DHS Wants to Help You Become a Cybersecurity Fed

The Homeland Security Department has launched a new online resource that makes cybersecurity career and training information more readily available to federal employees and the public.

The National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies website is part of an effort to elevate cybersecurity awareness as well as educate the government and public about education, careers and workforce development opportunities available in the cybersecurity field.

“DHS is committed to working with our partners in academia and throughout the private sector to develop the next generation of cyber professionals to protect against evolving cyber threats,” said DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano. “NICCS provides a comprehensive online resource for cyber education and training.”

NICCS includes a searchable catalog of cybersecurity training programs and certifications, which allow users to find trainings based on locations, preferred delivery method, specialty area and proficiency level. It also includes information on staying safe online, workforce planning and upcoming cybersecurity events.

The online resource, which supports the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education, was developed by DHS in coordination with the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the Office of Personnel Management, National Science Foundation and the Defense and Education departments.

The NICCS effort also is part of an initiative through the Homeland Security Advisory Council, which has been working since October to fulfill 11 recommendations for the government in developing, recruiting and retaining sophisticated cybersecurity talent. Those recommendations include creating a dedicated cybersecurity career path, improving training, streamlining the hiring process and improving opportunities for veterans to be trained and hired for mission-critical cybersecurity work.