INE Resources
11/20/2025
INE
Essential Cybersecurity Skills Employers Want in the Middle East and Africa
Cybersecurity hiring in the Middle East & Africa is surging, with demand up over 60% in key regions. Discover the top roles, skills, certifications, and hotspots shaping MEA’s talent market.
11/20/2025
INE
INE Updates Threat Hunting Certification as Adversaries Evolve Beyond Malware
New curriculum equips cybersecurity professionals with advanced, hands-on threat-hunting skills to combat modern, malware-free attacks.Cary, N.C. — November 20th, 2025 — INE, a global leader in cybersecurity training and certification, announced a major update to its Certified Threat Hunting Professional (eCTHP) certification. The enhanced program reflects a cyber threat landscape where malware-free attacks, cross-domain intrusions, and industrialised cybercrime are redefining how defenders must detect, analyse, and respond.According to the CrowdStrike 2025 Threat Hunting Report, 81% of hands-on-keyboard intrusions were malware-free in the past year, signaling a shift toward stealthier, living-off-the-land techniques that evade traditional defenses. The same report found a 136% surge in cloud intrusions, highlighting adversaries’ growing sophistication and reach across hybrid and multi-cloud environments.Evolving Threats Require Evolving SkillsThe modern threat landscape has outgrown conventional security models. Adversaries now move seamlessly across identities, endpoints, and cloud environments, using automation to evade detection and scale operations. Defenders must transition from reactive alert management to proactive, hypothesis-driven threat hunting that uncovers unseen or dormant threats through context, behavior, and intent.The Fortinet 2025 Threat Landscape Report describes an “acceleration of the adversary advantage,” driven by scalable exploitation and the industrialisation of cybercrime. Attackers are operating with unprecedented speed, precision, and efficiency, challenging defenders to think and act more proactively.“Adversaries are operating like mature businesses, fast, efficient, and increasingly invisible,” said Brian Olliff, Cybersecurity Instructor at INE. “The updated eCTHP certification empowers cybersecurity professionals to think like attackers and act like hunters, applying advanced behavioral analysis to identify and neutralize threats before they cause harm.”The enhanced eCTHP certification provides hands-on instruction in cyber threat hunting, adversary behavior analysis, and network and endpoint investigation techniques. It emphasizes practical, scenario-driven exercises delivered through INE’s Virtual Lab environment, where candidates perform real-world threat hunts in a simulated corporate network. Participants learn to apply threat intelligence integration and develop the analytical skills essential for real-time detection and response.Bridging the Cybersecurity Skills GapAs cyberattacks grow more sophisticated, the demand for skilled threat hunters continues to outpace supply. Many organizations report that while detection tools are abundant, the expertise required to interpret and act on threat data remains scarce.INE’s updated eCTHP certification addresses this challenge by developing advanced threat-hunting skills grounded in operational realism. Through interactive labs and guided simulations, learners practice proactive detection, log correlation, and adversary emulation, strengthening the analytical mindset essential for modern security operations.“Our mission is to close the skills gap between automated adversaries and human defenders,” said Olliff. “We designed eCTHP to train professionals who can look beyond alerts, who can hypothesize, hunt, and outthink sophisticated attackers in complex network environments.”The certification validates the capabilities of professionals who already possess a highly technical understanding of networks, systems, and cyberattacks. It is particularly suited for Security Analysts, SOC Analysts, Incident Responders, Cybersecurity Administrators, and Engineers seeking to advance their defensive skill sets.<br />Alignment with Industry and Regulatory DemandsThe timing of INE’s eCTHP update aligns with new cybersecurity frameworks that emphasize proactive detection, resilience, and continuous testing. Regulations such as the EU Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) and the NIS2 Directive require faster incident response and robust operational defenses across critical sectors. These mandates reinforce the need for professionals capable of threat hunting and adversary-driven defense.By mastering eCTHP competencies, certified professionals gain measurable advantages in both compliance readiness and operational maturity. They are equipped to anticipate adversary tactics, interpret complex attack surfaces, and reduce dwell time across their organizations.<br />Preparing for the Next Era of Threat HuntingINE’s updated eCTHP curriculum integrates the latest intelligence on adversary tradecraft, automation, and endpoint exploitation. It bridges conceptual knowledge with practical execution, teaching candidates how to connect disparate indicators into cohesive, actionable insights. The program also introduces guidance on emerging trends such as automation in threat hunting and cloud environment visibility, helping learners understand the evolving attack surface without overstating specific coverage areas.“Every breach stopped before it happens is a result of proactive defense,” added Olliff. “With eCTHP, we are giving cybersecurity teams the skills and confidence to hunt, analyze, and neutralize threats in any environment.”The eCTHP certification represents both a credential and a strategic investment in workforce capability. As adversaries continue to evolve, the organizations best positioned to defend themselves will be those that develop and retain skilled hunters trained to anticipate rather than react.The updated eCTHP certification is available now through INE’s Cyber Security Learning Paths. Learners can enroll to access new content, immersive virtual labs, and certification exams. For details, visit ine.com.<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.
