Secure Organizations by Thinking Like a Hacker

“To catch a criminal, think like one.”

In the rapidly evolving world of cybersecurity — where almost any average casual criminal can now leverage AI to launch attacks and hacking skills are for sale to the highest bidder on the dark web — network and security engineers need more than just technical expertise. They need to step into the shoes of a hacker.

The best defense is a good offense, and understanding the tactics of cybercriminals is essential for staying one step ahead. But how do you act like a hacker — including learning to implement full-on cyberattacks — without breaking the law? The answer: By attaining new, cutting-edge hacking skills and testing them in a real-world competitive simulation with bright people from all over the globe.

Get an official certificate in ethical hacking

We’re excited to announce our new Cisco Certificate in Ethical Hacking, with public availability starting today, October 8, 2024.

Here are the skills and knowledge you gain through the program:

• Ethical hacking basics: Learn how to ethically test and secure digital infrastructures by thinking like a hacker.
• Penetration testing: Learn the techniques hackers use to find weaknesses and vulnerabilities—and how to mitigate them.
• Red teaming tactics: Simulate advanced threats to proactively stress-test your defenses.
• Advanced threat response: Master the tools needed to detect and mitigate sophisticated cyberattacks.

2-part training to get the ethical hacking certificate

First, you’ll need to complete the Ethical Hacker training for this new certificate through Cisco Networking Academy—free of charge.

Completing the free Ethical Hacker course unlocks your opportunity to take the Capture the Flag Challenge to earn your Cisco Certificate in Ethical Hacking. What’s more, this certificate tests your hands-on skills—not rote memorization. The challenges and certificate allow you to prove to yourself and employers that you have the practical experience to support red-teaming activities.

Add a defensive security certification from Cisco or Splunk

After earning your ethical hacker credentials, consider pursuing a Cisco CyberOps Associate or CyberOps Professional certification. Starting January 21, 2025, these certifications will be rebranded as Cisco Cybersecurity Associate and Professional, featuring new AI-related exam topics. With the integration of predictive AI in the Cybersecurity Associate certification, and advanced AI-powered analysis in the Cybersecurity Professional certification, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the latest trends and job roles in AI-driven cybersecurity.  Additionally, the Splunk Certified Cybersecurity Defense Analyst certification is an excellent pathway to a SOC analyst role, showcasing your skills in building the SOC of the future.

These certifications serve as valuable pathways toward positions like security analyst, incident responder, or Security Operations Center (SOC) analyst. When paired with the new Cisco Certificate in Ethical Hacking, they create a strong foundation for anyone aspiring to build a successful career in cybersecurity.

In this ever-changing threat landscape, when hackers are using AI to make exponential technology advances, the Cisco Certificate in Ethical Hacking isn’t just about reacting to threats; it is about proactively identifying and fortifying weaknesses before attacks happen.

Join us on October 24, 2024, for the Cisco Certificate in Ethical Hacking Webinar

Are you ready to think like a hacker, defend like a pro, and build an exciting career in the evolving world of cybersecurity? We know you are. Join us for our live virtual event on October 24, 2024, 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time, to learn how you can earn your Cisco Certificate in Ethical Hacking.

Register now to attend for free.

Visit Cisco Certificate in Ethical Hacking to learn more about the program, download the Capture the Flag challenge topics, or sign up for the Ethical Hacker course.

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Join the global conversation using #CybersecurityAwarenessMonth on social media.

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