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5 Critical CVEs Every Security Team Should Master

Blog Post

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.

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.

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.

INE Security Alert: World Password Day 2025 Cybersecurity Training Insights

INE Security, a leading global provider of hands-on cybersecurity training and cybersecurity certifications, today released expert analysis on the current state of password security and security team training best practices as organizations recognize World Password Day on May 1, 2025.Threat intelligence data shows that password vulnerabilities continue to be the favorite target for hackers worldwide, despite years of warnings from security experts. While companies keep investing in advanced security tech, the humble password remains the front door to most organizations—and too often, it's a door with a broken lock."It's concerning to see password-related breaches still dominating security incidents despite all the technological advances," said Dara Warn, CEO of INE Security. "What we're finding is that there's a persistent gap between security training and implementation—teams know what they should be doing, but putting that knowledge into practice remains challenging. That's why we're emphasizing practical, hands-on cybersecurity training that transforms security knowledge into meaningful action."INE Security's analysis reveals three critical password security trends for 2025:Credential Stuffing Attacks Are Getting Worse<br />According to The Hacker News, stolen credentials topped the charts as the #1 attack method in 2023/24, with credential stuffing attacks leaving a trail of damage. These attacks are behind 80% of web application breaches. People Just Aren't Using Password Managers<br />Despite all the evidence showing they work, password manager adoption remains stubbornly low. Analysis from JumpCloud found that 83% of enterprise organizations use MFAs, but that drops to a mere 60% for smaller businesses. Even more concerning, Security.org's 2024 research shows only 36% of people use password managers at all—just 2% more than last year—while more than half are still relying on their memory to keep track of credentials.Hackers Are Getting Better at Bypassing MFA <br />Multi-factor authentication has improved, but phishing campaigns designed to steal those verification codes have gotten much more sophisticated. Keepnet Labs found that 15-20% of phishing attacks are now specifically crafted to get around MFA protection.Addressing these vulnerabilities requires comprehensive cybersecurity training that prepares teams for real-world threats. The Security Training Reality GapINE Security recommends a fresh approach to security training to fix these problems and strengthen password protection:Make Training Count: Ditch the annual checkbox compliance training for realistic cybersecurity training scenarios that mirror actual credential attacks. IBM found that top-performing companies are 68% more likely to provide effective training compared to low performers. Teams with proper training save around $70,000 annually and are 10% more productive.Get Hands On with Real Practice: Set up security labs and cyber ranges where people can experience simulated password attacks firsthand, building critical skills for their cybersecurity career. F.Learning Studio found that employees who face simulated attacks develop deeper understanding that sticks with them and keeps them motivated to stay vigilant.Test, Learn, Adapt, Repeat: Don't just train once and forget it. Companies with structured, ongoing training see 218% higher income per employee than those that train sporadically according to Keepnet.Build Security Into Your Culture: Close the gap between security knowledge and actual practice by making security part of your company's DNA. A report conducted by INE Security found cybersecurity training programs are the most effective way to keep organizations secure in a cloud-dependent landscape."The data consistently shows that organizations investing in comprehensive, hands-on security training achieve measurable improvements in their security outcomes and realize significant returns on that investment," Warn concluded. "On World Password Day, I encourage security leaders to thoughtfully evaluate their current training approaches and consider how they might better develop the practical skills their teams need to address today's sophisticated password-based threats."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.

Cybersecurity Burnout Crisis: INE Security Offers Solutions for Sustainable Cybersecurity Careers

