Cybersecurity is one of the most sought-after fields, offering high salaries, job security, and the chance to combat cyber threats. As organizations increasingly prioritize data protection, the demand for skilled professionals has skyrocketed. Entry-level salaries generally range from $78,000 to $113,000, reflecting the competitive nature of the field even for newcomers.
But how do you break into this field and secure a top job if you have no experience whatsoever in cyber security? The answer lies in choosing the right training. This blog explores the best cybersecurity courses designed to help you gain the skills needed to land the most in-demand jobs.
Why Cybersecurity Training is Crucial
Cybersecurity is a complex field that demands more than just theoretical knowledge; it requires hands-on expertise to tackle real-world challenges. The best courses provide in-depth training, diving into critical areas such as network security, ethical hacking, and incident response. With cyber threats evolving daily, the need for expert instruction and practical experience is critical. An IBM report noted a 10% increase in the cost of data breaches compared to previous years, reflecting the growing severity of these incidents and the urgent need for skilled professionals.
While online learning is widely available these days, sometimes at no cost or very attractive prices, cybersecurity training usually requires more synchronous, live, and immersive learning environments. Online classes can cover theory well, but they might fall short in providing the interactive and collaborative experience needed to develop advanced skills. It’s also harder to ask your online tutor questions and get immediate answers, which is crucial for complex topics like cyber threats, attack vectors, and IT defense tactics. Cybersecurity, unlike many other fields, demands a higher degree of practical, hands-on practice, which can be difficult to replicate online.
Cyber labs, which simulate real-world cyber attacks and defense scenarios, are among the most effective tools for understanding the complexities of cyber security. These labs provide a hands-on environment where learners can experiment with cutting-edge tools, techniques, and strategies used by professionals in the field. By replicating real-world conditions, cyber labs allow participants to understand the dynamics of cyber threats, from identifying vulnerabilities to executing mitigation strategies. They also foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills as students tackle challenges in a controlled yet realistic setting.
Unlike theoretical training, cyber labs bridge the gap between knowledge and application. Participants gain invaluable experience in handling simulated breaches, defending networks, and responding to attacks in real time. This practical exposure builds confidence and sharpens the ability to adapt to evolving threats, making cyber labs an indispensable component of any effective cybersecurity course.
Reskilling Courses for a Career in Cybersecurity
The demand for cybersecurity professionals has never been higher, and reskilling programs are helping individuals transition into this dynamic field.
When choosing a training provider in cyber security, it’s crucial to look for expertise and a proven track record. Trainers with both real-world cybersecurity experience and teaching expertise ensure practical, effective learning. The right provider equips students with technical skills and immerses them in an environment of cutting-edge tools, trends, and practices that reflect the demands of the industry.
Wawiwa is a global tech education provider, offering reskilling and upskilling programs tailored to the latest industry trends. Wawiwa’s cybersecurity reskilling programs, such as Cybersecurity Analyst and IT and SOC Analyst, are tailored to meet industry needs, equipping participants with the skills to detect, prevent, and respond to cyber threats. These programs combine theoretical knowledge with hands-on training and virtual cyber labs, ensuring that graduates are job-ready for roles in high-demand areas.
The Cybersecurity Analyst Program prepares individuals without any previous background to become job-ready Cybersecurity Analysts or Security Operations Center (SOC) team members in 8 months. The entire program is run as an ongoing lab during which students are required to install attack and defense environments, set up and build cybersecurity tools, and experience scenarios simulating real-world events.
Similarly, the IT and SOC Analyst Program is ideal for individuals without previous background, who wish to advance their careers in entry-level IT and cybersecurity roles in just 5-6 months. The program includes practical exercises and lab sessions where students apply their skills to real-world scenarios.
Both programs are designed in Israel – home to over 450 cybersecurity startups and companies, making it a hub for innovation and technological advancements in cybersecurity. This expertise is reflected in Wawiwa’s programs, which leverage Israel’s know-how to provide world-class training for aspiring professionals.
Nadav Nachmias
Head of Cybersecurity Programs
Nadav is a Cybersecurity specialist with over 15 years of experience, focusing on Cybersecurity strategies, architecture and workforce empowerment. His practical experience made it intuitive for him to develop diverse training programs and materials in several Cybersecurity fields .
Nadav is the CTO of EXCYT, an Israeli company delivering Cybersecurity training services. He is also the head of the CISO training program in one of Israel’s colleges.
Nadav holds a Bachelor of Laws degree (LL.B) from the Tel-Aviv University, a Masters of Business Administration degree (MBA) from the Open University in Israel and a Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP) certification from ISC2. He is also a certified ISC2 CISSP Instructor.
“Effective cybersecurity training begins with empowering the trainers. Our ‘Train the Trainer’ approach ensures that every instructor is not only an expert in cybersecurity but also skilled in delivering hands-on, practical education. By training the trainers, we ensure our cyber programs maintain the highest standards of quality, relevance, and real-world impact, no matter where they are delivered”, says Nadav.
Introductory Videos of the Cybersecurity Analyst
and IT and SOC Analyst Programs
Upskilling Cybersecurity Courses
Staying ahead of emerging threats in cybersecurity demands continuous learning and adaptability. Hackers are constantly evolving, finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities in devices, systems, and technologies. For IT professionals and those who have entered cybersecurity, this ever-changing landscape makes lifelong learning essential to staying equipped with the latest tools and techniques while keeping pace with rapid advancements in the field. By upskilling, professionals can maintain their edge, strengthen defenses, and confidently excel in their roles.
Wawiwa offers an array of cybersecurity upskilling courses designed to accommodate learners at all levels. With flexible learning paths tailored to different levels of expertise, learners can choose courses that align with their current roles and future career aspirations. The courses emphasize hands-on practice, enabling participants to gain efficiency in the latest tools and technologies needed to excel in the cybersecurity landscape.
For example, Wawiwa offers a short seminar of 4-8 hours on Introduction to Cyber Awareness focusing on the risks, threats, and actors in the field. The primary goal of this seminar is to increase awareness and basic knowledge about cybersecurity. The SOC Operation for Analysts course provides an engaging 20-hour journey into the world of Security Operations. It focuses on the practical aspects of detecting and responding to cybersecurity threats. Another course designed for cybersecurity professionals looking to advance their expertise is the Malware Analysis Investigator course, providing participants a deep dive into malware threats and malware analysis techniques.
