IBM and ISC2 Cybersecurity Specialist

A dual-credential entry into cybersecurity

Co-developed with ISC2 — the organization behind the well-known CISSP certification — this beginner program combines IBM's practical IT grounding with ISC2's security credibility. Like other entry-level security programs, it covers information assurance, security strategy, and security awareness training, but the ISC2 partnership gives it a slightly different professional weight for learners eyeing formal security credentials down the line.

Who it's for

This suits newcomers to information security who want their first credential to carry recognition beyond a single vendor's ecosystem. The combination of cyber security policies with network security and data security topics builds a rounded foundation rather than specializing too early in one narrow area.

• Foundations in information assurance and security strategy
• Security awareness training and organizational policy
• Backed jointly by IBM and ISC2

With 26,500 learners enrolled, it's a smaller but credibly-backed alternative to IBM's standalone security analyst program.