New eCIR Certification: Advanced Incident Response Training
Modern cyber attacks have grown increasingly sophisticated, with threat actors leveraging fileless execution, living-off-the-land techniques, and multi-stage campaigns that span hybrid and on-premises environments. Advanced persistent threats, fileless malware, and sophisticated cloud-based attacks have become the new normal. Organizations need incident response professionals who can handle these complex scenarios with confidence and expertise.
Today, we're excited to announce the launch of our updated Certified Incident Responder (eCIR) certification—a comprehensive incident response certification designed to prepare cybersecurity professionals for the realities of modern threat investigation and response.
Why We Updated the eCIR Certification
The original eCIR certification established a strong foundation for incident response training. However, the threat landscape has shifted significantly since its initial release. Today's attackers employ living-off-the-land techniques, leverage legitimate administrative tools, and execute attacks that span complex modern enterprise environments.
Our updated certification addresses these changes head-on. The new eCIR combines proven incident response methodologies with hands-on training that reflects current attack techniques. This approach ensures professionals develop both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for effective blue team defense operations.
Comprehensive Coverage for Modern IR Professionals
The updated eCIR certification covers five critical domains essential for contemporary incident response work:
Threat Detection & SIEM Operations (20%)
Modern SOC operations require more than basic log monitoring. This domain teaches professionals how to construct advanced SIEM queries, correlate multi-source log data, and identify sophisticated indicators of compromise. Students learn to recognize subtle signs of initial access and understand how attackers establish footholds in enterprise environments.
The training emphasizes practical query development and alert interpretation. Professionals learn to distinguish between legitimate administrative activity and malicious behavior—a crucial skill as attackers increasingly use legitimate tools and processes to avoid detection.
Endpoint & Network Analysis (35%)
This comprehensive domain forms the core of the certification, reflecting its importance in real-world investigations. Students master endpoint telemetry analysis, learning to identify user enumeration, privilege escalation attempts, and persistence mechanisms.
The training covers advanced topics including token manipulation, UAC bypass techniques, and registry-based persistence. Students also learn to analyze network traffic patterns, trace lateral movement, and identify command-and-control communications across various protocols.
Digital Forensics & Evidence-Based Analysis (20%)
Digital forensics capabilities are essential for thorough incident investigations. This domain teaches students to deconstruct malicious documents, perform static analysis on suspicious executables, and extract meaningful artifacts from Windows Registry entries.
Students learn to identify malicious macro code, analyze PE file structures, and understand how attackers leverage legitimate file formats for malicious purposes. These skills enable investigators to build comprehensive timelines and understand the full scope of security incidents.
Threat Intelligence & Attribution (10%)
Understanding attacker motivations and methodologies improves response effectiveness. This domain teaches students to map observed behaviors to known threat actor tactics using frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK.
Students learn to assess behavioral patterns, identify campaign characteristics, and make informed attribution assessments. This knowledge helps organizations understand their threat landscape and prioritize defensive investments accordingly.
Reporting & Communication (15%)
Technical discoveries mean nothing without clear communication. This domain teaches students to compose professional investigation reports, document findings effectively, and translate technical analysis into actionable recommendations.
Students learn to create comprehensive timelines, assess incident impact, and provide specific containment and recovery guidance. These communication skills are essential for coordinating response efforts and supporting organizational decision-making.
Hands-On Learning That Mirrors Real Work
The updated eCIR certification emphasizes practical, hands-on learning through six progressive courses. Each course includes interactive video lessons, knowledge checks, and browser-based laboratory exercises that require no additional setup.
The laboratory environments simulate realistic enterprise networks with authentic operating systems, applications, and security tools. Students investigate actual attack scenarios featuring modern malware families, advanced persistence techniques, and sophisticated evasion methods.
This approach ensures students develop confidence working with the tools and techniques they'll encounter in professional environments. The browser-based format makes training accessible from anywhere, enabling flexible learning schedules for busy professionals.
A Fully Practical Examination Experience
Unlike traditional multiple-choice examinations, the eCIR features a comprehensive practical assessment. Students investigate a simulated corporate breach, analyzing evidence across multiple systems and timeframes.
The examination requires students to identify indicators of compromise, construct attack timelines, and document their findings in professional incident reports. This format validates real-world capabilities rather than memorized information.
Students must demonstrate proficiency across all five certification domains, showing they can detect threats, analyze evidence, apply threat intelligence, and communicate findings effectively. This comprehensive assessment ensures certified professionals possess the skills organizations need.
Who Should Pursue eCIR Certification
The updated eCIR certification serves professionals at various career stages within cybersecurity and IT:
SOC Analysts looking to advance beyond basic alert triage will find comprehensive training in investigation methodologies and analysis techniques. The certification provides structured learning that transforms reactive monitoring into proactive threat detection.
Aspiring Incident Response Professionals gain a clear pathway into this high-demand field. The certification covers fundamental concepts while building advanced skills through progressive, hands-on training.
IT Security Personnel who handle security incidents as part of broader responsibilities benefit from formal training in investigation techniques and response procedures. The certification provides structure and validation for skills developed through on-the-job experience.
Blue Team Engineers can expand their defensive capabilities with comprehensive incident investigation training. The certification complements existing security engineering skills with practical forensics and analysis capabilities.
Launch Availability and Pricing
The updated eCIR certification is available immediately through our training platform. We're offering special launch pricing to celebrate the release:
New subscribers: eCIR certification plus three months of INE Premium for $499 (regular price $599)
Current subscribers: Standalone eCIR certification voucher for $299 (regular price $399)
This limited-time pricing is available through the end of September 2025.
The Future of Incident Response Training
The cybersecurity industry demands professionals who can handle complex, multi-faceted security incidents. Traditional training approaches that separate theory from practice no longer meet these demands. The updated eCIR certification represents our commitment to practical, relevant cybersecurity education. By combining comprehensive theoretical foundations with extensive hands-on practice, we're preparing the next generation of incident response professionals for the challenges they'll face in the field.
Organizations worldwide rely on skilled incident responders to protect critical assets and ensure business continuity. The updated eCIR certification helps professionals develop the expertise necessary to meet this responsibility effectively.
Ready to advance your incident response certification journey? Visit our platform to learn more about the updated eCIR Learning Path.
