Building upon its burgeoning expertise in cyber security, Friends University will begin offering cyber security training to IT professionals and businesses this fall.
“Research shows that 79 percent of small-to-medium-sized businesses don’t have a cyber security plan or adequately trained staff to prevent or respond to cyber threats,” said Sean Cash, assistant professor and program director of business management. “These sessions are designed to give IT professionals an opportunity to boost their skills and help protect the businesses they work with.”
Cash said a unique aspect of the training is that students will get hands-on experience in the INTRUST Bank Cyber Security Laboratory, which is one of only three of its kind in a university setting in the U.S. The state-of-the-art lab is capable of testing, observing and analyzing cyber threats in a simulated “real world” environment.
“During my time in the military and at the NSA the only reason I was successful at my mission was the training I received,” said David Evenden, a cyber security professional with over 12 years of experience leading cyber security teams in the U.S. military and intelligence community. “The training being offered at Friends University, has the same quality of education, quality of instructors and intensity of material as what current military and NSA operators and analysts receive. This training will prepare cyber security professionals to combat the threats that lay ahead. The question will not be what will you do IF you’re attacked, but rather are you prepared with the necessary skills, knowledge and awareness for WHEN you are attacked. The best defense is to prepare yourself with the right training today.”
Friends University plans to offer the trainings later this fall. Each training session will include 35 to 40 hours of classroom instruction offered over four, 10-hour or five, eight-hour days.
The cyber security training sessions to be offered include:
CompTIA’s Network+
Validates hands-on skills needed to troubleshoot, configure and manage both wired and wireless networks.
CompTIA Security+
Prepares students for S+ certification. It establishes core knowledge, best practices in trouble shooting and problem-solving, and how to address problems.
Cyber Security Analyst+
Prepares IT professionals for CySA+ certification to combat high-stakes and advanced persistent threats. It focuses on security analytics, intrusion detection and response.
CompTIA PenTest+
Prepares students for the P+ performance-based test that ensures each candidate possesses the skills, knowledge and ability to perform tasks on systems, including management skills used to plan, scope and manage weaknesses.
Cash said that in addition to the above courses, Friends University will also work with businesses to offer customized cyber security training as needed.
For more information about these training sessions, visit friends.edu/cyber-training or contact sean_cash@friends.edu.
Friends University, a Christian university of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives.