2023 SC Awards Finalists: Best IT Security-Related Training Program

Fortinet’s evolving Network Security Expert Certification program offers accessible, role-based training for cybersecurity roles, transferable to other vendor products. Emphasizing products and solutions integration, it includes a “Networking Fundamentals for Cybersecurity” course and updates 300+ hours of training annually. Developed in-house, the program is globally accessible, in various languages, through partnerships. Since 2013, it has issued 1,159,806 certifications, with a 30% YOY growth. Post-pandemic, it introduced hybrid training and partnered with Credly Acclaim for digital credentials. The program also offers free end-user training in line with NIST guidelines and instructor-led technical training for risk management.

INE Cyber Security Training offers comprehensive and in-depth cybersecurity education to IT security professionals and corporate end-users. With more than 7,000 hours of video, 5,100 hands-on resources, and 800 courses, INE offers students and enterprises access to cutting-edge technology and practical training. The platform features 3,100 dynamic, browser-based labs and regularly hosts interactive live streams on current cybersecurity and IT industry issues. The INE training platform stands out for its immersive, cloud-based lab platform, in-house instruction and content creation, and a commitment to staying updated with the latest technologies. The learning experience platform (LXP) offers continuously updated content, hands-on labs, quizzes, and exams that map to industry-leading certifications. INE’s data-driven approach assesses and individualizes training services to meet client needs. The platform also offers data analytics package for managers to track learners’ progress, and INE collaborates with businesses to tailor training packages according to their budgetary requirements and specific goals.

KnowBe4 focuses on educating IT security professionals and corporate end-users on vigilance against cyber threats. With more than 56,000 organizations using KnowBe4’s security awareness training platform, users can make smarter security decisions when dealing with emails, links, and attachments. KnowBe4’s training, comprehensive content library, and ongoing innovation have led to recognitions, such as inclusion in G2’s Best Global Software Companies list and multiple TrustRadius awards. The company offers an extensive security awareness content library and support for more than 50 security certification training programs. Employees benefit from assistance with certifications, tuition reimbursement, and pay increases. KnowBe4’s training aims to reduce an organization’s Phish-prone Percentage, proving its success in improving security postures and mitigating risk. Through regular content updates and the introduction of its Security Culture Maturity Model, KnowBe4 continues to address various facets of risk management, ultimately enhancing end-user awareness and security-related knowledge.

Proofpoint Security Awareness offers professional training to more than 35 million users worldwide to help companies reduce risk, improve security, and support compliance programs. The program uses a holistic approach called the ACE Framework (assess, change behavior, and evaluate) to help organizations assess employees’ vulnerability, alter unsafe behavior, and evaluate the program’s effectiveness. The training is based on threat intelligence from 2.6 billion daily emails and delivers targeted education in more than 40 languages. The program leverages rich threat intelligence, delivering targeted and personalized education, and measuring and achieving strong security outcomes through a CISO dashboard that deliver important insights. Proofpoint’s adaptive learning framework and micro-learning content create a more personalized and engaging learning experience for users. Proofpoint aims to enhance end-user awareness by offering threat-guided training, automating threat investigation and response, and allowing organizations to benchmark against industry peers. The program aims to identify the riskiest users and help organizations prioritize their security efforts effectively.

Veracode Security Labs offers a hands-on approach to educating and strengthening the knowledge of IT security professionals and corporate end-users in secure coding practices. The program offers interactive online exercises using real-life web apps with vulnerabilities. Developers can access the platform through a web browser and work with containerized applications and APIs written in their preferred language. The labs-based training focuses on engaging content featuring real-world examples of vulnerabilities, interactive scenarios, detailed progress reporting, and leaderboards to encourage participation. Veracode Security Labs teaches developers to think like attackers, and also helps them avoid introducing harmful flaws and vulnerabilities in their code. Veracode’s annual State of Software Security research has shown measurable impact from Security Labs-based training programs. Veracode claims that organizations with developers completing at least one Security Labs training course decrease their time to fix 50% of flaws by 35% compared to those without such training.