IBM
ISC2

IBM and ISC2 Cybersecurity Specialist Professional Certificate

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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
Rav Ahuja
ISC2 Education & Training

Instructors: IBM Skills Network Team

26,098 already enrolled

Earn a career credential that demonstrates your expertise

from 15,544 reviews of courses in this program

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

from 15,544 reviews of courses in this program

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

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

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Taught in English
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Professional Certificate - 12 course series

Introduction to Cybersecurity Careers

Introduction to Cybersecurity Careers

Course 1, 8 hours

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

Category: Data Security
Category: Cybersecurity
Category: Network Security
Category: Cyber Security Policies
Category: Computer Security Awareness Training
Category: Information Assurance
Category: Information Technology
Category: Technical Support and Services
Category: Cyber Security Strategy
Introduction to Hardware and Operating Systems

Introduction to Hardware and Operating Systems

Course 2, 16 hours

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

Category: Computer Hardware
Category: Operating Systems
Category: Peripheral Devices
Category: Hardware Troubleshooting
Category: User Accounts
Category: Disaster Recovery
Category: Operating System Administration
Category: Computer Architecture
Category: Mac OS
Category: Virtual Machines
Category: Network Infrastructure
Category: System Configuration
Category: Virtualization
Category: Computer Systems
Category: Virtualization and Virtual Machines
Category: File Systems
Category: Data Storage
Category: Technical Support
Category: Linux
Category: Software Installation
Introduction to Software, Programming, and Databases

Introduction to Software, Programming, and Databases

Course 3, 18 hours

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

Category: Generative AI
Category: Cross Platform Development
Category: Computer Programming
Category: Programming Principles
Category: Software Development Methodologies
Category: Artificial Intelligence
Category: Other Programming Languages
Category: Database Management Systems
Category: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML)
Category: Systems Development Life Cycle
Category: Cloud Services
Category: Cloud Deployment
Category: Data Strategy
Category: Generative AI Agents
Category: Database Application
Category: Data-Driven Decision-Making
Category: Package and Software Management
Category: Cloud Computing Architecture
Category: Data Storage Technologies
Introduction to Networking and Storage

Introduction to Networking and Storage

Course 4, 12 hours

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

Category: General Networking
Category: Wireless Networks
Category: Network Protocols
Category: Command-Line Interface
Category: TCP/IP
Category: Data Storage
Category: OSI Models
Category: Network Model
Category: Data Storage Technologies
Category: Networking Hardware
Category: Network Security
Category: Network Troubleshooting
Category: Local Area Networks
Category: Wide Area Networks
Category: Network Infrastructure
Category: Computer Networking
Category: Network Architecture
Category: Microsoft Windows
Category: Telecommunications
Category: Network Planning And Design
Introduction to Cloud Computing

Introduction to Cloud Computing

Course 5, 12 hours

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

Category: Cloud Computing
Category: Cloud Security
Category: Containerization
Category: Cloud Deployment
Category: Cloud Infrastructure
Category: DevOps
Category: Cloud-Native Computing
Category: Data Storage Technologies
Category: Software Development
Category: Public Cloud
Category: Cloud Technologies
Category: Cloud Standards
Category: Cloud Engineering
Category: Cloud Development
Category: Docker (Software)
Category: Cloud Computing Architecture
Category: Cloud Services
Category: Infrastructure Architecture
Category: Data Storage
Category: Cloud Platforms
Introduction to Cybersecurity Essentials

Introduction to Cybersecurity Essentials

Course 6, 13 hours

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

Category: Encryption
Category: Email Security
Category: Cyber Attacks
Category: Hardening
Category: Authentications
Category: Multi-Factor Authentication
Category: Malware Protection
Category: Data Security
Category: Cybersecurity
Category: Threat Management
Category: Security Awareness
Category: Security Controls
Category: Authorization (Computing)
Category: Cryptography
Category: Patch Management
Category: Application Security
Category: Endpoint Security
Category: Identity and Access Management
Category: Threat Detection
Security Principles

Security Principles

Course 7, 5 hours

What you'll learn

Skills you'll gain

Category: Cyber Governance
Category: Governance
Category: Cybersecurity
Category: Security Awareness
Category: Information Assurance
Category: Cyber Security Policies
Category: Risk Management Framework
Category: Cyber Risk
Category: Data Ethics
Category: Security Controls
Incident Response, BC, and DR Concepts

Incident Response, BC, and DR Concepts

Course 8, 3 hours

What you'll learn

Skills you'll gain

Category: Incident Response
Category: Disaster Recovery
Category: Cybersecurity
Category: Business Continuity
Category: Crisis Management
Category: Information Assurance
Category: Service Recovery
Category: Incident Management
Category: Business Continuity Planning
Category: Security Management
Category: Computer Security Incident Management
Access Control Concepts

Access Control Concepts

Course 9, 4 hours

What you'll learn

Skills you'll gain

Category: Data Security
Category: Cyber Security Policies
Category: User Provisioning
Category: Identity and Access Management
Category: Security Controls
Category: Authorization (Computing)
Category: Infrastructure Security
Category: Data Access
Category: Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
Category: Enterprise Security
Category: Authentications
Category: Information Systems Security
Category: Cybersecurity
Category: Multi-Factor Authentication
Network Security

Network Security

Course 10, 8 hours

What you'll learn

Skills you'll gain

Category: Cloud Services
Category: Firewall
Category: Network Security
Category: Distributed Denial-Of-Service (DDoS) Attacks
Category: General Networking
Category: Data Centers
Category: Network Planning And Design
Category: Intrusion Detection and Prevention
Category: Data Security
Category: Cybersecurity
Category: Threat Detection
Category: Cloud Security
Category: Infrastructure Security
Category: OSI Models
Category: Computer Networking
Category: Threat Management
Category: Cyber Attacks
Category: Network Model
Category: IT Security Architecture
Category: Network Protocols
Security Operations

Security Operations

Course 11, 8 hours

What you'll learn

Skills you'll gain

Category: Security Controls
Category: Encryption
Category: Network Security
Category: Security Awareness
Category: Computer Security Awareness Training
Category: Network Administration
Category: Patch Management
Category: IT General Controls (ITGC)
Category: Cryptography
Category: Continuous Monitoring
Category: System Configuration
Category: System Monitoring
Category: Cyber Operations
Category: Information Technology Operations
Category: Cybersecurity
Category: Cyber Security Policies
Category: Security Management
Category: Configuration Management
Category: Event Monitoring
Category: Data Security
Cybersecurity Case Studies and Capstone Project

Cybersecurity Case Studies and Capstone Project

Course 12, 17 hours

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

Category: Incident Response
Category: Digital Forensics
Category: Penetration Testing
Category: Exploitation techniques
Category: Computer Security Incident Management
Category: Security Awareness
Category: Cyber Security Assessment
Category: Network Security
Category: AI Security
Category: Malware Protection
Category: Threat Detection
Category: Cybersecurity
Category: Vulnerability Assessments

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
97 Courses2,105,893 learners
Rav Ahuja
IBM
52 Courses5,151,972 learners
ISC2 Education & Training
ISC2
37 Courses125,394 learners

Offered by

IBM
ISC2

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Frequently asked questions

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 (7/1/2025 - 7/1/2026)