ISC2 Launches Certificate to Help Cybersecurity Professionals Build Incident Response Skills

The new ISC2 Threat Handling Foundations Certificate recognizes cybersecurity professionals’ expertise across the core principles of incident management, response and recovery, and digital forensics

Alexandria, Va., September 4, 2025 – ISC2 – the world’s leading nonprofit member organization for cybersecurity professionals – today announced the Threat Handling Foundations Certificate to help cybersecurity professionals develop their digital forensics and incident response (DFIR) skills.

According to ISC2 research, almost 60% of cybersecurity professionals agree that skills gaps have a significant effect on their ability to secure their organizations, with 25% saying their organizations lack enough DFIR experience. With response and recovery as key pillars of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0, the NCSC Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF) and the NIS2 Directive, improving competencies in these areas can prepare teams to better handle — and learn from — cybersecurity incidents.

“As threat actors increasingly exploit emerging technologies, it is crucial for organizations to invest in ongoing skills development across their cybersecurity teams,” said ISC2 Chief Operating Officer Casey Marks. “Developing expertise in areas such as incident response not only strengthens the abilities of cybersecurity professionals to mitigate these evolving threats but also empowers them to build upon in-demand skills to advance their careers. The Threat Handling Certificate was developed to support professionals who want to strengthen skillsets or close critical skills gaps on their teams through practical application.”

The Threat Handling Foundations Certificate will equip individuals who successfully complete the courses and assessments with proficient knowledge of job-ready skills. It bridges the gap between theory and hands-on application, enabling individuals and teams to respond more effectively to evolving threats while laying the groundwork for advanced DFIR capability development.

To earn the Threat Handling Foundations Certificate, learners are required to complete four on-demand courses totaling 13 hours of learning. Courses are also available individually, and ISC2 members receive a 20% discount. ISC2 members can earn 13 continuing professional education (CPE) credits upon successful completion of the certificate.

The assessment for the certificate is available after learners complete these four courses:

Foundations of Digital Forensics (New): foundational proficiency
Network Threat Hunting (New): intermediate proficiency
Building a Digital Forensics and Incident Response Program (New): advanced proficiency
Incident Management: Preparation and Response (Launched February 2025): advanced proficiency

For more information, explore the ISC2 Threat Handling Foundations Certificate.

+++

About ISC2

ISC2 is the world’s leading member organization for cybersecurity professionals, driven by our vision of a safe and secure cyber world. Our more than 265,000 certified members, and associates, are a force for good, safeguarding the way we live. Our award-winning certifications – including cybersecurity’s premier certification, the CISSP® – enable professionals to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and abilities at every stage of their careers. ISC2 strengthens the influence, diversity and vitality of the cybersecurity profession through advocacy, expertise and workforce empowerment that accelerates cyber safety and security in an interconnected world. Our charitable foundation, the Center for Cyber Safety and Education, helps create more access to cyber careers and educates those most vulnerable. Learn more, get involved or become an ISC2 Candidate to build your cyber career at ISC2.org. Connect with us on X, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Media Contact:
Amanda Steinman
Senior Corporate Communications Manager
ISC2
asteinman@isc2.org