Best Cybersecurity Online Training: An Overview
As cyber-attacks become more frequent and sophisticated, businesses and organizations seek skilled information security analysts to protect their electronic data. Online training programs are an effective way to gain knowledge and skills in this field.
Whether you're an organization seeking training for your IT team or you're an IT professional looking to grow your skillset, cybersecurity training is a great way to do so. Let's explore how to find a quality training program and what INE can offer you.
What to Look for in a Cybersecurity Online Training Program
In today's digital age, cybersecurity is a top priority that cannot be ignored. As the number of cyber-attacks increases, businesses must protect their data and systems. Investing in IT employee cybersecurity training programs is an effective way to do this.
However, with so many online training options available, it is essential to choose the right one. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a cybersecurity online training program.
1. Course Offerings and Specializations
Before selecting a training program, looking at the course offerings and specializations is important to determine if they meet your needs. Here are some common specializations you may encounter:
Cybersecurity Fundamentals
Cybersecurity fundamentals include all the tools you need to identify threats, perform penetration testing, analyze malware, and more. These courses serve as the building blocks of your security strategy and can acquaint you with different computer security models and computer programming tools instrumental in cybersecurity.
Network Security
Network security protects computer networks from unauthorized access, misuse, or destruction. Courses in this area typically cover topics such as firewalls, intrusion detection, and virtual private networks.
Cloud Security
As more businesses move their data and systems to the cloud, cloud security becomes increasingly important. Courses in this area can cover data encryption, access control, and cloud-specific threats.
Risk Management and Compliance
Risk management and compliance courses are designed for those who need to understand regulations and standards such as HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and GDPR. These courses are essential for those working in the healthcare and finance industries.
2. Certification Options
Earning a cybersecurity certificate can improve your skills, increase your job prospects, and boost your earnings. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a certification program:
Industry Recognition
There are a multitude of cybersecurity certifications available, but not all of them are created equal. Before committing to any certification program, it is important to research which certifications are recognized in your industry.
Exam Preparation
Most certification programs require passing an exam. Look for a training program that covers the exam content and provides exam-taking strategies and practice exams. INE has a host of options for courses catered to different exams that prepare you to take and pass these tests confidently.
Continuing Education
Cybersecurity is always changing, so staying current on the latest developments is essential. Look for certification programs that require continuing education to maintain the certification.
3. Learning Formats
Online cybersecurity training programs can be taken in several learning formats. Here are the most common ones:
Self-paced Online Courses
Self-paced online courses allow students to work through the material at their own pace. This format is great for those who need flexibility in their schedule.
Instructor-led Online Courses
Instructor-led online courses are similar to traditional classroom courses, but the material is delivered online. Students can participate in real-time and ask questions as they come up.
Hybrid Learning Options
Hybrid learning options combine online and in-person learning. This format is great for those who want the convenience of online learning with the opportunity to interact with instructors and other students in person.
Tips for Choosing the Best Cybersecurity Online Training Program
Once you've decided that a cybersecurity training program is right for you, it's time to weigh your options. It can feel daunting to choose the right program with so many available options. Here are some tips to help you find the best cybersecurity online training program.
1. Evaluate Your Learning Objectives
Before choosing a cybersecurity training program, it is important to evaluate your learning objectives. You should identify why you want to undertake the training program and what you hope to achieve. This will help you choose the right online course tailored to your needs. If you want to work for a company as a cloud security expert, look for a training program with plenty of cloud security courses. Similarly, if you want to be the firewall and network security specialist on your team, seek out training programs with plenty of coursework to let you grow in this area.
Define Your Goals
Defining your goals is an essential aspect of evaluating your learning objectives. This will help you identify the areas in cybersecurity that you need to focus on.
Assess Your Skills and Knowledge Gap
Assessing your skills and knowledge gap is also crucial in choosing the right cybersecurity online training program. This will enable you to choose an appropriate level of the course, whether beginner, intermediate, or advanced. Some courses may give you the option to take a test beforehand to see what level your knowledge is at before you invest in a course.
Determine Your Budget and Time Constraints
Online courses are often more affordable and flexible compared to traditional courses. Ensure that you choose a training program within your financial means that does not conflict with your schedule.
