INE Resources
12/17/2025
INE
INE Training Emerges as Critical Tool for Organizations Seeking Cyber Insurance Approval and Maintaining Coverage
As Insurers Tighten Requirements, Organizations Turn to INE's Hands-On Technical Training to Meet Standards, Reduce Risk, and Secure PayoutsCARY, NC — December 15, 2025 — With ransomware incidents becoming more severe and cyber insurers tightening eligibility standards, organizations are experiencing a significant rise in claim denials and coverage limitations. To close these gaps, many are turning to INE's technical cybersecurity training as a practical and scalable way to help IT and security teams meet insurance requirements, reduce risk, and strengthen their ability to secure coverage.Industry research shows that 27 percent of data breach claims (Astra) result in either partial or no payout due to policy exclusions or failure to meet required security controls. These gaps often leave organizations exposed during the most financially damaging moments of a cyber incident, especially as ransomware continues to dominate insured losses, accounting for 76 percent of all incurred cyber insurance losses in the first half of 2025 (Risk & Insurance)."Ransomware insurance now requires more than simply having the right tools. It requires professionals who understand how to configure, maintain, and validate the security controls insurers look for," said Lindsey Rinehart, Chief Executive Officer at INE. "Our training ensures teams have the practical skills to meet those expectations and respond effectively when an incident occurs."The Skills Gap Driving DenialsWhile the average ransomware claim exceeded $1.18 million, insurers are responding to rising financial exposure with significantly stricter underwriting and demanding security questionnaires. An ISC2 workforce study found that 95 percent of organizations report critical cybersecurity skill gaps, leading to understaffing that directly increases breach risk.Many companies lack the skilled technical staff needed to properly deploy and maintain insurer-required controls—including MFA, EDR, secure backups, and documented incident response capabilities. This gap often results in technical implementation failures that lead to claim denials and policy exclusions.INE: Bridging the Gap with Practical CompetenceINE Security's hands-on training helps organizations bridge this competency gap by equipping IT and security professionals with the practical knowledge required to implement and maintain the controls insurers expect. INE delivers hands-on, real-world labs and guided learning paths that directly map to required security maturity levels.Key competencies covered through INE training include:Proper deployment and configuration of MFA, EDR, SIEM, and PAM tools.Backup validation and recovery testing.Vulnerability and patch management processes.Incident response planning and execution.System hardening and infrastructure security.These measurable skills not only help teams avoid implementation failures but also demonstrate verifiable security maturity during underwriting assessments and renewals, helping organizations better position themselves for coverage.Essential Support for ResilienceAs cyber insurers continue to raise expectations, organizations that invest in developing internal technical expertise will be the ones best positioned to maintain coverage and withstand the growing financial risks of ransomware.INE is committed to helping companies of all sizes meet this challenge by delivering practical, career-focused training that elevates the capabilities of their IT and security teams. By equipping professionals with the skills needed to implement and validate critical security controls, INE enables businesses to improve resilience, reduce insurance complications, and build long-term operational strength in an increasingly complex digital landscape.For more information, visit https://ine.com/enterprise.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.
12/11/2025
INE
INE Reinforces Skill Dive’s Role in SMB Cyber Defense
