Continuous education for cybersecurity professionals has never been more important in today’s rapidly evolving landscape. With threats becoming increasingly sophisticated and new vulnerabilities constantly emerging, cyber risks are growing at an unprecedented rate. Executive leadership must prioritize ongoing learning and professional development to equip teams with the knowledge and skills to protect organizational assets and support cyber resilience.
Today, at least 55% of IT leaders rely on employees to alert them to cybersecurity incidents, which means employees at all levels play a critical role in identifying and reporting cyberattacks. However, to recognize cyber threats, employees first must be educated about the various types of attacks and the signs of a breach.
Continuously educating employees about cybersecurity can help organizations stay updated on the latest threats and attack vectors, which can reduce the likelihood of incidents going unnoticed and unchecked. Continuous education also fosters a more proactive mindset—when employees learn about risk assessment, mitigation strategies, and incident response planning, they become more adept at identifying and preventing potential vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
By prioritizing ongoing learning, executives can set an example for their teams and lead their organizations toward better security and resilience. At the same time, leadership must actively engage in their own professional development, participate in workshops and conferences, and integrate education into daily operations. Promoting knowledge sharing and creating incentives for learning, such as recognition programs and financial support, are also important.
To maximize educational initiatives, organizations should consider collaborating with higher education institutions. Universities provide access to cutting-edge research, emerging technologies, and industry best practices. By partnering with these institutions, organizations can ensure their teams learn the essential skills needed for building cyber resilience, including threat detection, incident response, and risk assessment.
However, selecting a continuous education program can be daunting—especially when there are so many options. Ultimately, leaders must prioritize programs that allow employees to balance their careers with educational commitments. Fortunately, online programs offer enough flexibility and adaptable learning schedules so employees can integrate new knowledge and skills without disrupting their work responsibilities.
Additionally, the value and affordability of online programs make them an ideal choice for working professionals. When expertly delivered, these programs provide high-quality education that meets the needs of busy professionals. Online programs also offer the benefit of learning from and with individuals nationally and globally, bringing diverse case studies and expertise to the online classroom far beyond the limitations of a local campus. Finally, online programs designed for working professionals are often intentional about ensuring coursework and discussions can be applied immediately to solve workplace concerns, adding additional value for employers and their teams.
Ideally, leadership should select a high-quality online educational program recognized by industry standards, such as the Center of Academic Excellence by the NSA and the Department of Homeland Security, or those earning accolades from sources like Best Online Colleges by US News & World Report. These programs should also be backed by expert faculty who are active in the field to ensure the education is both practical and applicable.
For example, the University of New Hampshire’s (UNH) Center for Cybersecurity Leadership, Education, and Outreach (CCLEO) offers programs designed to build a stronger cybersecurity workforce and help organizations manage their cybersecurity risks.
To help executive leaders promote continuous cybersecurity education initiatives at their organizations, UNH offers multiple degree programs tailored to different levels of experience and focus areas. Starting in the fall of 2024, UNH’s Computer Information Technology: Cybersecurity program will introduce students to the technical and legal aspects of cybersecurity. Additionally, their Cybersecurity Policy and Risk Management (CPRM) program covers technical aspects, governance, leadership, and communication.
The CPRM curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including cybersecurity policy, risk management, incident response, and governance. It emphasizes applied learning, allowing students to translate theoretical knowledge into practical solutions. The program also accommodates diverse backgrounds and career goals, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and preparing students to handle complex cyber threats.
Prof. Maeve Dion, Director of the CPRM program, elaborates on the program’s impact: “Our graduates are not just technically proficient; they are also strategic thinkers who understand the broader context of cybersecurity. They are equipped to manage cyber risks effectively, communicate across disciplines, and lead their organizations toward resilience.”
The success of the CPRM program is reflected in the achievements of its graduates. Many have gone on to assume leadership roles in cybersecurity, influencing policies and strategies at a high level. By fostering a forward-thinking approach to education and emphasizing continuous learning, the CPRM program at UNH contributes significantly to the resilience and effectiveness of organizations in the face of evolving cyber threats.
Continuous education initiatives are essential in today’s complex cyber landscape, and executives must proactively integrate them into their organizational frameworks. The best solution is to partner with a higher education institution like UNH, which offers access to high-quality online programs, a comprehensive cybersecurity curriculum, and industry-expert faculty. By doing so, leaders can build resilient cyber teams capable of navigating modern cybersecurity challenges.
Learn more about online degrees and certificate program offerings at UNH designed for working professionals in the cybersecurity industry.
