In a groundbreaking collaboration, OffSec, the leader in cybersecurity education, has chosen Applied Technology Academy (ATA) as its exclusive training partner for Black Hat USA. This strategic partnership aims to redefine the standards of cybersecurity training and equip the next generation of professionals with the skills they need to excel in the industry.
ATA’s team of instructors, all experts in the field, possess a deep understanding of offensive and defensive cybersecurity strategies. Their diverse backgrounds, spanning various sectors such as government, finance, tech, and healthcare, bring real-world experience to the learning environment, enriching the educational journey for students. Only ATA instructors who hold top OffSec certifications will teach the OffSec courses, ensuring that students receive the most up-to-date and industry-aligned education.
Lynn Fisher, President and CEO of Applied Technology Academy, expressed her excitement about the partnership, stating, “Being selected as OffSec’s exclusive Black Hat USA Training Partner underscores our team’s capabilities and unwavering dedication to delivering top-tier cybersecurity training. Through our partnership with OffSec, we are committed to empowering individuals and organizations with essential skills and strategies to thrive in today’s dynamic cybersecurity landscape.”
As part of the collaboration, ATA will offer three OffSec courses at Black Hat USA, held at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. These courses, including PEN-200 (OSCP), SOC-200 (OSDA), and EXP-401 (OSEE), cover a range of highly sought-after cybersecurity skills.
Beyond the instructor-led training at Black Hat, ATA will provide additional support through live, online mentoring sessions. These post-training sessions aim to deepen learners’ understanding and help them apply their knowledge to challenging concepts from the courses.
ATA’s partnership with OffSec extends beyond Black Hat USA, as they will deliver training online and in-person, expanding OffSec’s capacity to offer cybersecurity education across its vast content library. ATA’s expertise has traditionally served the U.S. Department of Defense and defense contractors but is now reaching corporate clients as well, ensuring a wider range of professionals can benefit from advanced cybersecurity training.
With this alliance, OffSec and ATA aim to redefine industry standards, deliver unparalleled learning opportunities, and make the digital world a safer place for everyone. As Steve Maher, OffSec’s Chief Revenue Officer, stated, “Our collaboration signifies more than just a partnership; it represents a shared vision for the future of security and excellence.”
OffSec is committed to continuously developing cybersecurity professionals and bridging the talent gap in the industry. With their extensive learning library and practical, hands-on pedagogy, they empower individuals and organizations to combat cyber threats effectively. Their collaboration with ATA further solidifies their mission to provide indispensable cybersecurity skills and resources.
About OffSec:
OffSec is the leading provider of continuous professional and workforce development, training, and education for cybersecurity practitioners. They offer practical and hands-on learning experiences to help organizations fill the talent gap in the infosec industry. With a wide range of content and resources, including their flagship operating system Kali Linux, OffSec is dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations to fight cyber threats.
About Applied Technology Academy:
Applied Technology Academy is a renowned provider of vendor-based and vendor-neutral certification and knowledge-based courses. They collaborate with leading organizations in the cybersecurity field to offer cutting-edge training opportunities. As an award-winning SBA-certified woman-owned small business, ATA has been instrumental in meeting the training needs of government agencies and defense contractors. They are now expanding their reach to serve corporate clients, demonstrating their commitment to workforce development in the cybersecurity domain.
OffSec’s partnership with ATA to revolutionize cybersecurity training is taking place in a market that is experiencing significant growth and demand. The global cybersecurity market was valued at $156.5 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach $363.05 billion by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.5%. This growth is driven by increased cybersecurity threats, advancements in technology, and the growing digitization of businesses.
One current market trend is the shift towards practical, hands-on training that simulates real-world cyber threats. Traditional classroom-based training is being replaced by immersive, experiential learning methods, which provide students with practical skills and the ability to respond to actual cyber incidents. OffSec and ATA’s collaboration seems to align with this trend, as they emphasize the expertise and real-world experience of their instructors.
Another trend is the integration of cybersecurity training into broader educational programs. As cybersecurity becomes increasingly important across various industries, incorporating cybersecurity training into relevant courses and programs is becoming more common. This allows professionals in different fields to acquire cybersecurity skills alongside their core competencies. OffSec and ATA’s partnership might tap into this trend, as they offer courses in sectors such as government, finance, tech, and healthcare.
In terms of forecasts, the cybersecurity training market is expected to witness continued growth due to the increasing volume and complexity of cyber threats. The demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals is outpacing supply, leading to a talent gap in the industry. As more organizations recognize the importance of investing in cybersecurity training, demand for specialized training providers like OffSec and ATA is likely to increase. Industry certifications, such as the ones offered by OffSec, are also expected to gain more recognition and become increasingly valuable in the job market.
One of the key challenges in the cybersecurity training industry is keeping up with rapidly evolving technologies and threats. Cybersecurity is a dynamic field, and training providers need to regularly update their curriculum and instructors to ensure they are delivering up-to-date, relevant content. OffSec’s partnership with ATA, which ensures that only ATA instructors with top OffSec certifications teach the courses, addresses this challenge by providing industry-aligned education.
Another challenge is the shortage of experienced cybersecurity professionals who are capable of training others. The industry’s rapid growth has resulted in a scarcity of skilled instructors. Training providers like OffSec and ATA need to attract and retain talented instructors who possess both technical expertise and the ability to effectively teach and mentor. Offering top-tier certifications, like OffSec’s, can help attract experienced professionals to become instructors.
Advantages of OffSec and ATA’s partnership include the combination of OffSec’s industry-leading content and resources with ATA’s expertise in providing certification and knowledge-based courses. This collaboration allows for the delivery of cutting-edge training opportunities that cover a wide range of cybersecurity skills demanded by the market. The partnership also expands OffSec’s capacity to offer cybersecurity education online and in-person, reaching a wider audience of professionals.
On the other hand, a potential disadvantage could be the exclusivity of the partnership. By choosing ATA as its exclusive training partner for Black Hat USA, OffSec may limit opportunities for collaboration with other organizations that also offer valuable cybersecurity training. However, it should be noted that this exclusivity could also enhance the quality and consistency of the training provided by OffSec and ATA.
In summary, OffSec and ATA’s partnership is taking place in a rapidly growing cybersecurity training market. The collaboration aligns with market trends towards practical, hands-on learning and the integration of cybersecurity training into various industries. The partnership addresses challenges such as the need for up-to-date curriculum and experienced instructors. Advantages include the combination of expertise and resources, expanding training opportunities, while a potential disadvantage is the exclusivity of the partnership at events like Black Hat USA.
Related links:
– OffSec
– Applied Technology Academy