CARY, NC — December 11, 2025 — INE, a global leader in cybersecurity training and upskilling, is emphasizing the critical role Skill Dive, particularly the Vulnerabilities Lab Collection, plays in helping small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) defend against the surge of quickly emerging cyber threats. Through hands-on, scenario-based training, Skill Dive enables SMB teams to identify, mitigate, and remediate critical security weaknesses before they escalate into business-disrupting or business-ending incidents.With cyberattacks increasingly driven by publicly disclosed vulnerabilities (CVEs), SMBs face unprecedented pressure to react quickly and effectively. Recent high-profile examples, including CVE-2025-55182 (React2Shell), exploited within hours of disclosure, and CVE-2025-61882, a zero-day flaw in Oracle E-Business Suite weaponized by ransomware groups, highlight how rapidly attackers now move. For resource-strained SMBs, even a single lapse can lead to catastrophic downtime or financial loss.“SMBs are being hit with the same sophisticated vulnerability exploits as Fortune 500 companies but without the cybersecurity teams or budgets those enterprises rely on,” said Lindsey Rinehart, Chief Executive Officer at INE. “The Skill Dive Vulnerabilities Lab gives small teams the practical, hands-on experience they need to understand and mitigate real-world threats, helping them react faster, respond smarter, and stay secure.”Why SMBs Remain Highly Vulnerable to Modern Cyber ThreatsIndustry research continues to show that SMBs are disproportionately vulnerable to cyber incidents, despite making up the backbone of the global economy. According to data compiled by StrongDM, over 60% of small businesses experience at least one cyberattack each year, and nearly 1 in 5 say a successful breach would force them to close their doors (Viking Cloud, 2025). Many lack the dedicated cybersecurity staff, formal patch cycles, or vulnerability-management processes common in larger enterprises, leaving them exposed when new CVEs emerge.Recent high-impact vulnerabilities underscore the urgency. The React2Shell vulnerability (CVE-2025-55182) was exploited within hours of disclosure (AWS Security), while the Oracle EBS zero-day (CVE-2025-61882) was used by ransomware groups months before a patch became available (CrowdStrike, Rapid7, Strobes Security). These examples highlight a growing trend: attackers increasingly rely on publicly disclosed vulnerabilities as their primary entry point, knowing that many SMBs struggle to react quickly enough.Modern attack campaigns follow a predictable pattern: exploit a known weakness, escalate access, deploy malware or ransomware, and extract data. SMBs are often the easiest targets. Limited IT bandwidth, outdated systems, and inconsistent security maintenance create ideal conditions for threat actors who move faster than most small teams can respond.“CVE exploitation has become the modern battleground for cyber defense,” added Rinehart. “Skill Dive turns this challenge into a learning opportunity, giving SMBs the same caliber of practical training used by security professionals worldwide.”Hands-On Defense Against Real VulnerabilitiesUnlike traditional training that stops at theory, Skill Dive’s Vulnerabilities Lab Collection immerses teams in live, simulated exploit scenarios based on real CVEs to help SMB technical teams build the confidence and capability to recognize threats earlier, remediate faster, and maintain business continuity in the face of a rapidly evolving cyber landscape. Learners actively:Practice identifying vulnerabilities so they can get to them before attackers doExplore how threats like RCE, SSRF, SQL injection, and misconfigurations unfoldWalk through end-to-end remediation exercisesStrengthen patch management and secure-configuration skillsBuild confidence responding to incidents in fast-moving environmentsWith attackers often exploiting newly disclosed vulnerabilities in days, or in some cases, hours, speed and hands-on familiarity are now essential. Skill Dive helps teams shorten the time between discovery → decision → remediation, reducing the likelihood of a breach.A Proactive Path to Cyber ResilienceWith real-time exercises modeled on high-impact vulnerabilities, the Vulnerabilities Lab Collection prepares organizations to recognize patterns, reinforce secure practices, and stop attacks before damage occurs. By combining hands-on training, CVE-driven practice, and certification pathways, INE’s Skill Dive empowers businesses to shift from reactive firefighting to proactive cyber resilience, ensuring they can secure their systems, protect their customers, and maintain business continuity.The Skill Dive Vulnerabilities Lab Collection is available now. To learn more about Skill Dive or INE Enterprise for Teams, please visit learn.ine.com/schedule-a-demo.
12/09/2025
INE
How to Become a Pentester: Your Complete Roadmap
This guide walks through what a pentester does, the most common career transitions into the role, and how to strategically upskill, including how INE Security’s eJPT certification can help you prove your abilities in a hands-on, industry-recognized way.
