PMP Pre-Requisites
Candidates for the PMP certification must meet several requirements. Those with bachelor’s or equivalent degrees must have three years of experience, with 4,500 hours devoted to “leading and directing” a project. Those with high school or equivalent diplomas must have five years of experience that includes 7,500 hours of project leadership. In both cases, candidates must have 35 hours of formal education.

Once those requirements are satisfied, candidates are allowed to sit for a four-hour computer-based test consisting of 200 questions. Content for the examination is drawn from the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) Guide published by PMI, covering five discrete areas: project initiation, project planning, project execution, project monitoring and control, and project closing.

The test gives each subject a different weight, with some 79 percent of the 200 questions covering the areas of planning, execution, and monitoring and control. Project initiation and closing account for only 21 percent of the test questions.

The educational component of the PMP qualification process can only be satisfied by coursework offered by approved providers. Designated coursework offered by PMI chapters is approved. Other coursework, offered by employers, training schools, colleges and distance-learning providers (like us) also serve to satisfy the educational requirement.

Online Training for the PMP Certification is Increasingly Convenient
For those considering their educational options, the availability of online education can make the process significantly more manageable. Online training is recognized to the same extent as education offered in a physical classroom, and it offers a number of important benefits.

The vast majority of people considering the PMP certification are working professionals and active project managers. The PMP certification is a major exam that requires a great deal of preparation and most of these candidates have a very maxed out work life in addition to perhaps family at home. The online training option makes preparing for the PMP, that much more accomodating.

Candidates can satisfy the educational requirement without having to travel to distant locations. The online option can provide significant savings of time and money, and it makes it easy for candidates to access the mandatory coursework. Internet-based coursework can also make it easy for students to review complicated material, to brush up on topic areas and to refresh subject matter in anticipation of the PMP examination, all at their own convenience and their own speed.

Even if a local venue is available, some candidates may have scheduling issues that interfere with attendance. For others, the practical benefits of the online option may not be terribly important. Those candidates may select the online PMP training experience as a simple matter of personal preference. Regardless of the reason, the availability of accredited online options is a real benefit to PMP candidates.

TrainACE has been doing this Hacker’s Breakfast series for a couple of years now. The events usually have different themes and this one is focused on Advanced Persistent Threat, Attack and Defend. Thats the reason they brought in Malware giant, FireEye.  In fact, FireEye has been all over hacker news lately with their discovery of the Operation Beebus attacks from China on the US DoD and DoD contractors.

The event is being held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Greenbelt, MD on April 3rd. Again, the event is free and there will be breakfast served and then hacking demos / malware discussion all morning. it wraps up at about 12:30pm.

Details and registration for this free hacking / malware event with FireEye and TrainACE can be found here:

http://www.hackersbreakfast.com/

Python Is Designed For Users
Python is a high-level, interpreted language based on C and C++ and influenced by several other languages. First released in 1991 by principal developer Guido van Rossum, Python excels at readability and ease of use. It allows even novice programmers to be productive in a short amount of time. Python is designed for rapid application development, a methodology that suits the fast-paced and shifting security environment. Cyber professionals can quickly prototype, test and deploy an application.

Python offers the versatility of running as a script or executable and is cross-platform. It is ideal for mixed code environments as it integrates easily with other languages. Programmers can wrap existing C or C++ code to behave like native Python, and they can create or extend modules in C, C++, Java or .NET. Python’s scripting capability can also be embedded in other applications.

Python Beats Competition at Rapid Application Development
Cyber security experts code for several scenarios and need speed, reusability and functionality. Python’s support of the rapid application development methodology enables testers, hackers, and systems administrators to create and customize tools. Coders can quickly prototype new Web applications and clients. Python’s simplicity and vast libraries let hackers deploy code to capture packets, decrypt passwords, and engineer other attacks. Common tasks such as scanning ports can be easily automated. Python’s modular design and clean syntax make code easier to extend and maintain. In a changeable security environment, this timesaving efficiency is critical.

