirements, Organizations Turn to INE's Hands-On Technical Training to Meet Standards, Reduce Risk, and Secure PayoutsCARY, NC — December 15, 2025 — With ransomware incidents becoming more severe and cyber insurers tightening eligibility standards, organizations are experiencing a significant rise in claim denials and coverage limitations. To close these gaps, many are turning to INE's technical cybersecurity training as a practical and scalable way to help IT and security teams meet insurance requirements, reduce risk, and strengthen their ability to secure coverage.Industry research shows that 27 percent of data breach claims (Astra) result in either partial or no payout due to policy exclusions or failure to meet required security controls. These gaps often leave organizations exposed during the most financially damaging moments of a cyber incident, especially as ransomware continues to dominate insured losses, accounting for 76 percent of all incurred cyber insurance losses in the first half of 2025 (Risk & Insurance)."Ransomware insurance now requires more than simply having the right tools. It requires professionals who understand how to configure, maintain, and validate the security controls insurers look for," said Lindsey Rinehart, Chief Executive Officer at INE. "Our training ensures teams have the practical skills to meet those expectations and respond effectively when an incident occurs."The Skills Gap Driving DenialsWhile the average ransomware claim exceeded $1.18 million, insurers are responding to rising financial exposure with significantly stricter underwriting and demanding security questionnaires. An ISC2 workforce study found that 95 percent of organizations report critical cybersecurity skill gaps, leading to understaffing that directly increases breach risk.Many companies lack the skilled technical staff needed to properly deploy and maintain insurer-required controls—including MFA, EDR, secure backups, and documented incident response capabilities. This gap often results in technical implementation failures that lead to claim denials and policy exclusions.INE: Bridging the Gap with Practical CompetenceINE Security's hands-on training helps organizations bridge this competency gap by equipping IT and security professionals with the practical knowledge required to implement and maintain the controls insurers expect. INE delivers hands-on, real-world labs and guided learning paths that directly map to required security maturity levels.Key competencies covered through INE training include:Proper deployment and configuration of MFA, EDR, SIEM, and PAM tools.Backup validation and recovery testing.Vulnerability and patch management processes.Incident response planning and execution.System hardening and infrastructure security.These measurable skills not only help teams avoid implementation failures but also demonstrate verifiable security maturity during underwriting assessments and renewals, helping organizations better position themselves for coverage.Essential Support for ResilienceAs cyber insurers continue to raise expectations, organizations that invest in developing internal technical expertise will be the ones best positioned to maintain coverage and withstand the growing financial risks of ransomware.INE is committed to helping companies of all sizes meet this challenge by delivering practical, career-focused training that elevates the capabilities of their IT and security teams. By equipping professionals with the skills needed to implement and validate critical security controls, INE enables businesses to improve resilience, reduce insurance complications, and build long-term operational strength in an increasingly complex digital landscape.For more information, visit https://ine.com/enterprise.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.
12/11/2025
INE
INE Reinforces Skill Dive’s Role in SMB Cyber Defense
CARY, NC — December 11, 2025 — INE, a global leader in cybersecurity training and upskilling, is emphasizing the critical role Skill Dive, particularly the Vulnerabilities Lab Collection, plays in helping small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) defend against the surge of quickly emerging cyber threats. Through hands-on, scenario-based training, Skill Dive enables SMB teams to identify, mitigate, and remediate critical security weaknesses before they escalate into business-disrupting or business-ending incidents.With cyberattacks increasingly driven by publicly disclosed vulnerabilities (CVEs), SMBs face unprecedented pressure to react quickly and effectively. Recent high-profile examples, including CVE-2025-55182 (React2Shell), exploited within hours of disclosure, and CVE-2025-61882, a zero-day flaw in Oracle E-Business Suite weaponized by ransomware groups, highlight how rapidly attackers now move. For resource-strained SMBs, even a single lapse can lead to catastrophic downtime or financial loss.“SMBs are being hit with the same sophisticated vulnerability exploits as Fortune 500 companies but without the cybersecurity teams or budgets those enterprises rely on,” said Lindsey Rinehart, Chief Executive Officer at INE. “The Skill Dive Vulnerabilities Lab gives small teams the practical, hands-on experience they need to understand and mitigate real-world threats, helping them react faster, respond smarter, and stay secure.”Why SMBs Remain Highly Vulnerable to Modern Cyber ThreatsIndustry research continues to show that SMBs are disproportionately vulnerable to cyber incidents, despite making up the backbone of the global economy. According to data compiled by StrongDM, over 60% of small businesses experience at least one cyberattack each year, and nearly 1 in 5 say a successful breach would force them to close their doors (Viking Cloud, 2025). Many lack the dedicated cybersecurity staff, formal patch cycles, or vulnerability-management processes common in larger enterprises, leaving them exposed when new CVEs emerge.Recent high-impact vulnerabilities underscore the urgency. The React2Shell vulnerability (CVE-2025-55182) was exploited within hours of disclosure (AWS Security), while the Oracle EBS zero-day (CVE-2025-61882) was used by ransomware groups months before a patch became available (CrowdStrike, Rapid7, Strobes Security). These examples highlight a growing trend: attackers increasingly rely on publicly disclosed vulnerabilities as their primary entry point, knowing that many SMBs struggle to react quickly enough.Modern attack campaigns follow a predictable pattern: exploit a known weakness, escalate access, deploy malware or ransomware, and extract data. SMBs are often the easiest targets. Limited IT bandwidth, outdated systems, and inconsistent security maintenance create ideal conditions for threat actors who move faster than most small teams can respond.“CVE exploitation has become the modern battleground for cyber defense,” added Rinehart. “Skill Dive turns this challenge into a learning opportunity, giving SMBs the same caliber of practical training used by security professionals worldwide.”Hands-On Defense Against Real VulnerabilitiesUnlike traditional training that stops at theory, Skill Dive’s Vulnerabilities Lab Collection immerses teams in live, simulated exploit scenarios based on real CVEs to help SMB technical teams build the confidence and capability to recognize threats earlier, remediate faster, and maintain business continuity in the face of a rapidly evolving cyber landscape. Learners actively:Practice identifying vulnerabilities so they can get to them before attackers doExplore how threats like RCE, SSRF, SQL injection, and misconfigurations unfoldWalk through end-to-end remediation exercisesStrengthen patch management and secure-configuration skillsBuild confidence responding to incidents in fast-moving environmentsWith attackers often exploiting newly disclosed vulnerabilities in days, or in some cases, hours, speed and hands-on familiarity are now essential. Skill Dive helps teams shorten the time between discovery → decision → remediation, reducing the likelihood of a breach.A Proactive Path to Cyber ResilienceWith real-time exercises modeled on high-impact vulnerabilities, the Vulnerabilities Lab Collection prepares organizations to recognize patterns, reinforce secure practices, and stop attacks before damage occurs. By combining hands-on training, CVE-driven practice, and certification pathways, INE’s Skill Dive empowers businesses to shift from reactive firefighting to proactive cyber resilience, ensuring they can secure their systems, protect their customers, and maintain business continuity.The Skill Dive Vulnerabilities Lab Collection is available now. To learn more about Skill Dive or INE Enterprise for Teams, please visit learn.ine.com/schedule-a-demo.
12/09/2025
INE
How to Become a Pentester: Your Complete Roadmap
This guide walks through what a pentester does, the most common career transitions into the role, and how to strategically upskill, including how INE Security’s eJPT certification can help you prove your abilities in a hands-on, industry-recognized way.
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