IBM
ISC2
IBM and ISC2 Cybersecurity Specialist Professional Certificate
IBM
ISC2

IBM and ISC2 Cybersecurity Specialist Professional Certificate

Get job-ready to launch your cybersecurity career. Build the information security skills and hands-on experience employers look for in less than 4 months. No prior experience required.

IBM Skills Network Team
Dee Dee Collette
Rav Ahuja

Instructors: IBM Skills Network Team

Earn a career credential that demonstrates your expertise
4.8

(698 reviews)

Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
3 months at 10 hours a week
Learn at your own pace
Prepare for a degree
Earn a career credential that demonstrates your expertise
4.8

(698 reviews)

Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
3 months at 10 hours a week
Learn at your own pace
Prepare for a degree

What you'll learn

  • The job-ready skills needed to get your first cybersecurity role, plus prep for the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) exam employers look for.

  • A solid grasp of IT essentials, including infrastructure, operating systems, network applications, data, hardware, and software.

  • Working knowledge of different security threats, breaches, malware, social engineering, and other attack, and tools for preventing these threats.

  • The most up-to-date practical skills and knowledge cybersecurity specialists use in their daily roles, supported by hands-on practical experience.

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Taught in English
102 practice exercises

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Professional Certificate - 12 course series

What you'll learn

  • Compare the roles and responsibilities of various careers within the cybersecurity field and how to progress from one level to the next level.

  • Map IT fundamental skills, technical skills, and soft skills to the different job roles at various levels in cybersecurity.

  • Identify the required certifications, such as Security+, A+, CISSP, and CEH, for different job roles and the contents of each certification.

  • Discover the right role for you in cybersecurity and learn how to prepare for your chosen career path.

Skills you'll gain

Cybersecurity, Information Assurance, Network Security, Data Security, Technical Support and Services, Cyber Security Assessment, Computer Security Awareness Training, Information Systems Security Assessment Framework (ISSAF), Cyber Risk, Cyber Security Strategy, General Networking, Cyber Security Policies, Information Technology, and Security Awareness

What you'll learn

  • Identify the hardware components of desktops, laptops, and other devices, plus operating system functions, settings, and troubleshooting processes

  • Explore ports, connectors, storage devices, and GPU architectures, and assess appropriate processing and hardware solutions for applications

  • Develop secure IoT integration strategies for wearable devices and smart tech, using effective device management and cybersecurity principles.

  • Evaluate VR and AR technologies for organizational use, assessing hardware requirements, deployment considerations, and practical applications.

Skills you'll gain

Computer Hardware, Peripheral Devices, Operating Systems, User Accounts, Hardware Troubleshooting, Network Infrastructure, Data Storage, Computer Systems, Computing Platforms, USB, Disaster Recovery, Virtualization and Virtual Machines, Software Installation, System Configuration, File Systems, Mac OS, Technical Support, Virtual Machines, Linux, and Computer Architecture

What you'll learn

  • Classify, install, and administer software applications and tools, including those used on mobile operating systems

  • Learn foundational concepts in cloud services, browser technologies, and software development models, techniques, and best practices

  • Utilize core database concepts using the principles of database management and perform basic operations to interface with and maintain databases

  • Understand how AI enables intelligent tools such as chatbots, virtual assistants, and generative applications to solve real-world problems

Skills you'll gain

Computer Programming, Generative AI, Artificial Intelligence, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Strategy, and Cloud Computing Architecture

What you'll learn

  • Explain wired and wireless network types, topologies, cable categories, IP addressing, packet flow, and core protocols

  • Configure secure networks and mobile devices using encryption standards and troubleshooting tools, including the command prompt and Windows Settings

  • Explore memory and storage technologies, including RAM, ROM, RAID, STaaS, file/block/object storage, USB4, and NVMe, andtroubleshooting methods

  • Apply NFC operating modes, Wi-Fi security protocols, and device integration techniques to evaluate modern networking and storage solutions

Skills you'll gain

General Networking, Wireless Networks, Network Protocols, Networking Hardware, Wide Area Networks, OSI Models, TCP/IP, Network Security, Local Area Networks, Computer Networking, Network Troubleshooting, Hardware Architecture, Network Architecture, Network Infrastructure, System Configuration, Data Storage, Command-Line Interface, Technical Support and Services, and Microsoft Windows

What you'll learn

  • Define cloud computing and explain essential characteristics, history, the business case for cloud, and the emerging technologies enabled by cloud

  • Describe the cloud service models- IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, and cloud deployment models- Public, Private, Hybrid; explain cloud infrastructure components