11/18/2025
INE
How to Build Defense Against AI Cyber Attacks
Discover how Claude Code enabled the first fully autonomous AI-driven cyberattack, orchestrated by GTG-1002. Learn what happened, how it worked, and what security teams must do to defend against machine-speed threats.
11/18/2025
INE
INE Debuts Hands-On AI Automation Course
New course empowers network engineers to integrate large language models into intelligent, secure automation workflows.<br />Cary, NC – Tuesday 18th, Nov – INE, a global leader in network and IT training, today announced the release of its newest networking course, AI in Automation, designed to give engineers practical, hands-on experience integrating Artificial Intelligence into network infrastructure automation. The course brings together cutting-edge concepts in AI-driven network management and large language model (LLM) integration, offering students a rare opportunity to experiment directly with intelligent network workflows in a virtual lab environment.Developed by expert instructor Rohit Pardasani, the course explores how AI in automation can elevate modern infrastructure operations beyond static scripts into systems capable of reasoning, adapting, and learning. Through guided exercises, learners connect a real LLM, Anthropic’s Claude, to routers in a virtual topology using the Model Context Protocol (MCP), observing firsthand how artificial intelligence can analyze, interpret, and respond to live network data.“Traditional automation stops at execution,” said Pardasani. “With LLM-based systems, we can now build adaptive network systems that understand intent, contextualize commands, and maintain safe, auditable workflows. This course helps engineers take that next leap to create automation that thinks.”Transforming Network Infrastructure Through AIINE’s AI in Automation course is part of the company’s broader Automating & Programming Cisco Enterprise Solutions (300-435 ENAUTO) Learning Path, supporting learners preparing for the Cisco ENAUTO (300-435) certification exam. The course bridges theoretical AI principles with practical automation frameworks, enabling students to:Build autonomous networking workflows that integrate AI decision-making.Safely deploy LLMs within network infrastructure automation environments.Use plain-language prompts to generate network insights, such as generating an inventory of software versions, verifying configurations, or identifying anomalies.Implement controls ensuring every automated action is logged and reversible.The result is a realistic simulation of enterprise-grade network automation enhanced by AI, a crucial skill set as organizations pursue agility, resilience, and efficiency in their IT ecosystems.<br />A Hands-On Approach to the Future of NetworkingThe course’s lab-centric design underscores INE’s commitment to immersive, experience-driven education. Learners don’t just watch demonstrations; they architect automation pipelines that leverage AI’s interpretive power. By applying LLMs to router automation labs, students see the tangible difference between code that executes commands and code that understands them.“AI has already redefined industries from content creation to cybersecurity,” said Brian McGahan, Director of Networking Content for INE. “This course shows how those same innovations are reshaping networking and making automation more intelligent, responsive, and strategic.”INE’s training framework allows learners to test integrating Large Language Models (LLMs) with network infrastructure in a safely controlled, virtualized environment. Participants can test, iterate, and measure AI-driven responses before applying them to production-level systems, ensuring both innovation and security remain central to their automation workflows.The AI in Automation course is now live on the INE platform. Students can begin learning immediately, access on-demand labs, and progress towards obtaining Cisco’s CCNP Automation Certification, while exploring real-world AI applications.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.
11/13/2025
INE
MEA Attack Surge: Build Cyber Resilience Through Team Training
Cyber attacks in the Middle East & Africa are up 183% with $8M average breach costs. Learn why MEA is a growing target and which cybersecurity skills, training, and strategies are essential for resilience.
