How to choose a reputable Cyber Security training program

By Chloe Villanueva | 3 July 2023

When it comes to cyber security training today, we are spoiled for choice. But choosing the right program is critical to ensuring success, avoiding unnecessary expenses and seeing a return on investment.

If you're personally looking to break into cyber security, a globally-recognised program sets you up for career success. And if your goal is to equip your team with cyber security skills, finding the best program ensures that your training investment is well-spent and aligns with your organisation's goals.

Available types of cyber security training programs

Cybersecurity training programs can vary in terms of content, delivery methods, and target audience. Here are some common types:

Cyber Security Awareness Training: Designed for non-technical staff. They provide a basic understanding of common cybersecurity threats, best practices for data protection and how to recognise and respond to cyber-attacks. Lumify Work offers cyber security awareness training. CyberSAFE™ is available as an instructor-led workshop or through online learning.
Technical Cyber Security Training: Focus on building technical skills and knowledge required for specific cybersecurity roles. They cover network security, system hardening, vulnerability assessment, incident response and penetration testing. Examples include CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+), CompTIA Security+ and ISC2 SSCP.
Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing Training: For individuals interested in offensive security. Students learn about the techniques and tools used by ethical hackers to identify vulnerabilities in systems and networks and how to conduct penetration testing to assess an organisation's security posture. Check out EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker Pro and CompTIA PenTest+ or Offsec OSCP.
DevSecOps: Targeting software developers. This program focuses on secure coding practices to minimise application vulnerabilities. Participants learn about common coding flaws and integrating security into the software development lifecycle.
Incident Response and Digital Forensics Training: Offers knowledge and skills required to respond to cybersecurity incidents and investigate digital crimes. Participants learn about incident handling procedures, evidence collection, analysis of digital artifacts and legal aspects of digital forensics. Check out EC-Council’s Certified Incident Handler (E|CIH) program.
Security Management and Governance Training: Security Management and Governance Training: Designed for individuals in managerial or leadership roles responsible for overseeing an organisation's cybersecurity strategy. Topics covered include risk management, policy development, compliance frameworks, security auditing and security governance. Check out ISC2 CISSP, ISACA CISM and ISACA CRISC.

Most reputable programs prepare candidates to gain Cybersecurity Certifications. Credentials play a crucial role in cybersecurity training. These programs validate an individual's knowledge and skills in specific areas of cybersecurity.

These are some of the in-demand cybersecurity certifications we have seen embraced over the last 12 months:

Teams and individuals should carefully evaluate the training program's content, credibility and relevance in alignment with personal career goals and business goals.

The risks of choosing the wrong cyber security program

Cyber security training and certification involve a significant investment in your time and budget. So, avoiding the potential consequences of choosing the wrong program is important.

Managers and job applicants shake hands after the job interview, job interviews to find people to work with the company and talent to work with. Concept of recruitment and job interviews.

Lack of Opportunities: One could experience limited job or career advancement prospects if their chosen cyber security training program does not provide the necessary skills and knowledge employers need or lacks industry recognition.
Inadequate Skills and Knowledge: The field rapidly evolves, so you must keep pace with technologies, tools, and best practices. If the program fails to deliver current and relevant content, graduates may be unable to perform their job effectively.
Wasted Time and Money: Completing a program that does not adequately prepare individuals can leave them ill-equipped for job roles or projects. This means they will need to bridge gaps through more training or certifications, resulting in added costs and loss of valuable time.
Reputation Damage: Employers, customers and partners may question the quality and validity of the training received, which can hinder career advancement and business growth.
Compliance and Certification Issues: In some cases, job roles in cybersecurity require specific certifications, vendor-authorised training or compliance with industry standards. If the chosen program does not align with these, it can hinder progression.

To mitigate these risks, you should consider factors like curriculum relevance, instructor expertise, industry recognition and alumni success. Seeking recommendations from cyber security professionals already working in the field can also provide valuable insights.

Green flags for cyber security training

What would indicate that a cyber security training and certification program is reputable?

Lumify Work New Zealand Systems Technical Instructor Steve Golden shares:

In the absence of government recognition, then the program should be recognised by leading industry associations like ISC2, SANS, ISACA or EC-Council; by a well-known vendor-independent certification organisation like CompTIA or associated with a big vendor who operates in the field - for example, Microsoft for cloud or Cisco for networks. The certifications should be well recognised by local employers - Security+ is well known as a foundation cert here and employers often mention CISSP, CISM and CEH when they're looking for specialists in technical and management roles.

From a training perspective you want to see up to date material that reflects current threats and trends and offers plenty of practical, hands-on exercises delivered by instructors that know what they're talking about.

Finally - you would want to see a rigorous evaluation process to ensure that a certification represents real value to the holder or to a prospective or current employer.

We explore some signals that you can check for.

Industry Partnerships and Collaborations: Look for providers with partnerships or collaborations with industry-leading organisations. Lumify is an authorised training partner of leading technology vendors like Microsoft, AWS, VMware and Google Cloud. We are recognised by leaders in cyber security from ISC2, EC-Council, ISACA, CompTIA and OffSec.
Experienced and Qualified Instructors: Look for instructors with cyber security certifications and practical experience in the field. Instructors with real-world experience can provide valuable insights and practical knowledge. Lumify's pool of trainers are certified and have practical experience. Our team has also been recognised in the EC-Council Circle of Excellence.
Curriculum Relevance: Check if the curriculum includes relevant areas such as network security, encryption, incident response, vulnerability assessment, and secure coding. A reputable program should align with current cybersecurity trends and address emerging threats.
Hands-on Labs: Lumify Work cyber security training offers hands-on labs, simulations and real-world scenarios to apply the knowledge learned. Practical experience enhances skill development and prepares individuals for the challenges they may encounter in the field.
Industry-Recognised Certifications: Investigate if the training program prepares students for industry-recognised certifications. Certifications gained with Lumify and partners like ISACA, ISC2 and EC-Council are internationally accepted and recognised.
Alumni Success: Ask for case studies to learn about alumni, their training satisfaction, their success in performing their roles and finding cyber security job opportunities.
Continuing Education and Updates: Cyber security isn't a one-and-done deal. A reputable training program demonstrates a commitment to keeping abreast of industry trends and technologies. Through Lumify Plus, students can continue their learning experience online. It offers Premium and original content produced by trainers, consultations when needed and updates on networking and community events.
Transparency: A reputable training program provides clear and transparent information about its curriculum, accreditation, certifications and support services to help prospective students make informed decisions.

Considering these signals can help individuals evaluate a cybersecurity training program in NZ and make an informed choice aligned with their goals and context.

For details on cyber security training with Lumify, you can explore our website, download our brochure or consult with our team.