INE Resources
05/12/2026
INE
The Spiraling Cost of Downtime from Ransomware Attacks
Ransomware downtime can cost industrial organizations millions. Learn why infrastructure sectors are targeted and how training, response plans, and leadership alignment reduce risk.
05/12/2026
INE
Public Sector Cyber Risk Grows as Skills Gaps Persist, INE Reports
CARY, NC, May 6, 2026 — INE today highlighted the growing cybersecurity skills gap facing local governments, law enforcement, and public sector agencies, as AI-driven and increasingly targeted attacks continue to evolve.While ransomware incidents have declined from a peak of 69% in 2024 to 34% more recently, the severity and impact of successful attacks has increased significantly.At the same time, cybercriminals are shifting toward targeted attacks on high-value organizations that cannot afford downtime—making public sector agencies a primary focus.These trends point to a critical challenge: teams must be prepared to respond faster, with fewer resources, against more adaptive threats.Evolving Threats Are Exposing Skills GapsRecent incidents demonstrate how quickly attacks can escalate. A single unpatched device or exposed system can provide an entry point, allowing attackers to move laterally, harvest credentials, and access sensitive systems within minutes.“These attacks may vary in technique, but they consistently exploit the same issue—gaps in foundational knowledge and response readiness,” Reinhardt added.Local agencies are being asked to defend more systems with fewer resources, while attackers become more automated and persistent. As a result, the ability to recognize, respond, and contain threats in real time has become a defining factor in organizational resilience.From Knowledge to Readiness: The Role of Hands-On TrainingTo address these challenges, INE is emphasizing the importance of hands-on, continuous training that builds not just knowledge—but instinctive response capabilities.Modern cybersecurity threats require more than theoretical understanding. Teams must be able to:Identify vulnerabilities in real-world environmentsRespond quickly under pressureCoordinate across roles during active incidentsMaintain service continuity during disruptionsINE’s Enterprise platform, including its hands-on training environments, is designed to simulate real-world scenarios where teams can practice detection, response, and recovery in a controlled setting.This approach helps transform training from a one-time event into an ongoing process that builds confidence, coordination, and speed.Beyond Security: Operational and Public ImpactThe impact of a successful cyberattack extends far beyond IT systems.When public sector systems fail, critical services are disrupted:Residents cannot access essential services or pay billsPayroll and administrative operations are delayedCourts and public safety systems may be interruptedTransportation and infrastructure services become unreliableIn addition to operational disruption, AI-driven attacks are increasing the risk of misinformation and impersonation, making it harder for agencies to maintain public trust.“When trust breaks down, it becomes harder for agencies to operate effectively and keep communities safe,” Reinhardt said.Organizations that invest in continuous, hands-on training and coordinated response strategies are better positioned to reduce risk and recover quickly when incidents occur.INE Enterprise supports this approach with scalable training across cybersecurity, networking, cloud, and AI. With 70+ learning paths, 4,500+ hands-on labs, and structured skill development, organizations can build readiness across teams—not just individual roles.For more information about INE’s public sector cybersecurity training solutions, visit ine.com. <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.
05/04/2026
INE
The AI Security Skills Gap Is Now the Biggest Risk in Your SOC
AI tools are advancing faster than SOC teams can operationalize them. Learn why the security skills gap is the biggest risk—and how to close it.
