The International Information System Security Certification Consortium and IBM teamed up on February 12 to launch the IBM and ISC2 Cybersecurity Specialist Professional Certificate, which might be earned by way of a four-month, beginner-level coaching course. IBM selected ISC2 to develop the certification program, which prepares potential cybersecurity professionals for a profession in a cybersecurity specialist position.
The IBM and ISC2 Certificate offers cybersecurity coaching and proof of abilities
The IBM and ISC2 Cybersecurity Specialist Professional Certificate is made up of the domains from ISC2’s Certified in Cybersecurity certification coaching, that are:
- Security rules.
- Incident response.
- Business continuity and catastrophe restoration.
- Access controls ideas.
- Network safety and safety operations.
Upon completion of the 12-course certification program, individuals will obtain an IBM Digital Skills Badge, which exhibits proficiency to potential employers. Participants are inspired to additional develop their abilities by registering as ISC2 Candidates and taking ISC2’s Certified in Cybersecurity take a look at, which helps show their abilities on a resume or in a job interview. More than 360,000 individuals globally have enrolled within the Certified in Cybersecurity certification coaching.
Cybersecurity jobs stay in excessive demand
“The cyber workforce urgently needs skilled professionals. This partnership enables aspiring professionals to demonstrate technical proficiency and build a solid foundation of skills, helping individuals to get their foot in the door with employers and kickstart their careers,” stated ISC2 CEO Clar Rosso in a press launch.
SEE: Ivanti disclosed 5 zero-day vulnerabilities impacting its Secure VPN answer (TechRepublic)
According to ISC2’s analysis, the hole between provide and demand for cybersecurity professionals reached 4 million individuals in 2023. The workforce would want to develop by 73% to successfully cowl all organizations’ doubtlessly susceptible belongings, ISC2 discovered.
“For IBM and Coursera to recognize the value of our CC certification is hugely encouraging and furthers progress to help close the cybersecurity workforce gap,” stated Rosso.
“With the ever-increasing threats against critical systems and the world’s reliance on technology, the demand for cybersecurity specialists is higher than ever,” stated IBM Skills Network Director and CTO Leon Katsnelson within the press launch. “We are delighted to partner with ISC2 and Coursera in pursuit of our common goal of empowering aspiring cybersecurity professionals with the critical skills for success in this in-demand profession.”
According to the U.S. Department of Labor in October 2023, data safety analyst is among the many IT jobs that can be in excessive demand over the last decade from 2022 to 2032.
How opening doorways to junior professionals advantages organizations and the cybersecurity trade
For organizations, certification packages like this supply simple paths to cross-train or re-train staff for inside positions if wanted. With ransomware nonetheless in use and generative AI doubtlessly letting attackers practice fashions on stolen knowledge sooner or later, the demand for cybersecurity professionals is probably going solely to extend.
“One of the most persistent cybersecurity staffing challenges organizations around the world experience is being able to identify entry- and junior-level candidates with the right skills and aptitude to learn and grow on the job,” Rosso instructed TechRepublic in an electronic mail.
“At the same time, early career hopefuls are unable to demonstrate their understanding of cybersecurity concepts and gain the attention of hiring managers … [The certification is] a win-win-win for employers, prospective employees, and the broader cybersecurity industry,” Rosso stated.
Correction: A earlier model of this text said the ISC2 Cybersecurity Specialist Professional Certificate was free. The certification might be accessed by way of a free trial, however continuation with this system requires a Coursera Plus subscription.