11/13/2025
INE
INE Strengthens Healthcare Cyber Readiness
New eCIR certification delivers advanced incident-response training to counter escalating ransomware threats.<br />CARY, NC — November 2025 — INE Security today announced the launch of its new eCIR (Certified Incident Responder) certification, a hands-on program designed to strengthen cybersecurity resilience across the healthcare industry. As hospitals and medical organizations continue to face unprecedented ransomware activity, the eCIR certification provides practical, skills-based training to help professionals identify, contain, and mitigate cyber threats faster.Rising Threats to Healthcare SecurityThe healthcare sector remains one of the most frequently targeted industries for cybercrime. According to Comparitech, the first nine months of 2025 recorded 293 ransomware attacks on hospitals, clinics, and other direct-care providers, with an additional 130 attacks on healthcare-related businesses such as pharmaceutical manufacturers, billing services, and technology vendors. While attacks on providers mirrored 2024 levels, incidents targeting healthcare businesses increased by 30 percent.The financial toll continues to rise. The IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report places the average cost of a healthcare breach at $7.42 million, the highest of any sector. In addition, research from ARMS Cyber shows that healthcare organizations experience an average 19 days of ransomware-related downtime, affecting operations and potentially delaying patient care. Sophos reports that 67 percent of healthcare organizations experienced a ransomware attack in the past year, underscoring the scale and persistence of the threat.Preparedness Reduces ImpactStrong incident response planning significantly reduces both breach costs and recovery time.A Ponemon Institute study found that organizations with a tested incident response plan reduced breach costs by $2.66 million compared to those without one.The 2024 IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report showed that organizations with skilled teams and advanced security automation identified and contained breaches about 90 days faster than the global average of 258 days.While the benefits of readiness are clear, the healthcare sector continues to face a severe cybersecurity talent shortage:74 percent of healthcare organizations reported significant cybersecurity staff attrition in the past year, according to Black Book Research.90 percent of departing professionals cited higher compensation and lower stress in other industries.79 percent of healthcare IT executives said staffing gaps have delayed critical security projects.92 percent acknowledged that existing cybersecurity tools are underutilized due to limited personnel.The proposed Healthcare Cybersecurity Act of 2025 aims to address these challenges by funding training initiatives and workforce assessments, with a focus on smaller and rural healthcare providers.Equipping Responders Through eCIR CertificationThe eCIR certification delivers a comprehensive approach to incident response and digital forensics training. The program features hands-on, realistic simulations and interactive labs that build technical proficiency in threat detection, investigation, containment, and remediation. Learners develop the skills to analyze logs, examine endpoint and network activity, and report findings across domains of threat detection, endpoint/network analysis, digital forensics, threat intelligence, and communication.“Healthcare organizations need more than awareness; they need capability,” said Lindsey Rinehart, CEO at INE Security. “The eCIR certification empowers professionals with the practical skills to respond to incidents quickly, protect sensitive data, and build lasting resilience.”By delivering scenario-based exercises and guided instruction, the eCIR program prepares participants to handle complex breach scenarios, make high-impact decisions under pressure, and contribute to improved security posture. While the training is designed for broad incident response readiness, information security teams across the healthcare sector may also find it supports efforts around data protection compliance, patient safety, and breach containment readiness.“Every second counts when responding to a cyber incident,” said Alexis Ahmed, Cybersecurity Instructor at INE Security. “Through the eCIR certification, we train responders to detect and contain threats efficiently so they can minimize disruption and safeguard critical operations.”The eCIR certification aligns with the cybersecurity community’s growing focus on proactive defense, digital forensics capability, and rapid response readiness. With ransomware incidents and supply chain breaches expected to continue increasing, INE Security’s training initiative arrives at a pivotal moment for the sector.<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.
11/11/2025
INE
Defending the Infinite Network Edge: Building a Proactive Security Posture
Learn the top skills and strategies needed to secure the modern network edge, from Zero Trust and SASE to AI automation, IoT security, and DFIR. Build a proactive security posture through continuous training.