  • Explain emerging Cloud related trends including HybridMulticloud, Microservices, Serverless, Cloud Native, DevOps, and Application Modernization

  • List and describe services of popular cloud platforms including AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, IBM Cloud, Alibaba Cloud, and others

Skills you'll gain

Cloud Computing, Cloud Infrastructure, Cloud Services, Serverless Computing, Cloud Computing Architecture, Cloud-Native Computing, DevOps, Emerging Technologies, Cloud Storage, Hybrid Cloud Computing, Cloud Security, IBM Cloud, Virtual Machines, Cloud Engineering, Technical Services, Cloud Solutions, Cloud Hosting, Cloud Development, Cloud Management, and Cloud Platforms

What you'll learn

  • Learn how to identify common cybersecurity threats, including malware, social engineering, breaches, and other attack vectors

  • Install software updates and patches, and apply authentication, encryption, and device-hardening techniques to protect sensitive information

  • Explore physical security, environmental safeguards, and access control measures used to prevent unauthorized access and ensure business continuity

  • Apply cybersecurity best practices using strong password creation and management strategies, and identify use cases for encryption

Skills you'll gain

Encryption, Multi-Factor Authentication, Cybersecurity, Malware Protection, Data Security, Cyber Attacks, Endpoint Security, Computer Security Awareness Training, Security Awareness, Email Security, Threat Detection, Windows Servers, Security Controls, Personally Identifiable Information, Cryptography, Microsoft Windows, Application Security, Hardening, Information Systems Security, and Information Privacy
Security Principles

Security Principles

Course 75 hours

What you'll learn

Skills you'll gain

Cyber Governance, Security Awareness, Cyber Security Policies, Risk Management Framework, Information Assurance, Security Controls, Governance, Cyber Risk, Cybersecurity, Data Integrity, and Data Ethics

What you'll learn

Skills you'll gain

Disaster Recovery, Incident Response, Information Assurance, Security Management, Cybersecurity, Computer Security Incident Management, Crisis Management, and Business Continuity
Access Control Concepts

Access Control Concepts

Course 94 hours

What you'll learn

Skills you'll gain

Data Access, Security Awareness, Identity and Access Management, Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), Authentications, Authorization (Computing), Security Controls, and Cyber Security Policies
Network Security

Network Security

Course 108 hours

What you'll learn

Skills you'll gain

Firewall, Network Security, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, Data Centers, Threat Detection, Computer Networking, General Networking, Threat Management, TCP/IP, Infrastructure Security, Network Protocols, Encryption, Network Planning And Design, and Cyber Attacks
Security Operations

Security Operations

Course 118 hours

What you'll learn

Skills you'll gain

Security Controls, Encryption, Network Security, Configuration Management, Computer Security Awareness Training, Cryptography, Event Monitoring, Security Strategy, System Monitoring, Cyber Security Policies, Cybersecurity, General Networking, Security Management, Data Security, Data Management, and Continuous Monitoring

What you'll learn

  • Hands-on experience in analyzing cybersecurity case studies to identify threat tactics and assess vulnerabilities you can talk about in interviews

  • Demonstrable, practical skills for applying response frameworks and forensic techniques to real-world breach scenarios

  • Expertise in penetration testing and compliance analysis to evaluate organizational security regarding compliance successes and failures

  • Hands-on experience with researching real-world data breach scenarios and analyzing them to propose recommendations

Skills you'll gain

Incident Response, Cybersecurity, Penetration Testing, Network Security, Fraud detection, Malware Protection, Threat Detection, Email Security, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Vulnerability Assessments, Security Awareness, Data Security, Artificial Intelligence, Distributed Denial-Of-Service (DDoS) Attacks, Computer Security Incident Management, Threat Modeling, and Exploitation techniques

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Get a head start on your degree

When you complete this Professional Certificate, you may be able to have your learning recognized for credit if you are admitted and enroll in one of the following online degree programs.¹

 
ACE Logo

This Professional Certificate has ACE® recommendation. It is eligible for college credit at participating U.S. colleges and universities. Note: The decision to accept specific credit recommendations is up to each institution. 

Instructors

IBM Skills Network Team
84 Courses1,569,948 learners
Dee Dee Collette
IBM
11 Courses641,904 learners
Rav Ahuja
IBM
56 Courses4,371,838 learners

Offered by

IBM
ISC2

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¹ Median salary and job opening data are sourced from Lightcast™ Job Postings Report. Content Creator, Machine Learning Engineer and Salesforce Development Representative (1/1/2024 - 12/31/2024) All other job roles (10/1/2024 - 10/1/2025)