In spite of its powerful capabilities, Python is easy to learn and is often referred to as a beginner’s language. Its terse code and strict syntax make it highly readable. Security experts from other language backgrounds or with minimal programming experience can learn it more quickly than verbose languages such as Ruby and C++. Unlike tackling C++, novice coders can use Python without a detailed understanding of object orientation.

Cyber security professionals with diverse coding backgrounds need to produce the same testing and threat neutralization results. As a high-level language, Python allows users to focus on the coding goal rather than low-level procedures. It uses dynamic typing to aid rapid development. Languages that employ static typing, such as Java, require more programming effort to declare and manipulate types. Coders also save time with Python’s automatic memory management and exception handling.

Python Is Versatile
Python’s versatility is another advantage in the cyber security world. Unlike Perl, Python is designed to be a major programming language. Perl offers powerful scripting capabilities and works well as a glue language using small programs. However, Python is suited for both scripting and for creating complex, compiled applications. Its scalability makes it a solid default choice for diverse coding needs within an organization.

Security specialists often need to build on existing code, such as canned test programs, written in other languages. Python integrates with C, C++, Java, and .NET as a module or embedded script. Coders can use the ctypes module, the Python C API, or a wrapper generator such as SWIG. The ability to extend existing software saves developer time and preserves existing functionality already serving a vital security role.

Python Has Powerful Libraries
Hackers, penetration testers, and other security experts need a language library that provides the entire spectrum of features to create powerful and often novel programs. Python comes with modules to support Web activities such as parsing HTTP and XML and building clients. Django and other open-source Web frameworks are available from developers favoring the rapid application development methodology. Third-party modules offer robust features, such as optimized calculation handling, that make Python an increasingly solid language for data applications.

Python’s simple and clean structure, modular design, and extensive library make it ideal for security applications. Cyber experts rely on the capability to rapidly code programs and the feature set to implement new strategies and techniques. No other language offers as powerful a combination, and Python stands as the must-know language for the serious security professional.

For more information on Python for Security Professional’s training, visit: http://www.trainace.com/courses/python

Advanced Security Practitioner Skills
The CompTIA CASP certification is designed for IT security leads who have extensive experience synthesizing various IT and business disciplines into effective security strategies. Unlike most intermediate positions, the advanced security practitioner has moved beyond a purely technical focus to a more strategic role. This role requires an understanding of the organization’s big picture from a business as well as a technical perspective. The security lead is able to drive all phases of security strategy from concept and technical design through implementation and monitoring. This person often manages IT group members who perform specific systems administration and other technical functions involved with safeguarding information.

CASP Certification for IT Security Engineers
IT security engineers with comprehensive skills are good candidates for CASP certification. Job titles vary and include network security engineer and information systems security engineer. In smaller organizations, security experts often wear several hats that span technical and managerial duties. They may have primary responsibility for system and database administration or network engineering. These roles usually report to an IT manager but take the lead in effectively managing day-to-day security. Job titles are often systems administrator or network engineer, and security is considered a critical aspect rather than a separate job function.

Security engineers are expected to be competent in network security and identity management. They understand cryptography and know how to assess and safeguard against threats. They design, implement and maintain technical security solutions and often work closely with other IT staff to ensure system integrity. Equally as important, they can apply technical knowledge to enterprise security policies. Management relies on security engineers to provide information and recommendations within the compliance and operational frameworks that the organization follows.

CASP Certification for IT Security Managers
Larger organizations usually have several levels of IT staff from first-level support to CIO. As CASP certification covers managerial skills such as security policy governance, it is an excellent choice for IT security managers. Security management job titles include information systems security officer, security architect, security manager, and information assurance manager. These positions oversee security operations and interface with enterprise senior leadership. Rather than executing hands-on daily technical tasks, they focus on risk management. These managers review and recommend security policies and procedures within the context of the entire enterprise. As such, they integrate technology, business and communication needs into a comprehensive security strategy. IT security managers also lead in the analysis of threats and preventive measures and stay current with research.

