As threats to cybersecurity and national security rise around the globe, the demand for skilled professionals who can mitigate these critical concerns is greater than ever. To address this urgent need, USF鈥檚 Office of Corporate Training and Professional Education has broadened its cyber and national security training programs for working professionals as well as traditional students.
According to , cyberattacks against critical infrastructure increased by 30% in just one year, and 420 million attacks occurred between January 2023 and 2024.
CTPE has introduced several online cybersecurity courses, boot camps, and certificates
designed to accommodate those new to the field and seasoned professionals who want
to specialize in a specific area. Options range from quick afternoon sessions to immersive
learning programs that span several months to a year.
FEATURED PROGRAMS
Cybersecurity Essentials
Learn how to keep individuals and businesses safe online, identify social engineering
tactics, identify malware, and implement crucial cybersecurity practices in the workplace.
Master the core aspects of cybersecurity, including IT, IT security, and IT audit
work products, while learning how to find errors and enhance the quality of products
and services.
Operational Technology Cybersecurity Specialist Certificate
Explore a comprehensive overview of combatting cyber threats to city, county, and
government operations. Participants will be certified as OT Cybersecurity Specialists,
enhancing their credibility and broadening their career opportunities.
Hone the essential skills to protect intellectual property and business intelligence
as a business traveler. Topics include foreign intelligence collection methods, communication
security, and surveillance detection techniques.
Gain the expertise to quickly assess the security level of an environment and create
a game plan for making proactive security decisions.
Discover how to use this offensive target assessment tool to determine the probability
of an attack against critical infrastructure assets and key resources.
BUSINESS-FOCUSED OFFERINGS
Learn the importance of having multiple income streams for a consulting business,
setting up passive income platforms, and positioning for growth in the industry.
Explore the inner workings of establishing a firm鈥檚 identity, creating clear processes,
maximizing productivity, and even designing a corporate playbook.
Review the necessary guidelines to lead a successful security consulting practice
in a global environment.
SPECIALIZED VIDEO SERIES
Develop the skills to build a global brand, make smart investments, land clients,
easily expand projects, and find a niche.
Learn how to stay safe while traveling abroad by preparing for potential threats,
following a pre-departure checklist, keeping a low profile, getting medical advice,
and looking out for common scams.
Find out how to identify higher-quality prospects, build a personal brand, enhance
personal credibility, and secure more clients.
Learn how intelligence professionals are trained to think strategically, make smarter
decisions, and keep themselves and their families safe.
JOIN THE FIGHT
Designed to meet the needs of working professionals, USF鈥檚 cyber and national security programs all prioritize flexibility, allowing learners to find a balance between busy work schedules, families, and other personal responsibilities. Participants can learn at their own pace and from the comfort of their own homes.
USF鈥檚 Security Training Collaborative offers these programs in partnership with CTPE and Luke Bencie, managing director of Security Management International, a global security consultancy.
Expert instructors who bring years of industry experience provide participants with valuable perspectives and real-world lessons from their time in the field. This approach ensures that participants not only gain technical knowledge but also develop practical skills they can apply directly to their work.
Once each program is completed, participants receive a digital badge to add to their LinkedIn and resume, which boosts their credibility and helps them stand out to potential employers.
Many security professionals are members of ASIS International, which requires its members to earn 60 educational credits every three years. These programs help meet that requirement, with the CARVER certificate alone providing 30 continuing education hours.
鈥淭here are not a lot of universities offering national security and intelligence courses as executive education,鈥� said Bencie. 鈥淏y enrolling in these classes through USF, learners earn a high-quality certificate from a well-respected university and continuing education hours.鈥�
To explore CTPE鈥檚 national and cyber security online programs and take the next step toward advancing your career, visit the website for more details.