20Fathoms partners with Cisco Networking Academy to offer cybersecurity certification and expand career opportunities in Northern Michigan

The critical need for cybersecurity professionals is increasing as cyberattacks grow in both frequency and sophistication. Last month, in one of the most far-reaching cyberattacks ever, it was revealed that a hack at the IT firm SolarWinds exposed vast sectors of the U.S. government, including the Pentagon, State Department, and Treasury Department, along with companies including Microsoft, Intel, and Deloitte.

In Traverse City, 20Fathoms is responding to this worldwide shortage by training some of the next generation of cybersecurity professionals via our tccyber program. Through a partnership with Cisco Networking Academy, program participants will now be prepared to obtain certification in cybersecurity operations, an important first step in a career in cybersecurity. The program is offered at no charge, thanks to funding from the MICA 2.0 grant provided by Michigan’s Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.

Registration is now open for the new tccyber CyberOps Associate program. In this program, students will learn how to detect, analyze, and escalate basic cybersecurity threats using open-source tools. 

“In this program, the combination of world class curriculum designed by Cisco and hands-on practice labs will provide students with a solid foundation in which to build a path to one of the fastest growing careers,” said Cyndi Millns, tccyber CyberOps Associate Program instructor. 

When: The program begins Feb. 3 and runs through May 5.

Who should attend: Northern Michigan individuals seeking career oriented, entry-level security analyst skills. This includes individuals enrolled in technology degree programs and IT professionals who want to pursue a career in the Security Operation Center (SOC). Previous experience is coding or cybersecurity is not required.

Expectations and Coursework: Participants will be expected to attend virtual workshops every other week on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. In addition, participants are strongly encouraged to attend optional virtual workgroup/lab meetings. Those who wish to earn certification may need to complete additional activities outside of the weekly meetings. The program curriculum is provided by Cisco Networking Academy.

Certification: This course aligns with the Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate (CBROPS) certification. Candidates need to pass the 200-201 CBROPS exam to achieve the Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate certification.

Students who successfully complete the CyberOps Networking Academy program with a 70% or better earned on the final exam will receive a digital badge and certificate of completion that can be shared on social media networking platforms, such as LinkedIn.

Prerequisites: CyberOps Associate students should have the following skills and knowledge:

Instructor: Cyndi Millns is a member of the professional faculty at Washtenaw Community College where she teaches courses on cybersecurity, business, and information technology. She is a Certified Cisco Academy Instructor and a Certified Information Systems Security Officer by the Committee on National Security Systems. A Northern Michigan resident, Cyndi lives in Suttons Bay.

Cost: Northern Michigan residents are eligible to attend this program at no charge, thanks to funding from the MICA 2.0 grant provided by Michigan’s Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.

Certification is $300, however students who score 70% or better on the Netacad final exam are eligible for a discount.

Space is limited. Take the next step in your cybersecurity career and register for the tccyber CyberOps Associate Program. Sign up>>

Not ready to jump in? Attend the upcoming tccodes & tccyber Kickoff Event on January 27 at 5:30 pm and learn more. Our tccodes and tccyber presenters will all be available to provide an overview of their upcoming programs and answer questions. Sign up>>