05/04/2026
INE
INE Highlights Escalating Cost of Ransomware Downtime in Industrial Environments
New data underscores growing OT risk as attacks increase and operational impacts outpace traditional IT narrativesCARY, NC, April 30, 2026 — INE Security, a global provider of cybersecurity and IT training and certifications, today highlighted the rising operational and financial impact of ransomware attacks across industrial sectors, where downtime can rapidly extend beyond IT disruption to halted production, supply chain delays, and safety risks.As attacks targeting manufacturing, energy, utilities, and transportation organizations continue to accelerate, INE is urging leaders to treat ransomware preparedness as a business-wide discipline—one that requires coordinated planning, cross-functional execution, and hands-on training across both IT and operational technology (OT) environments.Ransomware in OT: A Growing Operational ThreatRecent research shows that ransomware targeting industrial organizations increased by 49% year-over-year, impacting more than 3,300 organizations globally. Manufacturing alone accounted for over two-thirds of victims, highlighting how deeply these attacks are affecting operational environments.At the same time, the financial consequences of downtime continue to escalate. Industry estimates suggest that OT cyber disruptions expose organizations to hundreds of billions of dollars in annual losses, with large-scale incidents capable of driving multi-billion-dollar business interruption costs.“In industrial environments, ransomware is not just a cybersecurity issue—it’s an operational and financial risk,” said Lindsey Rinehart, Chief Executive Officer at INE. “When production stops, every minute carries a cost. Organizations need teams that can respond quickly and make informed decisions under pressure.”Why Industrial Environments Are Uniquely ExposedIndustrial control systems (ICS) and OT environments—including SCADA platforms, PLCs, and plant-floor systems—are tightly integrated with physical processes. Unlike traditional IT systems, they cannot always be taken offline, patched, or isolated without affecting production or safety.Attackers are increasingly exploiting this reality. Research indicates that 78% of OT ransomware incidents originate in IT systems before moving laterally into OT environments, allowing adversaries to disrupt operations without directly targeting industrial protocols.In many cases, the operational impact stems from disruption to IT and virtualization systems that OT depends on—resulting in loss of visibility, loss of control, and multi-day outages, even when core industrial devices remain untouched.This convergence of IT and OT risk is forcing organizations to rethink how they prepare for and respond to ransomware incidents.Downtime: The True Cost of RansomwareThe consequences of ransomware in industrial environments extend far beyond data loss. When critical systems are disrupted, the impact can cascade across the business:Production shutdowns and lost revenueSupply chain delays and partner disruptionRegulatory and compliance exposureIncreased recovery and remediation costsSafety risks in critical infrastructure environmentsRecent incidents demonstrate the scale of the problem. In one case, a ransomware attack led to hundreds of millions of dollars in lost and delayed revenue, with downstream partners experiencing additional financial impact.These events reinforce a clear reality: in industrial environments, downtime is not just an IT issue—it is a business continuity crisis.Preparedness Determines OutcomesResearch also shows that preparedness has a measurable impact. Organizations with strong OT visibility and detection capabilities are able to contain ransomware incidents in an average of 5 days, compared to an industry average of 42 days.This gap highlights the importance of readiness—not just in tools, but in people and processes.INE emphasizes that effective ransomware defense requires three foundational capabilities:Without these elements in place, response efforts can slow significantly during active incidents, increasing both operational and financial impact.Training for Real-World Industrial ScenariosINE stresses that ransomware readiness in industrial environments requires more than awareness. Teams must be prepared to act in complex, high-pressure scenarios where decisions affect both security and operations.This includes training in:Identifying attack paths across IT and OT systemsSafely isolating affected assets without disrupting critical processesValidating backups before restorationManaging identity and access risks during incidentsCoordinating response across technical and business stakeholders“Teams don’t rise to the occasion during an incident—they fall back on how they’ve trained,” added Rinehart. “In industrial environments, that training must reflect real-world conditions where controlled response is critical to avoiding further disruption.”Building Resilience Across IT and OTINE supports organizations in strengthening ransomware readiness through hands-on training that reflects real-world industrial environments. By improving technical skills, decision-making, and cross-team coordination, organizations can reduce the spread of attacks, restore systems more effectively, and limit the broader impact of downtime.As ransomware threats continue to evolve, industrial organizations face a clear challenge: when critical systems are disrupted, every hour carries operational, financial, and safety consequences.Learn MoreOrganizations looking to strengthen ransomware readiness across IT and OT environments can learn more about INE’s training programs at ine.com. <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.
04/28/2026
INE
INE Releases 2026 Training Roadmap for Building AI-Augmented Security Teams
INE releases a 2026 training roadmap to help organizations build AI-augmented security teams with role-based development and measurable skill growth.
04/28/2026
INE
April CVEs: Critical RCEs & Chrome Zero-Day
Explore April 2026 CVEs, including critical RCEs, an actively exploited React flaw, and a Chrome zero-day impacting billions. Learn risks and mitigation steps.
