In honor of the 20th year of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we are discussing the expansion of cyber education at ISC2 and across the profession while looking toward the future of knowledge sharing.

“In the past two decades, online education has made tremendous progress, bringing a safer and more secure environment to our digital world. Through online education, people can acquire knowledge and skills about cybersecurity, learning how to protect their personal information and privacy. Additionally, online education provides training and certification opportunities, enabling professionals to advance in the field of cybersecurity,” shared by Haoran Y, CISSP.

In a recent poll, receiving more than 2,500 votes, ISC2 LinkedIn followers weighed in on the key areas that cybersecurity education should prioritize over the next five years. The results were:

  • 43% Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML)
  • 33% Upskilling Cyber Professionals
  • 24% Educating Non-Cyber Industries

ISC2’s education and training platforms are always evolving. Our goal is always to present content in an organized, easy-to-follow format that allows learners to master the material with ease. Most recently the CISSP, CCSP (adaptive self-paced) and CSSLP trainings have all been enhanced to include courseware that is organized by domain. This domain-by-domain approach allows for a more intuitive learning experience. In addition to this enhancement, let’s take a look at how ISC2 is driving cybersecurity education forward in the key areas mentioned above.

Using AI & Machine Learning

Recently ISC2 has used AI to help learners study smarter, not harder, by elevating the self-paced learning experience for CISSP and CCSP with adaptive technology. This exciting new adaptive learning experience identifies specific areas requiring further study, so learners are better prepared on exam day. With adaptive learning technology, learners will know exactly where to focus with a study plan tailored to them. CSSLP has been enhanced to provide hands-on opportunities for a more practical understanding of concepts.

While it seems the majority of learners are looking forward to AI and ML advancement, some remain skeptical of its use in all aspects of the cybersecurity profession. Matthew Link, CGRC, SSCP shared, “I currently work on air gapped systems, I’m seeing a trend that everyone is expecting systems to be online. I can’t imagine AI and machine learning will be much use to highly sensitive systems that aren’t touching the internet.”

Upskilling Cyber Professionals

Upskilling cyber professionals is a key element of ISC2 membership. Our education is not only built to support members but, it is community driven by a robust group of professionals who generously provide their expertise to contribute content for learning materials. A great example is the ISC2 Skill-Builders, released this year and available at no cost to members. These collaborations enable ISC2 to continually update course content to stay aligned with the latest industry trends and emerging threats, ensuring learners receive the most current knowledge and skills. Cybersecurity professionals looking to contribute to continuing education can participate by becoming an ISC2 volunteer.

Educating Non-Cyber Industries

ISC2’s charitable arm, The Center for Cyber Safety and Education, strives to reach both families and small businesses through community education and outreach programs. With many free programs, the Center works towards filling the cybersecurity workforce gap and securing the data of daily tech users.

Those interested in transitioning into a cyber career can find value in the wide range of training formats, including both in-person and online options. Our education places a strong emphasis on skill development and job readiness, empowering professionals to advance in their careers with confidence. Many programs incorporate exercises and labs, enabling learners to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. This hands-on approach is crucial for skill development.

The Future of ISC2 Education

In the future, users can expect learning that is truly adaptive and data-driven. ISC2 is committed to providing customized experiences that meet individual learners' needs, ensuring a more personalized and effective learning journey. We’re placing a strong emphasis on hands-on training and practical skill development to prepare learners effectively for roles across the cyber profession. As we move forward, we’re committed to seeking innovative ways that promote continuous learning and upskilling and enable cybersecurity professionals to stay current with evolving threats and technologies. We aim to incorporate social opportunities into all our experiences, building a true community of learning that will serve to enhance learning efficiency and provide valuable opportunities for our learners to engage with and learn from diverse perspectives and experiences.

 

Quotes in this article were provided via LinkedIn.