In the constantly evolving world of information security, CompTIA CASP certification provides a benchmark of advanced knowledge and experience. The most suitable candidates hold enterprise-level roles applying technical and business expertise to create sound security strategy. Both IT leads and employers benefit from an objective measure of such critical competency.

Get information on CompTIA CASP Training: TrainACE’s CASP Training

Attacks on large financial institutions tend to be aimed at stealing money from bank accounts. Security breaches in health care are more likely aimed at smaller doctor’s offices. These attacks are primarily motivated by insurance fraud. Cyber-attacks in the retail industry tend to target smaller stores.

Attacks on smaller stores and doctor’s offices tend to be precipitated by inadequately secured systems. Most of these industries tend to outsource their security so don’t have an understanding of their security systems in-house. Attacks can come from mistakes made by their security vendor. Often employees can inadvertently help attackers by poor online habits. Steps to educate employees about security threats can help avoid these types of attacks. Health care providers also need to be concerned about protecting medical devices and electronic medical records.

Half of all the cases analyzed by Verizon came from hotels and restaurants. Retail accounted for twenty percent and finance and insurance industries made up ten percent.

Intellectual property theft is a very unique type of attack. These attacks often take advantage of opportunity. These attacks often unfold over time and involve attackers gathering information about their targets over time. Often inside sources are used to help intellectual property theft. Recruiting insiders greatly minimizes the risk and effort for the attacker.

To protect themselves from cyber-attacks, it is suggested that firms are vigilant about using better passwords. It is suggested that firms continually study and reevaluate their risks of attack. Proper dedication to IT security training (Advanced Security) and understanding what your attackers are after can help you better protect yourself.

Information Systems Analyst – Average salary: $76,000

This role deals with computer forensics and electronic discovery. It requires basic knowledge of network architecture, experience with troubleshooting for viruses and malicious code, the ability to identify and recover deleted files, and exposure to forensic tools such as EnCase Forensic Software. Also listed as Forensic Computer Analysts, Computer Forensics Examiners, and eDiscovery Specialists, these positions may require CISSP (Certified Information Security Systems Professional) certifications, and professionals may be called to testify in court.

Network Security Engineer – Average salary: $91,000

This role focuses on network maintenance, including safeguarding networks and identifying potential vulnerabilities. These professionals design firewalls and test solutions to improve security. They may also assist in investigations to the extent a company’s network was involved in a crime, providing some exposure to electronic discovery. Also listed as Information Security Engineers and IT Systems Security Administrators, these professionals have extensive experience with network infrastructure and some exposure to security incident handling and forensics.

Computer Forensics Consultant – Average salary: $107,000

Also called Computer Forensics Engineers and Forensics Managing Specialists, these positions combine a strong networking background with incident management experience. They understand network infrastructure and the impact of network security and data protection on forensic investigations. They may conduct vulnerability analyses of compromised systems and track trend reports to determine security gaps and deficiencies in network architecture design. They may also research online forums to learn the latest hacker techniques and exploits. They have extensive experience with forensics software such as EnCase, FTK, and Paraben for collecting and recovering lost data. They conduct forensic analysis, prepare reports for legal cases, and document how evidence was handled, and they are frequently called upon to provide expert testimony in trials.

This dynamic career includes a range of specialties, salaries and certifications. Consider degrees in Computer Information Systems that specialize in Computer Forensics, IT Networking, or Information Systems Security. Professionals can improve their salaries and skills by earning certifications such as CISSP, EnCE (EnCase Certified Examiner), CFCE (Certified Forensic Computer Examiner), or CCE (Certified Computer Examiner). Salaries generally range between $80,000 and $120,000, but location makes a difference, with jobs on either coast paying 10-15 percent higher than the same roles in the middle of the country. Government contractors also tend to pay more for the same work than federal or state government agencies. Some forensics roles require top secret security clearance, andprofessionals with clearance can demand a higher salary.

Get information on the forensics training at Hacker Halted in Miami – http://www.trainace.com/blog/the-chfi-class-at-hacker-halted-in-miami-2012/
Sources for this article:

CareerBuilder.com
Indeed.com
Monster.com

Simulated Labs
The CCNA course has many simulated labs to help you understand how to perform routing and switching. Some people might think that simulated labs aren’t quite as effective as physical lab work, but the online CCNA course is very immersive.