11/07/2025
INE
INE Refreshes CCNA Courses in Step with Cisco
CARY, NC — November 7, 2025 — INE, a global leader in IT training and certification, today announced updates to its Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) learning paths to align with Cisco’s recent rebranding of its associate-level certifications. Cisco has repositioned its Cybersecurity Associate and DevNet Associate programs under the CCNA umbrella, creating CCNA Cybersecurity and CCNA Automation. INE’s refreshed courses realignment of its learning paths ensure that learners and enterprise teams stay fully synchronized with Cisco’s evolving certification framework while addressing the renewed demand for networking fundamentals.<br />Supporting a New Era of CCNA TrainingCisco’s rebrand signals a strategic consolidation of associate-level credentials, emphasizing the centrality of networking across today’s cybersecurity, cloud, and automation disciplines. By immediately updating its CCNA learning paths, INE reaffirms its commitment to helping IT professionals master the foundations that underpin complex, modern infrastructures.“An associate-level engineer is now expected to wear a lot of hats related to the fields of networking, cybersecurity, and automation," said Keith Bogart, Technical Training Instructor – Networking at INE. "But the underpinning of all of these is networking. Networking remains the backbone of every modern IT environment, powering everything from security, virtualization, and automation. INE’s updates ensure learners are current with Cisco’s direction and ready for what’s next.”A Resurgence in Foundational IT SkillsAs automation, hybrid cloud, and cybersecurity continue to transform operations, organizations are rediscovering the importance of hands-on, first-principles knowledge. CCNA-level certifications are again in high demand as enterprises seek professionals who can connect hardware, software, and security layers seamlessly.Workforce data reflects this shift. Search interest and enrollment in CCNA courses have risen steadily since 2023, with employers reinstating requirements for validated networking skills in roles once dominated by tool-specific expertise. INE’s learner analytics show an 11% increase in adoption of its CCNA learning paths from 2024 to 2025, underscoring the growing demand for foundational networking training across both individual and enterprise audiences.Drivers Behind the CCNA ResurgenceMulti-Cloud Complexity — Hybrid architectures have exposed skill gaps in network design and segmentation. CCNA-trained engineers provide the clarity needed to unify connectivity across diverse platforms.Security Convergence — Zero Trust adoption blurs the line between networking and cybersecurity. CCNA Cybersecurity courses bridge that gap through practical device-hardening and segmentation labs.Workforce Modernization — Professionals are renewing or expanding credentials to maintain relevance in automated environments, where foundational networking fluency supports AI-driven operations.Skills Validation — Employers continue to report shortages of engineers proficient in routing, subnetting, and troubleshooting. Structured CCNA learning paths accelerate readiness for complex IT roles.INE’s Updated CCNA Learning PathsINE’s platform now offers updated learning paths for CCNA Cybersecurity and CCNA Automation, aligning with Cisco’s latest exam blueprints. Each path combines theoretical instruction with immersive virtual labs, enabling learners to configure, test, and troubleshoot real-world networks across hybrid environments.“Learners want contextual understanding — how IP addressing ties into access policies, how VLANs impact segmentation, how routing influences security posture,” said Bogart. “These new CCNA paths give them that complete picture.”<br />The Broader Workforce ImplicationINE’s alignment with Cisco’s certification expansion underscores a larger market correction: after a decade of deep specialization, the IT industry is returning to its roots. Foundational networking knowledge is again the prerequisite for innovation, automation, and resilience. As organizations confront multi-cloud complexity and AI-assisted infrastructure management, engineers fluent in networking fundamentals are indispensable.<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.
