For many, adapting to a new routine (or lack thereof) after being furloughed has been a challenge. Now, though – several weeks into the UK’s enforced lockdown – many are finding that they are starting to adapt and adjust to our new normal.
Some have spent the time having a spring clean. Others have taken up a new hobby, while some are simply using the time to relax and enjoy a mental break from the daily grind.
But if you’re looking for something to fill your time, there are worse things you could do than embark on some career-related training, whether it’s learning something brand new or refreshing existing knowledge and skills.
Why should I be thinking about training right now?
The nature of cybersecurity threats is constantly changing. Since the Covid-19 outbreak began, threat actors have found various ways to play on current fears, and to target organisations that are central to fighting the pandemic.
In both the UK and the US, authorities issued a COVID-19 cyber threat update after seeing a significant increase in cybercrime. The World Health Organization has also seen a fivefold increase in cyber attacks, both those targeted at its own staff, and those impersonating WHO staff to members of the public.
“It’s vital to be prepared.”
Changes in working practices resulting from the pandemic have also seen best practice changing in a number of areas. And with some predicting that COVID-19 will result in the “largest cyberattack in history within the next six months”, it’s vital to be prepared.
Which training should I go for?
We have previously stressed the importance of certifications for a future-proofed career in IT. While it is easy to say that you have 15 years of experience in the industry, gaining certifications – and keeping them up-to-date – proves to potential employers that you are staying abreast of industry changes.
A good starting point would be to look at your existing certifications and establish whether they are still up-to-date. By refreshing existing training, you can ensure that you are 100% compliant, and that you give yourself the best possible chance of appealing to a future employer.
According to training company Global Knowledge, the most valuable IT certifications for 2020 include Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, and Certified Information Security Manager. Azure Fundamentals and Azure Administrator Associate certifications have appeared in the top 15 for the first time, and also has high demand amongst Microsoft-certified professionals.
However, remember that it is not just IT and cybersecurity-specific training that can improve your career prospects. Depending on your role, you may want to undertake management training, or to take a look at ways in which to future-proof your soft skills – skills like complex problem solving, critical thinking and people management.
If you are looking to hone your cybersecurity knowledge, though, we have been offered a fantastic deal on NIST Cyber Security Professional (NCSP) training courses…
15% off NCSP courses through identifi global
Thanks to the Cyber Security Academy, we are able to offer visitors to the identifi global website 15% off three different NCSP courses:
Foundation
The NCSP Foundation Certificate course is aimed at those looking to learn the basics about cybersecurity risk management, digital transformation, NIST-CSF management systems and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. As it is a foundation course, it is suitable for all experience levels. Find out more here.
Practitioner
Designed for those who have already taken and passed the NCSP Foundation Certificate, the NCSP Practitioner Certificate features a ‘Controls Factory’: a conceptual model that is designed to represent a control system that is used to protect our critical assets, “by transforming our assets from an unmanaged state to a managed state. Learn more here.
Boot Camp
Suitable for everyone looking for a greater understanding of the NIST Security Framework, this 16-hour Bootcamp combines both the Foundation and Practitioner courses. It ends with a multiple-choice exam which, once completed and passed, will give the student full certification. Find out more.
How to claim your 15% discount
To take advantage of a 15% discount on the NCSP Foundation, Practitioner or Bootcamp course, visit the Cyber Security Academy website to purchase. Use the code Identifi15 when placing your order, and the 15% discount will be automatically applied. This offer is valid until July 31st, 2020.
- You may like: How to future-proof your soft skills
At the time of writing, it was unclear as to how long the government’s furlough scheme would last. For cybersecurity professionals wanting to stay ahead of the game, now is the perfect time to refresh existing training, or to learn something new altogether. With so much free time at your disposal, and with cyber attacks as great a threat as ever, make the most of your additional free time and future-proof your career.
To register for a NCSP course with a 15% discount, visit their website and use the code Identifi15.
Images via Unsplash and Pixabay