Cisco has done everything to make the lab work as realistic as possible, and you will see that when you enroll in this course. You will work on realistic situations, and this will prepare you for the workplace when you become a network specialist.

Most of the labs focus on practical situations that will regularly come up while working. For example, you will need to install, operate, configure and troubleshoot networks. You will also have simulated labs about verifying connections and creating new ones to build up the network.

Lectures
A major part of the CCNA course is listening to lectures. These lectures are made to teach you about to manage a network, and they will be beneficial for passing the final exam.

The lectures are very easy to follow online, and you should have no problem keeping up with the teachers. This is very important because a bad instructor can ruin the entire course, but you will not find that here.

Command Lines
If you have done any network management work in the past, then you know that command lines are very important for routing and switching data. These command lines are used to command the network, and they will be commonly used throughout your workday.

The online certification course allow you to look back at the command lines as many times you as need. This is especially beneficial if you are finding it difficult to remember the various lines, or if you just need a refresher before the exam.

Course Ease
This is one of the easiest courses offered by Cisco, and it leads to many of the other higher certifications. Many experts say that if you are good at studying and have a good work ethic, then you can have the certification within a few weeks.

The online course is easy to follow, and you should have no problem passing the exam if you just work hard throughout the course.

Recognition
Unlike many other IT certifications that have largely lost their power and recognition, the CCNA is still recognized as a powerful certification that can get you in the door with many corporations.

If you are looking for a beginner-level certification, then there are few on par with the CCNA.

Conclusion
The CCNA online course is one of the best you can take for an IT certification. The course is very easy to follow, the simulated labs are beneficial for the exam, the lectures are interesting and the entire course is constructed in a way to help you succeed. If you want to further your career options in the IT field, then the CCNA is the best course you can take.

Get information on the CCNA online / CBT class: http://www.trainace.com/courses/ccna/

The Microsoft Certified Professional Program was developed to fill that need. First announced in March of 1992, the program initially covered Windows 3.1, LAN Manager, and SQL Server systems and was designed to measure expertise on critical issues with Microsoft platforms and servers. By hiring employees with Microsoft certifications, employers could be sure that new personnel had a certain level of proficiency and were capable of creating or managing a computer system that would help the business succeed.

The program has evolved through the years into a series of credentials that IT professionals simply must have in order to command top salaries. Certification demonstrates competency, validates ability, and allows employers to quickly identify IT professionals with the knowledge and skill sets necessary to work on critical computer support systems.

Microsoft recently modified the certification program to include the validation of cloud-related skills. The new program is comprised of three core levels with specific certifications available within each level. The Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate, or MCSA, is the most basic certification level available. It demonstrates proficiency in the core skills required to perform at a beginner’s level and is required before advancing to the next certification level. MCSA certification is available with specializations in Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2008, or SQL Server 2012.

The Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert and the Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer, or MCSE and MCSD certifications, are the flagship credentials of the certification program. They demonstrate proficiency with the complex and constantly changing skills required by IT professionals who are expected to be on top of current Microsoft technology solutions. In order to demonstrate relevancy to current platforms and technology, both the MCSE and MCSD certifications require annual updates. Beyond the MCSA and MCSE, a Microsoft Certified Solutions Master certification (http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/mcsm.aspx)  is available to validate the highest level of skill and work experience with Microsoft solutions.

While the revised certifications continue to demonstrate proficiency in the skills needed to maintain an on-site system, Microsoft has now also included components that validate cloud-related skills. Cloud computing is the obvious future of business computer systems. It allows companies to focus IT resources on personnel and company growth instead of hardware maintenance and new computer software purchases. The new MCSA thoroughly tests participants on Microsoft platform capabilities and does not just simply focus on specific features.