12/09/2025
INE
Enterprises Prioritize Hands-On Training in Q4 to Close 2026 Skills Gaps
As AI accelerates job transformation, INE supports organizations reallocating Q4 budgets to experiential, performance-driven upskilling.<br />Cary, NC — December 11, 2025 — With 90% of organizations facing critical skills gaps (ISC2) and AI reshaping job roles across cybersecurity, cloud, and IT operations, enterprises are rapidly reallocating L&D budgets toward hands-on training that delivers measurable, real-world performance. INE is uniquely positioned to support this shift, helping organizations invest their end-of-year budgets in scalable labs, simulations, and immersive learning experiences that strengthen workforce readiness ahead of 2026.As organizations prepare for 2026, L&D teams are under pressure to justify spend with measurable outcomes. Traditional e-learning continues to grow, but enterprise buyers are shifting their dollars toward hands-on, performance-based training, where they see faster time-to-competency, higher retention, and clearer ROI. This is especially true in highly technical disciplines like cybersecurity, cloud, and IT operations, where real-world proficiency directly affects business resilience.End-of-Year Budgets Are Fueling a Shift Toward Experiential LearningWith Q4 spend-down deadlines approaching, organizations are increasingly using remaining budget to invest in solutions that deliver immediate operational value. Certification-only programs, long a staple of enterprise L&D, struggle to address the speed and complexity of current technology industry demands.Hands-on learning has become the preferred model for both learners and business leaders. The LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report notes that 74% of employees prefer experiential, hands-on learning over passive methods. This shift reflects a broader recognition: enterprises need training that shortens onboarding time, builds confidence, and prepares employees for real scenarios—not just exams.INE enables organizations to direct their end-of-year budgets toward:Real-world labs and simulationsImmersive, scenario-based learningSkills pathways tied to practical performanceAdaptive training powered by AIContinuously updated content aligned to emerging threats and technologies“L&D leaders want training that improves readiness on day one,” said Lindsey Rinehart, Chief Executive Officer at INE. “End-of-year budgets are increasingly being deployed toward experiential learning because the impact is immediate, measurable, and directly tied to workforce performance.”Skills Gaps Are Intensifying Demand for Hands-On TrainingThe global skills shortage has become one of the costliest operational risks organizations face, contributing to increased incidents, slower remediation, and rising burnout across technical teams. Research from IBM shows that skills gaps contribute to 82% of security breaches, underscoring the need for training methods that build real-world capability—not just theoretical understanding.Hands-on learning has proven to be the most reliable solution. Practice-based training delivers up to 75% knowledge retention (Learning Pyramid / LinkedIn Learning analysis), compared to just 5–20% for lecture- or video-based programs, and can reduce time-to-competency by as much as 45%. These outcomes make immersive training essential for closing skills gaps quickly and sustainably.AI Adoption Is Accelerating the Move Toward Practice-First LearningAI-driven corporate training is expanding rapidly across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, with strong growth projected through 2033 (LinkedIn Market Forecast). As AI transforms workflows, enterprises require training systems that adapt to learner proficiency, evaluate real-world performance, and continuously assess skills readiness.INE’s platform aligns directly with these demands, delivering dynamic hands-on labs, intelligent analytics, and performance-based insights that organizations can scale globally.INE Positioned to Support 2026 Workforce NeedsAs organizations finalize their 2026 workforce development strategies, INE offers a proven, experiential training platform built to reduce operational risk and accelerate skills development. By directing end-of-year budgets toward hands-on training with INE, enterprises can:Reduce ramp-up time for technical teamsValidate skills with measurable, performance-based analyticsIncrease workforce readiness and resilienceSupport continuous upskilling for emerging technologiesDeploy scalable, real-world training globally<br />“Enterprises that invest their remaining Q4 budgets into hands-on, performance-driven learning will enter 2026 with stronger teams and significantly improved operational readiness,” said Rinehart.INE Enterprise enables companies to turn training investments into measurable performance gains that directly support business resilience and growth.<br />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.
12/09/2025
INE
INE Earns G2 Winter 2026 Badges Across Global Markets
Cybersecurity and IT training platform maintains Leader and Momentum Leader positions while expanding regional excellenceINE has been recognized with seven G2 Winter 2026 badges, underscoring its continued leadership in online course delivery, technical skills development, and cybersecurity education. This season’s awards include Leader status in the Online Course Providers Grid Report, Momentum Leader recognition in two major training categories, and regional leadership across Europe, Asia, Asia Pacific, and India.“The Winter G2 awards reflect how organizations across the globe rely on INE to strengthen IT and cybersecurity resilience and develop advanced technical skills,” said Lindsey Rinehart, CEO of INE. “Our sustained leadership across diverse geographies and training categories highlights the scalability and impact of our platform for learners at every level.”