11/06/2025
INE
2026 Cybersecurity Forecast: The Expanding Attack Surface
As organizations enter 2026, cybersecurity leaders face an unprecedented expansion of the digital attack surface. INE’s 2026 cybersecurity forecast highlights the critical shifts transforming enterprise defense and underscores the urgent need for attack surface management and security team readiness across every sector.The coming year will test the limits of digital resilience. Driven by rapid cloud migration, hybrid infrastructure models, and the proliferation of AI-enabled tools, enterprises are contending with emerging cybersecurity threats that evolve faster than their defense frameworks. INE’s forecast reveals the top attack surface trends and the preparation strategies security leaders must prioritize to maintain operational continuity and trust.An Era of Expanding Digital ExposureAccording to TechTarget, the attack surface (defined as every possible point of unauthorized access to a system) has grown by more than 67% since 2022. This expansion is fueled by four key forces:Hybrid Cloud Complexity: As organizations balance on-premises systems with multi-cloud architectures, visibility gaps and inconsistent controls have created new vulnerabilities. Hybrid cloud security risks are now among the most critical threat vectors in enterprise environments.Third-Party and Supply Chain Expansion: The average enterprise depends on over 2,000 third-party applications and APIs. Without continuous external asset visibility, organizations remain blind to risks beyond their firewall.Shadow IT and Workforce Decentralization: The rise of remote collaboration tools, edge devices, and distributed endpoints has further fragmented traditional perimeter defenses.Proliferation of AI-Enabled Systems: While AI-driven cyber attacks increase the sophistication of threats, the rapid deployment of AI-enabled applications, models, and APIs across organizations introduces new, often unmonitored digital assets, directly expanding the attack surface.“These forces are transforming how security teams approach risk management,” said Alexis Ahmed, Red Team Instructor at INE. “Attack surface management is no longer a periodic audit. It’s a continuous, always-on discipline. Organizations must identify, monitor, and remediate exposures in real time to keep pace with an expanding threat landscape.”<br />Key Forecast Insights for 2026The 2026 Cybersecurity Forecast outlines six trends that will define the next phase of enterprise defense:Proactive Exposure Management Will Replace Reactive Defense.<br />CISOs will prioritize exposure management in cybersecurity, leveraging continuous discovery and automated remediation to neutralize threats before they escalate.Zero Trust Becomes the Standard, Not the Strategy.<br />The adoption of Zero Trust Security Strategy frameworks will accelerate as enterprises unify identity, device, and application control under adaptive policies. By 2026, zero trust will evolve from concept to configuration, integrated directly into platform architecture.Attack Surface Reduction Becomes Quantifiable.<br />Security leaders will begin benchmarking success by measuring “attack surface reduction” metrics, linking vulnerability closure to business resilience outcomes.Cloud-Native Security Shifts to Multi-Plane Defense.<br />Traditional cloud security challenges, such as misconfiguration and privilege sprawl, will expand to include data lineage tracking and container runtime protection across multiple clouds.AI Governance Emerges as a Core Security Pillar.<br />As AI-driven cyber attacks become more sophisticated, the same technology will be leveraged for predictive defense and autonomous response. Enterprises will establish governance frameworks to audit AI models and ensure ethical resilience.Readiness Training Defines Competitive Advantage.<br />The most successful organizations will be those that embed security team readiness into their operational DNA. Ongoing, scenario-based training focusing on detection, incident response, and red team simulations will close the skill gap that currently limits many SOCs.<br />Preparing for the Threat Landscape of 2026The threat landscape of 2026 will be defined not by the number of attacks, but by the sophistication of interconnected risks. Traditional defensive hierarchies like firewalls, SIEMs, and compliance checklists are giving way to unified, intelligence-driven ecosystems.“Cybersecurity is shifting from protection to prediction,” added Ahmed. “Organizations that integrate threat intelligence with attack surface visibility will have the agility to adapt faster than their adversaries. Those that don’t will face compounding vulnerabilities across every layer of their digital ecosystem.”INE’s experts emphasize that cloud, identity, and exposure management will converge into a single operational model by late 2026. This convergence will demand new skill sets, including cross-disciplinary fluency between network engineering, cloud architecture, and behavioral analytics.<br />Building Collaborative Defenders for the FutureThe skills required to defend tomorrow’s networks are no longer siloed. Today’s cybersecurity resilience depends on collaboration across disciplines — a reality explored in INE’s Wired Together: The Case for Cross-Training in Networking and Cybersecurity.Based on a global survey of nearly 1,000 IT and security professionals, the report reveals how organizations are breaking down barriers between networking and cybersecurity to stay ahead of complex, converging threats. Readers will learn how to:<br /> → Build integrated, cross-functional teams<br /> → Embed security into network design and operations<br /> → Adapt to the new era of network-security convergenceDownload Wired Together to learn why the future of defense depends on unified expertise.<br />About INE SecurityINE Security is the award-winning, premier provider of online networking and cybersecurity training and certification, 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 Security sets the standard for high-impact, career-advancing technical education.
11/05/2025
INE
Entry-Level Data Science Certification Launched
Earn the Junior Data Scientist certification to validate advanced Python, data analysis, statistics, and machine learning skills. A complete, job-ready path for aspiring data professionals.
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