TrainACE - IT and Cybersecurity Training Blog

According to the 2018 Hacker Report less than 5% of today’s ethical hackers learned their skills in a classroom. While the majority of ethical hackers do have some form of computer qualification, few have formal certification in the discipline itself. So why would an ethical hacker need anything as ‘establishment’ as formal ethical hacking certification?

For years you have dedicated yourself to a traditional trade - electrical contractor, plumbing, HVAC installation, roofing - all honorable and highly skilled jobs, but for any number of reasons you find yourself looking to change careers. Bad boss, bad pay, bad work/life balance, you name it, everyone has a breaking point. Maybe a fresh start in Information Technology is just the change of careers you are looking for.

(**Updated in April, 2023)

It's becoming increasingly evident that the internet is playing an ever-growing role in our lives, from grocery purchases to healthcare advice. The COVID-19 pandemic has only accelerated this transition. At the same time, the volume and sophistication of cyber-attacks have also increased, with cybercriminals taking advantage of increased vulnerabilities due to most of us working from home on less-than-ideally-secured networks. So, as an IT professional, what can you do to positively impact an increasingly insecure world while improving your financial standing?

(**updated in March 2022)

Information technology professionals are in demand. It's one of the few industries where there are more jobs available than candidates to fill them. Working in IT is especially rewarding, with exciting roles and potentially lucrative salaries. With technology constantly evolving, IT roles suit candidates willing to learn and stay up to date with technological advances, proving their knowledge with appropriate certifications.

So, how do you get started in an IT career? In this article, we'll break down the five best entry-level IT jobs in Maryland, their certification requirements, and how much you can expect to make from them.

In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, Python has emerged as a critical tool for cybersecurity professionals. Its simplicity, versatility, and powerful library support make it an ideal language for addressing security threats swiftly and efficiently.

Updated Feb 2023.

Linux is a free, open-source operating system that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Used by many companies and organizations to power their networks and systems, Linux provides an excellent platform for secure computing, making it a great choice for those looking to improve their cybersecurity. This article, will discuss what Linux is, how it works, and how it can help with cybersecurity. We will also look at some of the security features that make Linux such a great choice for protecting your data from malicious actors.

While it is a good feeling simply to have achieved your Security+ Certification, the reality is clear that it is time to start your career and job search in the information technology (IT) field. With a boost to your self-esteem, knowing that you have a respected professional certification endorsed by such major companies as Microsoft, the U.S. Department of Defense and IBM, you can approach your job search with confidence and pride.

(** Updated in May, 2021)

Security+ is the must-have certification for people seeking to get into a cybersecurity career. While there are competing certifications available, CompTIA Security+ is more widely considered the base-line qualification for security-based roles throughout the IT industry.

So, what do you need to know before taking the Security+ exam?

(** Updated March, 2023)

EC-Council's CEH Certification has become the must-have accreditation if you want to become a certified ethical hacker. While you can jump right in and take the exam with limited experience, there are some necessary CEH prerequisites and some recommended ones. Here's a breakdown of what ethical hacking is and our recommended CEH prerequisites.

UPDATED October 2022. As the cybersecurity industry matures, there are increasing opportunities for experienced infosec professionals to move into senior management roles in and around the Washington, DC, region. With the rapid rise in volume and severity of cyber threats, these roles are challenging and bring much responsibility, but they offer technologists an exciting career with lucrative salaries.

CISSP is one of the primary certifications that IT professionals can earn to prove their information security management prowess and take advantage of the opening opportunities in the field. But what is CISSP, and what is the average salary you should expect for a CISSP-related job?