Cybersecurity professionals are near the top of the list when it comes to career burnout. Threat landscapes are expanding and security teams are chronically understaffed, leaving many professionals working in a perpetual state of high alert. Recent industry surveys indicate more than three-quarters of cybersecurity practitioners experienced burnout symptoms last year, with nearly two-thirds considering leaving the field entirely, despite the growing number of available cybersecurity jobs. As part of a broader career resilience initiative, INE Security, a global leader in cybersecurity training and certification, is sharing critical insights to help professionals build sustainable careers. This analysis of industry trends offers several practical approaches to combating burnout in high-stress security roles. "We're witnessing a perfect storm of challenges," said Dara Warn, CEO of INE Security. "Organizations face sophisticated threats at remarkable scale while security teams are stretched to breaking point. The hard truth is that technical solutions alone won't solve this crisis. The human element of cybersecurity requires just as much attention as the technological one."INE Security’s analysis of industry trends offers several practical approaches to combating burnout in high-stress security roles, with ongoing training and certification at the center of these solutions.Organizational Benefits of Well-Trained Security TeamsIt sounds counterintuitive that adding anything “continuously” can actually work to prevent burnout. But in the case of cybersecurity professionals, it is proven to be true. A June 2024 report found that 50% of cybersecurity professionals expect to reach burnout within the next year. However, organizations that implement sustainable practices centered around continuous professional development see concrete benefits beyond staff wellbeing, as noted in INE Security’s white paper “A Strong Defense for Training Security Teams”:42% of employees are more likely to stay with an organization if they receive training → improved retention6-9 months salary spent identifying and training a replacement faster → reduced hiring costs10% increase in productivity for well-trained teams → enhanced efficiency$70K average savings by teams with optimized training → direct cost reduction2x retention for 5+ years by companies that train employees → long-term talent stabilityHow Continuous Training Combats Career Burnout The industry continues to grapple with retention challenges. However, a steady focus on industry trends, advancements, and training can reduce the stress of the unknown and reduce the workload in high-alert situations, enabling professionals to feel more in control and less fatigued. Several aspects of training that can be especially beneficial include: Automation MasteryTargeted automation skills development makes the difference between teams that manage incidents effectively and those overwhelmed by alert fatigue. According to Information Week, security professionals with advanced incident response automation skills report significantly lower stress levels during critical events. Regular training in automation tools reduces manual workloads by up to 70%, allowing professionals to focus on strategic security initiatives rather than repetitive tasks.Distributed ExpertiseKnowledge rotation systems prevent the common "single point of failure" problem where one team member becomes the sole expert in critical systems. Organizations implementing structured rotation programs see significant reductions in both burnout rates and security risks. Cross-training team members ensures operational continuity and reduces individual pressure, with cross-trained teams showing 70% less turnover, according to Instructure.Balanced LearningBalanced professional development within working hours yields better results than excessive after-hours training. Industry patterns suggest the sweet spot appears to be 4-6 weekly hours of structured learning during regular work time. Additionally, 91% of L&D professionals agree continuous learning is more important than ever for career success, according to a LinkedIn study.Career GrowthCareer advancement opportunities expand dramatically with specialized certifications. A Fortinet survey found 67% of organizations prefer team members or direct reports to have certifications, since they believe these credentials validate cyber awareness and tech knowledge. This motivation helps combat feelings of career stagnation that contribute to burnout.Confidence BuildingIncreased confidence and competence from continuous learning directly reduces workplace stress. Research from CSO Online indicates that professionals who engage in regular training report higher confidence in handling security incidents and significantly lower stress levels during critical events. Building Training into Security OperationsForward-thinking organizations are increasingly integrating cybersecurity certification pathways into career development plans. When cybersecurity training becomes a core component of the security professional's role rather than an additional burden, both individual wellbeing and organizational security posture improve dramatically."The most resilient security teams we work with have training rhythms built into their operational calendars," notes Warn. "These organizations see continuous learning as a strategic investment rather than a cost center or administrative burden. Their security professionals develop deeper expertise while maintaining healthier work-life balance."Take Action TodayReady to transform your career or your security team's resilience through continuous professional development? Visit INE Security's website to discover training and cybersecurity certifications that build both technical proficiency and career sustainability.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.

Navigating Mid-Career Shifts in Cybersecurity

According to (ISC)², 63% of cybersecurity professionals have switched specializations at least once in their career, demonstrating that changing cybersecurity specialties mid-career is not only common but increasingly essential for long-term success.

Critical Thinking: Your Key Weapon Against Evolving Cyber Threats

Technical tools alone aren't enough to protect organizations from sophisticated attacks. The human element—specifically, the ability to think critically—has become the essential differentiator between a successful defense and a devastating breach. Let's explore how developing your critical thinking skills can transform your approach to cybersecurity challenges.

INE Security Alert: Protecting Your IP and Why Cybersecurity Training Is Mission-Critical

As organizations worldwide prepare to celebrate World Intellectual Property Day on April 26, INE Security is drawing attention to targeted cybersecurity training and education as the frontline defense in protecting intellectual property across a wide swath of industries. While this year's World IP Day theme ("IP and Music: Feel the Beat of IP") spotlights the music industry, INE Security recognizes that intellectual property protection extends far beyond creative sectors to encompass healthcare innovations, manufacturing processes, financial services, and technology development."Intellectual property represents the cornerstone of innovation and competitive advantage across virtually every industry," said Dara Warn, CEO of INE Security. "With IP-intensive industries contributing over $7 trillion to the US GDP and supporting nearly half of all American jobs, proper security training isn't just about preventing breaches—it's about preserving the foundation of our global economy and fostering continued innovation.""Organizations that prioritize cybersecurity certifications for their IT and security teams are better equipped to identify and respond to emerging threats targeting intellectual property."Industry research highlights the growing urgency of this mission. According to Statista, cybercrime costs are projected to reach $15.63 trillion annually by 2029, with intellectual property theft accounting for a significant percentage of these losses. 90% of CISOs say their organizations experienced at least one disruptive attack last year, according to Splunk, with attacks becoming more targeted and sophisticated across multiple sectors.The Human Factor in IP ProtectionDespite investments in technological solutions, the human element remains the most vulnerable link in the intellectual property protection chain. According to recent studies:95% of cybersecurity breaches are caused by human error (IBM Cyber Security Threat Intelligence Index Report).Organizations experience an average of $70,000 in annual savings and a 10% increase in productivity when teams are well trained (IBM: The Value of Training). 87% of companies acknowledge skill gaps on their security teams (McKinsey & Company: Mind the [skills] Gap)."The most sophisticated security technology in the world can be rendered ineffective by a single employee who hasn't been properly trained," explained Warn. "That's why we focus on working with specific industries to develop comprehensive security training and cybersecurity certification programs that address the unique security concerns across different sectors."Specialized Training Across IndustriesINE Security has training programs that address the specific security vulnerabilities in various industries:Healthcare: Worldwide, healthcare remains the number one industry targeted by cyber attackers, with 173 attacks in 2023 costing an average of $10 million each. Business Services: INE Security has a strategic partnership for IT Service Providers that gives select partners the ability to offer INE’s comprehensive platform to clients as part of a comprehensive IT solution. Government: INE Security trains multifunctional teams in government and defense to secure systems and restore networks. Finance: Speed is critical for Financial Services IT and InfoSec professionals. INE Security enables IT and InfoSec teams to assess, train, practice, and certify skills in one platform. Higher Education: Programming startup costs exceed $2.2 million for colleges and universities. Partnering with INE Security can drastically reduce costs while creating a robust program to close critical skill gaps. Industrial Control Systems: Manufacturing tops the list for cyber threats while infrastructure attacks are surging. INE Security can ready response with expert IT and cybersecurity training for ICS professionals. Telecommunications: Multiple skills are needed to maintain, defend, and advance telecom operations. INE Security makes it easy and affordable to cross-train IT and InfoSec talent. While the average cost of a data breach in 2024 was $4.88 million, the true impact of IP theft goes far beyond the immediate financial considerations. Organizations must be able to trust the security of their intellectual property. Effective and proactive security training is the first line of defense for organizations to protect their most valuable assets. 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. The company’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.

Protecting Academia's Digital Frontier: Why Specialized Cybersecurity Training Is Critical for Higher Education Institutions

SAN DIEGO, CA — May 1, 2025 — As Teacher Appreciation Week approaches, INE Security is highlighting the crucial role that cybersecurity education plays in protecting higher education institutions, which continue to face unprecedented digital threats.Recent data reveals the staggering vulnerability of the higher education sector. Higher education facilities had the second highest individual rate of attack of any industry in 2023 at 79%, and paid a mean ransom amount of $5.85M in 2024, the third highest of any sector, according to Varonis. Meanwhile, 97% of higher education institutions identified a breach or attack in the past year, according to the UK's Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2024."The education sector faces unique cybersecurity challenges that require specialized training solutions," said Dara Warn, CEO of INE Security. "Universities and colleges hold vast amounts of sensitive data—from student records to groundbreaking research—while typically operating with limited security resources. During Teacher Appreciation Week, we not only celebrate educators but also recognize our responsibility to provide them with the tools and knowledge they need to protect their digital environments."Higher education institutions present particularly attractive targets for cybercriminals. Recent studies indicate that ransomware attacks affected 79 percent of higher education providers in 2023, up from 64% in 2022. Between 2020 and 2021, cyberattacks targeting the education sector increased by 75%, with 30% of data breaches attributed to ransomware attacks, according to the 2022 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report.Tracy Wallace, Content Director for INE Security and head instructor, emphasizes the importance of education-specific training: "One-size-fits-all cybersecurity approaches don't address the distinct challenges faced by higher education institutions. Our specialized training programs focus on the actual threats these institutions face, from phishing attacks targeting student credentials to ransomware targeting research data. By providing hands-on, scenario-based training tailored to higher education, we empower security teams to effectively protect their institutions."With FY 2025 budgeting on the horizon, 2024 is a critical year for higher education institutions to commit to improved cybersecurity through specialized training. A report from Malwarebytes noted a 70% increase in ransomware attacks against the higher education sector in 2023, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced security measures.

Breaking Into Cybersecurity: Navigating the Job Market

This guide will help you navigate this paradox with actionable strategies for breaking into the cybersecurity field, focusing on certifications, interview preparation, and establishing a sustainable career path.

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