The revised MCSA certification (http://www.trainace.com/courses/mcsa/) is so new that the salary benefits of certification cannot yet be evaluated. However, IT managers and staff alike agree that training and certifications improve job performance, and everyone expects MCSA compensation trends to mirror those of the earlier Microsoft Certified IT Professional series.
Over the last five years, IT professionals with MCITP certification have earned an average of $5,242 per year more than non-certified counterparts. Recent studies indicated that 78 percent of non-managerial IT professionals who sent personnel to receive MCITP training felt that the employees were more effective at their job after receiving the training. More than 84 percent of IT managers agreed with this assessment.

In 2011, the average salary of an IT professional with MCITP certification was approximately $77,000 per year. Salaries varied by area of specialization and by position within the company. For example, the average salary of a person with an MCITP: Enterprise Support Technician certification was $64,353. The average salary of a person with an MCITP: Microsoft Certified IT Professional salary was $77,529, and the average salary of a person with an MCITP: Enterprise Messaging Administrator certification was $91,192. The new MCSA certifications are expected to follow these same trends.

Salaries also varied by geographic region. For example, the average salary of a person with MCITP certification in California was $88,948 per year. In New York, the average MCITP salary was $84,149. In the Chicago metropolitan area, the average salary of an IT professional with MCITP certification was $82,223, and the average MCITP salary in Texas was $80,337 per year. The same position and certification paid $73,305 per year in Florida.

Time and money invested in MCITP certification has yielded verifiable financial returns to IT professionals over the past five years. MCSA certifications should be expected to yield similar benefits. MCSA certifications immediately demonstrate system proficiency and are as important, if not more important, as an impressive resume or project history.

Security Flaws in Mobile Devices
While mobile devices are rapidly approaching full-sized computers in their capabilities, security features have lagged badly behind other developments. Both smart phones and tablets are used to make purchases and share private data, but it is relatively easy to snatch that information, decrypt it and then use it for illegal purposes. In the right hands, a stream of gibberish from a cell phone can give a criminal the vital details of a bank account or credit card. In one demonstration, researchers successfully used remote hacking to turn on the recording devices on iPhones and iPads and monitor conversations around the gadget. The implications of these weaknesses should be both obvious and worrisome. Making things even more difficult are the number of applications designed by unverified parties, which can infiltrate a device after a voluntary download. The sheer amount of incoming and outgoing information makes a mobile device its own worst enemy.

Working Toward a More Secure Mobile Device
These flaws are becoming well-known among the hacking community, and attacks are on the rise. Apps that have been seeded with malware or websites laden with mobile-targeting viruses are the primary threats. Some apps are not even intentionally dangerous, but use sloppy methodology that fails to protect critical information. Even the most popular apps in the world, like Facebook and Dropbox, have been guilty of the latter. To combat attacks and viruses, mobile companies have to be proactive in releasing updates as soon as a new threat is discovered.

The two main mobile platforms, Android and iOS, also have some basic features in place to protect users from harmful applications. Apps are typically required to declare which permissions they need, and are then only allowed access to that information. Android users are able to review the permissions needed beforehand, and can then decide whether or not the app is worth installing. iOS apps must go through a manual review process to be approved for sale to the public. By continuing to update frequently and improving app security measures, both platforms are working diligently to stay ahead of malevolent software.

How to Protect a Mobile Device
Users should not rely on their mobile provider for everything, of course. By following a few common-sense rules and not taking security for granted, users can avoid most attacks and keep their information safe. Some websites use fake offers to sink their hooks into a mobile device, but a basic knowledge of how to avoid scams should be enough to outsmart most. Individuals should also scrutinize every app they install, and not simply trust that a popular game or other program is safe to use. It may be hard to adjust to viewing phones as a risk, but members of the general public must make the transition or suffer for it. The good news is that mobile security is now at the forefront of many companies’ minds, and they’re making rapid improvements to the devices most people now rely upon. The arms race between hackers and defenders is a never-ending one, but a little education can drastically reduce the number of casualties. You can get information on mobile security training here.

This has been a guest post by Steve Halligan from n2grate Government Data and Cloud Solutions. n2grate is a SDVOSB.