<br />INE’s G2 Winter 2026 Report distinctions include:Leader, Grid Report for Online Course ProvidersMomentum Leader, Momentum Grid Report for Online Course ProvidersMomentum Leader, Momentum Grid Report for Technical Skills DevelopmentRegional Leader, Europe Regional Grid Report for Online Course ProvidersRegional Leader, Asia Regional Grid Report for Online Course ProvidersRegional Leader, Asia Pacific Regional Grid Report for Online Course ProvidersHigh Performer, India Regional Grid Report for Online Course Providers<br />Market Position AnalysisG2 rankings are based on verified user reviews and performance indicators across platform satisfaction and market presence. As one of the most trusted review sources globally, G2’s recognition highlights the consistent reliability and value of INE’s training programs.This Winter’s performance reinforces INE’s strengths across three major dimensions:Market Consistency: Leadership across both global and regional grids demonstrates INE’s stability and dependability for organizations seeking long-term training solutions.Geographic Reach: Regional Leader positions in Europe, Asia, and Asia Pacific emphasize INE’s global scalability and effectiveness in delivering high-quality training across diverse markets.Technical Strength: Momentum Leader recognition in Technical Skills Development highlights the platform’s ability to evolve with rapidly advancing cybersecurity and IT domains, supporting skill growth in areas such as threat analysis, cloud security, network defense, and hands-on cyber operations.Training Depth and QualityRecent G2 reviews emphasize INE’s commitment to delivering practical, real-world training experiences. One verified reviewer shared that INE’s courses “are generally designed in such a way that the knowledge acquired can be directly applied in a professional setting.”Another IT professional noted “INE provides the best cybersecurity content with lab setup. The INE certificates, such as eJPT and eWPTX, have good value in the cybersecurity industry. Most of the technical HRs are aware of the INE certificate's value; the content and labs are really good.”“These G2 badges validate our mission to deliver world-class cybersecurity and technical training that keeps pace with evolving technologies and threats,” said Rinehart. “We’re proud to equip both individuals and enterprises with the skills required to build highly effective IT and security teams.”<br />About INEINE 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 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’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.
12/03/2025
INE
How to Strengthen Your Software Supply Chain
This guide walks through how organizations can strengthen that supply chain, from core access controls to vendor oversight to hands-on skills development.
11/26/2025
INE
INE Expands Cross-Skilling Innovations
New courses, certifications, and hands-on training strengthen workforce readiness.<br />CARY, NC — November 26th — INE, the leading provider of hands-on IT and Cybersecurity training and industry-recognized certification prep, today announced a significant expansion of its learning portfolio, reaffirming its commitment to empowering technology professionals with the skills they need to thrive.As organizations across the globe accelerate their adoption of cloud, AI, automation, and advanced security technologies, IT teams must remain more adaptable than ever. INE continues to meet this demand by releasing new, high-impact content and refreshing existing learning paths to ensure learners stay aligned with industry standards, master emerging tools, and build real-world, muscle-memory expertise.Expanding Content for Today’s Most In-Demand SkillsOver the last quarter, INE has rolled out a wide range of new courses, hands-on labs, and certification prep resources designed to help professionals cross-skill and upskill within one integrated training platform. New and updated content includes:AI in Automation Course — Now part of INE’s Cisco certification prep, enabling learners to integrate AI-driven automation capabilities into modern enterprise infrastructures.Enterprise Network Design Scenarios — Advanced modules supporting CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure candidates with realistic scenario-based design and troubleshooting.Updated INE Security Certifications & Prep — Enhancements to Certified Incident Responder (CIR) and Certified Threat Hunting Professional (CTHP) programs, ensuring security specialists train on current adversarial tactics and defense strategies.Expanded Certification Prep for Industry-Leading Vendors — Including updated pathways for CISSP, CompTIA Security+, and Network+.New Junior Data Scientist (eJDS) Learning Path & Certification — A guided, practical path designed to introduce learners to Python, data analysis, machine learning foundations, and real-world data workflows.“Technology doesn’t stand still, and neither should the people who power it,” said Lindsey Rinehart, INE Chief Executive Officer. “Our goal is to give learners one place to grow from novice to expert, with continuously refreshed, hands-on content that reflects what top employers need right now.”A Platform Built for Real Skill DevelopmentINE’s training model emphasizes hands-on learning, scenario-based exercises, and progressive skill-building paths. Learners can practice concepts in real environments, gaining practical experience that transfers directly to on-the-job performance. Through this approach, INE enables individuals and teams to build lasting, applied knowledge rather than rely on passive video training.Supporting Professionals on Their Learning JourneyIn an effort to make high-quality technical training accessible to as many professionals as possible, INE is also offering limited-time pricing during the Black Friday period. These offers provide reduced-cost access to INE’s most comprehensive training plans and certifications, supporting learners at every stage of their career development.Learners can choose from bundles that include annual subscriptions, certification vouchers, and hands-on labs, saving up to $750! For the first time, INE is offering the INE Premium Subscription for 50% off to ensure the most comprehensive training subscription is accessible to learners at every level. To learn more about INE’s commitment to accessible, high-impact training—and to explore this year's limited-time Black Friday opportunities—visit https://learn.ine.com/promo/black-friday-2025. <br />About INEINE x INE 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.
