5 Ways Skills Assessments Can Supercharge Your Cyber Team Training
2024年6月26日 - 8:03PM
87% of companies believe they have a significant skills gap, and 4
out of 5 companies say they are using skills assessments in some
form – either to close those gaps or hire more skilled employees.
However, with numerous studies showing it is drastically more
cost-effective to reskill current employees than hire new ones,
leaders are looking more and more to train existing employees.
Cybersecurity skills assessments are a powerful tool to pinpoint
where gaps exist and how to close them. Understanding the specific
needs of a team and focusing on those areas enables managers to
maximize the efficiency of training while also maximizing the
dollars invested. INE Security, a leading global cybersecurity
training and certification provider, is identifying five strategies
for utilizing skills assessments to supercharge your team’s overall
cybersecurity training program.
1. Incorporate Real-World Scenarios
One of the most effective ways to assess the practical skills of
cybersecurity professionals is through simulations that mirror
real-world challenges. By integrating scenarios that replicate
actual cyber threats, such as phishing attempts, ransomware
attacks, or advanced persistent threats (APTs), trainers can
provide a hands-on learning experience that tests a trainee’s
ability to respond under pressure. “Through market research and
data-driven testing, we have determined that tools like cyber
ranges or simulation platforms are highly effective as assessment
tools,” stated Dara Warn, CEO of INE Security. “Real-world
scenarios allow learners to creatively engage safely, effectively,
and quickly, providing an authentic assessment of their readiness
to face real-world cyber threats.”
2. Emphasize the Value of Professional
Certifications
For advanced learners, incorporating certifications into the
overall training process can provide valuable insights into their
capabilities to protect an organization while also encouraging high
engagement. Professional certifications like those offered by INE
Security (including the eJPT, eWPTX, eCTHP, and more) challenge
learners to solve real-world challenges in a sandboxed environment.
This not only tests their technical skills but also their ability
to anticipate and counteract real-time threats.
3. Employ Continuous and Integrated
Assessment
Rather than relying solely on periodic tests, embedding
continuous assessment mechanisms throughout the training program
can provide ongoing insights into a trainee's development and save
valuable time by focusing on right right skills. This can include
regular quizzes, short tests after each module, or ongoing projects
that culminate in a final assessment. INE Security’s assessment
tool Skill Sonar includes options for managers to assign playlists
based on employee skill sets, enabling faster time to competency
for employees working to upskill. That, in turn, frees up valuable
financial resources to allocate to other areas. Continuous
assessment helps keep the trainees engaged and allows instructors
to adjust the pace and content of the training according to the
learners’ progress.
4. Leverage Peer Review and Collaboration
Incorporating peer review within the training process can be a
powerful tool for enhancement and learning. By reviewing each
other’s work, trainees learn to critique cybersecurity strategies
effectively and gain insights from their peers’ approaches and
reasoning. This method encourages a deeper understanding of the
subject matter and fosters a collaborative learning environment.
Additionally, group-based assessments or team challenges can
simulate workplace dynamics, emphasizing the importance of teamwork
in cybersecurity.
5. Integrate AI and Machine Learning Tools
Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine
learning (ML) can revolutionize how skills assessments are
conducted in cybersecurity training. AI-driven analytics can
provide detailed insights into training effectiveness and learner
performance, identifying patterns that might not be visible to
human assessors. For example, AI can analyze the speed and accuracy
of responses to identify areas where a trainee may need more focus
or different types of engagement, thus allowing for more tailored
training interventions.
Conclusion
Doubling down on skills assessments within cybersecurity
training programs is crucial for preparing a proficient
cybersecurity workforce capable of defending against and responding
to cyber threats. It is also a valuable time and money-saving
initiative, as managers are able to pinpoint specific needs and
focus on those instead of following a static pathway. By
implementing real-world scenarios, employing adaptive testing,
integrating continuous assessment, leveraging peer review,
utilizing AI and machine tools, and emphasizing ethical hacking,
organizations can significantly enhance the effectiveness of their
cybersecurity training initiatives. These strategies not only help
in accurately measuring and developing the necessary skills but
also ensure that cybersecurity professionals are well-equipped to
tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
About INE Security:INE Security is the premier
provider of online networking and cybersecurity training and
certification. Harnessing the world’s most powerful hands-on lab
platform, cutting-edge technology, global video distribution
network, and world-class instructors, INE Security is the top
training choice for Fortune 500 companies worldwide for
cybersecurity training in business and for IT professionals looking
to advance their careers. INE Security’s suite of learning paths
offers an incomparable depth of expertise across cybersecurity and
is committed to delivering advanced technical training while also
lowering the barriers worldwide for those looking to enter and
excel in an IT career.
Press Team
INE Security
917-715-0911
press@ine.com