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

(692 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

(692 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

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

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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, Data Security, Information Technology, Incident Response, Cyber Risk, Network Security, Cyber Security Assessment, Cyber Security Policies, Information Assurance, Computer Security Awareness Training, Vulnerability Assessments, General Networking, Security Awareness, Technical Support and Services, and Cyber Security Strategy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Security Principles

Course 75 hours

What you'll learn

Skills you'll gain

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

What you'll learn

Skills you'll gain

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

Access Control Concepts

Course 94 hours

What you'll learn

Skills you'll gain

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

Network Security

Course 108 hours

What you'll learn

Skills you'll gain

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

Security Operations

Course 118 hours

What you'll learn

Skills you'll gain

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

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

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
IBM
83 Courses1,558,754 learners
Dee Dee Collette
IBM
10 Courses636,038 learners
Rav Ahuja
IBM
56 Courses4,347,424 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 (10/1/2024 - 10/1/2025)