11/25/2025
INE
November 2025 Critical CVE Round-Up
This roundup provides a concise but technical analysis of the most notable CVEs discovered, disclosed, or exploited during November 2025, with emphasis on exploitation status, impact severity, and recommended remediation for enterprise environments.
11/25/2025
INE
INE Highlights CMMC-Aligned Training for Government Contractors
INE’s comprehensive cybersecurity, networking, and cloud training helps government contractors and suppliers strengthen cybersecurity and meet CMMC 2.0 compliance requirements.CARY, N.C., November 11, 2025 – INE Security, a global leader in cybersecurity training and certification, announced that its extensive training library continues to support organizations as they adapt to the recent rollout of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0. The CMMC rollout 2025, which took effect on November 10, 2025, establishes new requirements for cybersecurity readiness among organizations doing business with the United States government.Empowering Government Contractors Through Aligned TrainingINE’s 70+ learning paths across cybersecurity, networking, and cloud provide teams with the critical knowledge and hands-on experience needed to meet CMMC certification readiness and NIST SP 800-171 training objectives. Designed to help professionals apply security best practices across technical and operational domains, INE’s courses give organizations the foundation to achieve and maintain CMMC 2.0 compliance.“Many defense contractors are looking for clear, accessible ways to train their teams and meet these new compliance standards,” said Jamie Kahgee, VP of Product and Technology at INE Security. “INE’s content library already contains everything organizations need to align with the CMMC framework, from foundational cybersecurity principles to advanced cloud and network defense. Our goal is to help contractors strengthen their workforce and protect critical national security data.”Training Aligned with CMMC 2.0 ObjectivesThe Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) framework establishes unified cybersecurity standards to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Federal Contract Information (FCI) across all organizations working with the U.S. government. INE’s platform supports these objectives through a blend of real-world training environments and structured skill development designed to mirror the framework’s focus on continuous improvement and defense in depth.Comprehensive Skill Coverage Across Core DomainsINE’s training library aligns with CMMC 2.0 domains by providing comprehensive coverage across key technical and operational areas. Learning paths such as those below, among others, help professionals build the skills needed to meet CMMC-aligned objectives:Network Security and Access Control: Learning paths like Cisco Cybersecurity Associate (CCNA Security) strengthen knowledge in secure network architecture, monitoring, and access control management.Incident Response and Threat Detection: Learning paths such as Certified Incident Responder (eCIR) develop capabilities in identifying, responding to, and documenting cybersecurity events.Cloud Security and Infrastructure Hardening: Learning paths including Azure Security Engineer Associate help teams secure cloud workloads and implement compliant configurations across multi-cloud environments.Together, these and other INE learning paths reinforce the principles emphasized within CMMC 2.0 compliance, including risk management, monitoring, data protection, and continuous improvement.Supporting Workforce Development and Compliance Readiness“The implementation of CMMC 2.0 compliance has raised the bar for cybersecurity expectations across the defense sector,” said Lindsey Rinehart, Chief Executive Officer of INE. “Our mission is to make expert-level training accessible to every organization, regardless of size or budget. By leveraging INE’s platform, contractors can prepare for CMMC certification while improving their overall security resilience.”INE’s platform is trusted by global enterprises and government contractors to strengthen their cybersecurity workforce. The curriculum is designed to meet the diverse needs of professionals across the federal supply chain, from system administrators and security engineers to compliance officers and IT leaders. Each course integrates theory with practical application, preparing learners not only for certification but also for the real-world challenges of securing sensitive data and infrastructure.Accessible Resources for Continuous ComplianceWith the enforcement phase of CMMC 2.0 now underway, organizations are seeking efficient ways to upskill employees, document compliance, and reduce audit risk. INE’s CMMC-aligned training provides a scalable solution that allows contractors and suppliers to train teams at all levels, ensuring readiness across technical and operational roles.INE’s training portfolio reinforces every layer of cybersecurity maturity, supporting audit and assessment readiness, compliance training for defense contractors, and ongoing cybersecurity workforce development.INE Security’s CMMC-aligned training resources are available now through the INE Training Platform. To explore how INE’s courses support CMMC readiness and compliance, visit learn.ine.com/brand/cmmc.<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.
11/20/2025
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.
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