2. Check for Accreditation and Industry Recognition
When choosing a cybersecurity online training program, check for accreditation and industry recognition. Accreditation and recognition from credible organizations indicate that the training program meets certain standards and requirements.
Look for Accreditation
Accreditation from recognized organizations indicates that the training program meets the required standards. Look for online training programs accredited by recognized organizations such as the International Association of Computer Science and Information Technology.
Check for Industry Alliances and Partnerships
Industry alliances and partnerships are another indication of the credibility of an online training program. A good cybersecurity training program should partner with industry-leading organizations and certification bodies. This demonstrates that the industry leaders have recognized the training program and that it meets the industry standards.
Research the Reputation of the Program
Researching the reputation of the training program is important in helping you choose the best option. You can also ask for recommendations from colleagues or search for reviews and feedback from former students.
3. Read Reviews and Feedback
Reading reviews and feedback from former students is another effective way of assessing the quality of a training program. Reviews and feedback are honest evaluations of the program based on the experiences of the former students.
What Does INE Have to Offer?
As mentioned, there are a host of options for cybersecurity training programs. So why choose INE?
For the past two decades, INE has invested in bringing IT professionals and teams the best and most relevant training content. Our courses span specialties, including Cybersecurity, Networking, and Cloud training. Whether you're new to the field of IT and looking to gain fundamental knowledge or you're seeking advanced courses, we have something for you. Our online training program is hands-on and allows you to test your skills in practical, real-world scenarios. Plus, our instructors are some of the best in the business and understand how to create compelling content that keeps learners coming back.
If you're seeking certifications for your resume, we can help you with that, too. INE has an extensive catalog of industry certifications, including industry-recognized eLearnSecurity accolades, to give you a leg up in your career. We have crafted our platform so there is something for every IT/IS professional. When you're ready to learn, we're here to help. Learn more about the various cybersecurity certifications we offer below:
Learn More with INE
If INE's platform sounds like the right fit for you, subscribe today and gain access to our extensive library of courses, learning paths, career-oriented certifications, and 3,100+ hands-on labs where you can build and refine your IT skill-set.
If you're interested in a training platform for your business or team, INE offers subscription plans for teams as well! You can request more information and schedule a demo of INE's training platform for you and your team.
FAQs
What is online cybersecurity training?
Online cybersecurity training is a form of education that provides individuals with cybersecurity skills to protect their organization's digital assets. It involves many cybersecurity topics, such as data breach prevention, network security, cyber forensics, ethical hacking, and more. Cybersecurity training is delivered online through virtual classrooms, webinars, and self-paced online courses.
Why take online cybersecurity training?
Cybersecurity threats are constantly changing, making it harder for organizations to keep up with security threats. Security breaches can cause businesses to lose sensitive data, financial loss, reputational damage, and legal consequences. Online cybersecurity training provides individuals and organizations with the skills and knowledge to protect themselves from cybersecurity threats. With the knowledge gained during the training, IT professionals can apply best practices and security measures to prevent cyber-attacks.
What skills do I need to have before taking cybersecurity training?
To take cybersecurity training, there are no specific requirements or prerequisites. However, a computer science or information technology background can be helpful. Some cybersecurity courses require basic networking and operating systems knowledge, so having a fundamental understanding of these topics is recommended.
What topics are covered in cybersecurity training?
Cybersecurity training covers various cybersecurity topics, including network security, cyber forensics, ethical hacking, data breach prevention, cryptography, and more. The topics covered in cybersecurity training depend on the course or program you're enrolled in. Most online cybersecurity training courses are customizable, allowing organizations and individuals to tailor the course content to their needs.
What are the benefits of online cybersecurity training?
Online cybersecurity training has several benefits, including:
- Flexibility: Online cybersecurity training allows individuals to learn at their own pace and from anywhere in the world.
- Cost-Effective: Online cybersecurity training is often more cost effective than traditional in-person training.
- Accessibility: Online cybersecurity training is accessible to anyone with an internet connection, regardless of location.
- Up-to-date Course Material: Online cybersecurity training providers regularly update their course content to reflect current trends, threats, and best practices.
