The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) launched the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (NICCS) today. The department said that it is an online resource for cybersecurity career, education and training information.
DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano said, "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. NICCS provides a comprehensive online resource for cyber education and training."
DHS said that NICCS uses efforts of "government, industry, and academia to provide a comprehensive, single resource to address the nation's cybersecurity needs." It said that the website supports the National Initiative of Cybersecurity Education, which it describes as a nationally-coordinated effort that focuses on cybersecurity awareness, education, workforce structure, and training and professional development.
"NICCS makes research and training information available to federal employees and the public on a single website. This includes a robust, searchable catalog of cybersecurity training programs and certifications, which allow users to find trainings based on location, preferred delivery method, specialty area, or proficiency level," DHS said.
The department said that NICCS was developed in a partnership between DHS, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the Department of Defense, the Department of Education, the National Science Foundation, and the Office of Personnel Management.
DHS said that it has worked since October, 2012 to advance cybersecurity skills, enable the department to become a preferred employer, and help make the U.S. "safer, more secure, and more resilient."
The first available course is "ethical hacking" and it begins Friday at 8 p.m. EST. The cost is $150. NICCS is located at http://niccs.us-cert.gov/
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