04/20/2026
INE
INE Launches Fully Revamped Cisco CCNP Enterprise ENCOR v1.2 Learning Path for Certification Success
Revamped learning experience aligns to current exam blueprint with nearly 200 hours of content, 100+ labs, and integrated practice examsCARY, N.C. — April 16, 2026 — INE, a global provider of networking and cybersecurity training and certifications, today announced the release of its fully updated Cisco Enterprise Core (350-401 ENCOR v1.2) Learning Path, designed to align with the latest CCNP Enterprise exam blueprint and provide a more structured, exam-focused preparation experience.The updated ENCOR learning path has been comprehensively evaluated and reconfigured by INE’s expert instructors. Existing content has been refined, new modules have been introduced where needed, and the overall structure has been streamlined to improve clarity, progression, and learner outcomes.As the core exam for Cisco’s CCNP Enterprise and CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure certifications, ENCOR requires a broad understanding of enterprise networking technologies. The updated learning path is designed to help learners build that foundation while preparing confidently for certification.Aligned to the Modern ENCOR ExamThe updated learning path includes:Nearly 200 hours of video and guided learning activities across 33 courses314 quizzes to reinforce knowledge and assess understanding116 hands-on labs to develop practical, real-world networking skillsIntegrated practice exams to support exam readiness and confidenceEnhancements also include refined course content aligned to exam domains, newly introduced modules covering evolving technologies, and a streamlined structure to improve progression across topics.“ENCOR is a foundational certification for enterprise networking professionals, and preparation requires both depth and practical application,” said Brian McGahan, 4 x CCIE #8593 (Routing & Switching/Service Provider/Security/Data Center), & CCDE #2013:13 and Networking Content Director, INE. “This update ensures learners are aligned with the current exam while developing the hands-on skills needed to succeed in real-world environments.”Building Skills for Modern Enterprise NetworksEnterprise networking continues to evolve with the adoption of automation, cloud integration, and software-defined architectures. The updated ENCOR learning path reflects these changes, helping learners develop skills across key areas such as:Advanced routing and switchingNetwork design and infrastructureAutomation and programmabilitySoftware-defined networking conceptsSecurity fundamentals within enterprise environmentsBy combining structured content with hands-on practice, INE helps learners prepare not only for certification, but for the operational demands of modern enterprise networks.AvailabilityThe updated Cisco Enterprise Core (350-401 ENCOR v1.2) Learning Path is now available on INE’s platform.To learn more or begin training, visit https://ine.com/enterprise.
04/10/2026
INE
INE Defines the Future of Cybersecurity: The Rise of the Full-Stack Defender
Cary, NC — April 9, 2026 — INE, a global leader in IT and cybersecurity training, today announced a new industry perspective redefining what it means to be a modern cybersecurity professional: the rise of the Full-Stack Defender.As cyber threats grow more complex and interconnected, organizations can no longer rely on siloed teams or narrowly trained specialists. Today’s attack paths span networks, cloud infrastructure, applications, and automation systems which require a new kind of practitioner equipped to understand and defend across all domains.“The idea that cybersecurity exists in isolation is no longer realistic,” said Lindsey Rinehart, Chief Executive Officer at INE. “Modern defenders must understand how systems connect, where vulnerabilities emerge across environments, and how attacks move between them. The future belongs to full-stack defenders.”A Fundamental Shift in Cybersecurity RolesThe Full-Stack Defender represents a shift away from traditional role boundaries toward cross-functional capability. Instead of specializing in a single domain, these professionals are trained to operate across:Networking infrastructureCloud and hybrid environmentsSecurity operations and threat detectionAutomation and modern development systemsThis evolution reflects a broader industry reality: attackers do not operate in silos—and defenders can’t afford to either.Why This Matters NowOrganizations are under increasing pressure to defend expanding attack surfaces with limited resources. At the same time:Technology environments are becoming more integrated and complexSkill gaps are widening across IT and security teamsBreaches increasingly exploit gaps between systems—not within themAs a result, the ability to connect knowledge across domains is becoming more valuable than deep specialization alone.From Siloed Skills to Organizational ReadinessINE’s approach to training supports this shift by enabling organizations to build full-stack defenders through a structured, measurable model:Assess → Train → Practice → CertifyWith capabilities such as skills diagnostics, hands-on labs, and certification pathways, INE helps teams:Identify critical skill gaps before training beginsBuild practical, real-world capabilities across disciplinesStrengthen collaboration between networking, cloud, and security teamsImprove overall organizational readiness and resilienceA New Standard for Workforce DevelopmentThe concept of the Full-Stack Defender emerges as part of INE’s broader Year of the Defender initiative, which recognizes the expanding role of modern technologists in protecting systems, data, and organizations.Rather than treating training as a one-time event, INE positions workforce development as a continuous, strategic capability—one that evolves alongside emerging threats and technologies.“Defenders aren’t defined by job titles anymore,” added Rinehart. “They’re defined by their ability to adapt, connect systems, and respond to real-world threats. That’s what we’re building at INE.”Learn how INE Enterprise Training for Teams helps organizations close skills gaps and build cross-functional defenders at scale.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.
04/07/2026
INE
Prep Your Small Business for a Cyber Breach
Learn how to prepare your small business for a cyber breach with practical steps on incident response, AI-driven threats, and risk reduction. Protect your SMB before an attack happens.
04/07/2026
INE
The Hidden Skills Gap No One Is Measuring in Cybersecurity Teams
Most cybersecurity teams are missing a critical skills gap between domains. Learn how organizations are uncovering hidden gaps and improving team readiness.
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