The International Info System Security Certification Consortium and IBM teamed up on February 12 to release the IBM and ISC2 Cybersecurity Professional Certificate, which can be made through a four-month, beginner-level training course. IBM selected ISC2 to develop the certification program, which prepares possible cybersecurity specialists for a profession in a cybersecurity specialist role.
The IBM and ISC2 Certificate provides cybersecurity training and evidence of abilities
The IBM and ISC2 Cybersecurity Specialist Professional Certificate is comprised of the domains from ISC2’s Certified in Cybersecurity certification training, which are:
- Security concepts.
- Occurrence reaction.
- Organization connection and disaster recovery.
- Gain access to controls concepts.
- Network security and security operations.
Upon conclusion of the 12-course certification program, participants will get an IBM Digital Skills Badge, which reveals efficiency to possible employers. Individuals are motivated to more develop their skills by signing up as ISC2 Prospects and taking ISC2’s Certified in Cybersecurity test, which assists prove their skills on a resume or in a job interview. More than 360,000 individuals globally have registered in the Licensed in Cybersecurity accreditation training.
Cybersecurity tasks remain in high need
“The cyber workforce urgently requires knowledgeable professionals. This partnership allows aiming specialists to show technical proficiency and construct a solid structure of skills, helping people to get their foot in the door with companies and start their careers,” stated ISC2 CEO Clar Rosso in a news release.
SEE: Ivanti disclosed 5 zero-day vulnerabilities impacting its Secure VPN service (TechRepublic)
According to ISC2’s research, the space between supply and demand for cybersecurity professionals reached 4 million individuals in 2023. The workforce would need to grow by 73% to successfully cover all organizations’ possibly vulnerable assets, ISC2 found.
“For IBM and Coursera to recognize the worth of our CC certification is hugely encouraging and furthers progress to help close the cybersecurity workforce space,” said Rosso.
“With the ever-increasing risks versus vital systems and the world’s dependence on technology, the demand for cybersecurity experts is higher than ever,” said IBM Skills Network Director and CTO Leon Katsnelson in journalism release. “We are happy to partner with ISC2 and Coursera in pursuit of our common goal of empowering striving cybersecurity specialists with the critical abilities for success in this sought-after occupation.”
According to the U.S. Department of Labor in October 2023, info security analyst is among the IT jobs that will be in high need over the decade from 2022 to 2032.
Must-read security coverage
How opening doors to junior experts benefits organizations and the cybersecurity industry
For companies, accreditation programs like this deal straightforward paths to cross-train or re-train employees for internal positions if needed. With ransomware still in usage and generative AI potentially letting assailants train designs on taken information in the future, the demand for cybersecurity professionals is most likely only to increase.
“One of the most persistent cybersecurity staffing obstacles companies around the globe experience is having the ability to recognize entry- and junior-level candidates with the best skills and aptitude to discover and grow on the task,” Rosso told TechRepublic in an email.
“At the very same time, early profession hopefuls are unable to show their understanding of cybersecurity concepts and get the attention of hiring managers … [The accreditation is] a win-win-win for companies, potential employees, and the wider cybersecurity market,” Rosso said.
Correction: A previous version of this article specified the ISC2 Cybersecurity Professional Specialist Certificate was free. The accreditation can be accessed through a free trial, but extension with the program needs a Coursera Plus membership.
