15-Plus Cybersecurity Education Programs

We know all too well there is a lack of skilled people that MSSPs, MSPs and other cybersecurity organizations need to fill critical roles now and in the future. However, there are no shortage of opportunities for training and certification — at all skill levels.

This growing educational imperative is reflected in National Cyber Workforce and Education Strategy (NCWES) — a far reaching and comprehensive campaign to help fill hundreds of thousands of cyber vacancies across the U.S. with qualified staffers. The NCWES meets President Joe Biden’s call in the 2023 National Cybersecurity Strategy to develop a strategy to expand the national cyber workforce, increase its diversity and expand access to cyber education and training.

Whether you’re operating an MSSP, MSP, are a skilled professional or someone looking to break into the cybersecurity field, there’s a good chance the right educational opportunities are out there — be it through a nonprofit, vendor, public-private partnership, online provider and more.

So, MSSP Alert did some looking around, and we’ve compiled a list below of training providers to give you a good idea what’s out there and get you started.

Keep in mind that this is a living document — to help provide your organization with the resources it needs to grow, prosper and keep everyone cyber-safe. If we’ve missed one, let us here at MSSP Alert know and we’ll add it to our list. Please contact MSSP Alert Managing Editor Jim Masters at: [email protected]

Nonprofits

CompTIA — The CompTIA Security+ global certification is one of the best-known security certifications in the channel market. This certification validates the baseline skills necessary to perform core security functions and pursue an IT security career.

In addition, CompTIA Industry Education courses equip managed services professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to run their businesses successfully, and offering a number of different certifications. CompTIA Industry Education offers members an evolving catalog of courses and resources that span Finance & Operations, Sales & Marketing, Technology, and Channel and Technology Ecosystems and Dynamics

CompTIA Industry Education offers the following cybersecurity business courses in self-paced video sprint (under one hour) format:

EC-Council — The International Council of E-Commerce Consultants, or EC-Council, is the world's largest cybersecurity technical certifications body. Operating in 145 countries, EC-Council certification programs include: Certified Ethical Hacker, Computer Hacking Forensics Investigator, Certified Security Analyst, and License Penetration Testing.

EC-Council is a member-based organization that certifies individuals in various e-business and information security skills. EC-Council notes that it has certified more than 300,000 security professionals globally.

SANS Institute — Launched in 1989 as an information security thought leadership cooperative, SANS Institute helps organizations mitigate cyber risk by empowering cybersecurity practitioners and teams with training, certifications and degrees they need to safeguard organizations and advance their careers.

SANS Institute offers cybersecurity courses that are based on the job role, including:

Cyversity — Cyversity’s mission is to “achieve the consistent representation of women, underrepresented minorities and U.S. military veterans in the cybersecurity industry through programs designed to diversify, educate and empower.” Cyversity offers scholarship opportunities, diverse workforce development, innovative outreach and mentoring programs. Learning opportunities include partnerships with EC-Council, Google and ISC2.

ISC2 — The International Information System Security Certification Consortium, or ISC2, is a nonprofit organization specializing in training and certifications for cybersecurity professionals. ISC2 offers various levels of certifications regardless of where an individual is in their career journey.

ISACA — ISACA is a professional membership organization committed to the advancement of digital trust by empowering people to grow their skills and knowledge in audit, cybersecurity emerging tech and more. Members receive personalized training, educational resources and can earn the most in-demand credentials.

Government

Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) — CISA offers a variety of educational and training partnership programs tailored to individuals from the earliest learners to seasoned professionals. The partnership between CISA and the National Security Agency (NSA) jointly sponsors National Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE) program, designating specific two- and four-year colleges and universities as top schools in cyber defense. 

Additionally, the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Cybersecurity Workforce Framework (NICE Framework) is the foundation for increasing the size and capability of the U.S. cybersecurity workforce. CISA's National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (NICCS) website serves as a national resource for cybersecurity awareness, education, training, and career opportunities. 

Online Courses

Coursera — Coursera partners with more than 275 universities and companies to bring flexible, affordable, job-relevant online learning to individuals and organizations worldwide. Coursera offers a range of learning opportunities, from hands-on projects and courses to job-ready certificates and degree programs.

Cybrary — Cybrary is a platform for learning about cybersecurity and IT. Cybrary offers online courses and tools that allow people to learn from anywhere at any time, including beginner, intermediate and advanced cybersecurity certifications.

INE Security – INE Security offers a number of online certifications for various roles including Junior Pen Tester, Enterprise Defense Administrator, Digital Forensics Professional, Certified Cloud Associate, Web Application Penetration Tester, Certified Incident Responder, Certified Professional Penetration Tester, Certified Threat Hunting Professional, Mobile Application Penetration Tester and Web Application Penetration Tester eXtreme

Mossé Cyber Security Institute — The Institute’s mission-critical training is designed around realistic tasks that mirror real-world cyberwar functions, giving trainees an in-depth understanding of both offensive and defensive cyber operations. Courses delve into field-ready knowledge through hands-on practice and expert feedback to hone skills. An emphasis on "Operation Preparedness" provides a blend of strategic skill deployment and full-spectrum cyber operations.

OPSWAT Academy — OPSWAT Academy delivers cybersecurity knowledge with anyone interested in the industry and to educates newcomers and veterans alike to be able to take on cybercriminals. OPSWAT will be launching OPSWAT Academy Bootcamp, a three-day instructor-led training program starting in April 2024.

Partnerships

National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) — The National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE), led by NIST, is a partnership between government, academia and the private sector focused on cybersecurity education, training and workforce development. Additionally, the Federal Information Security Educators (FISSEA) is an organization run by and for federal government information security professionals to assist federal agencies in strengthening their employee cybersecurity awareness and training programs. 

Private Sector

Google — The search engine giant offers a comprehensive educational program, with the recent addition of the Google Cybersecurity Certificate to its Google Career Certificates. Google offers certifications in Data Analytics, Digital Marketing & E-commerce, IT Support, Project Management and UX Design. Read this MSSP Alert article for more details.

Stellar Cyber University Program — Stellar Cyber assures access to cybersecurity technology, curriculum and experts within the Stellar Cyber ecosystem. The program offers education in general cybersecurity and also provides specialized education in Stellar Cyber’s own platform. That way, students entering the workforce have hands-on experience with real world tools.

Blackpoint University — Blackpoint Cyber's university program taps the expertise of adjunct professors and industry experts. Blackpoint University provides access to IT professionals applicable to a range of cybersecurity businesses. The content is relevant to engineers, operational team members, sales and marketing professionals, and especially owners and leaders of MSSPs and MSPs.