Security Professionals: Become Proactive Instead of Reactive with Ethical Hacking Training

Algonquin, IL, May 22, 2014 --(PR.com)-- Unfortunately, the threat of cyber attacks has become a routine part of doing business for many U.S. companies. In fact, about 90 percent of corporations surveyed by the Ponemon Institute in 2011 have had at least one data breach during the past year. But large companies are not the only ones vulnerable to attack; small businesses were victimized in 31 percent of all cyber attacks in 2012, according to cybersecurity firm Symantec. With companies – large and small – susceptible to ever more targeted and sophisticated attacks on a daily basis, courses in ethical hacking are becoming increasingly beneficial to information technology (IT) and security (IS) professionals, who can use the information they learn to better secure their employers’ networks, applications and other assets.

In an effort to help IT and IS professionals understand the mindset, methods and tools that hackers use to instigate cyber attacks, CEO Anthony Valente is pleased to announce Network Defense Solutions, Inc. is now offering online education courses on the “Introduction to Ethical Hacking.” These courses are being presented in a joint launch with Internet Tech Specialists, a full-service technology and training company.

"As security professionals, Anthony and I feel it's imperative for others to understand how hackers and malware producers craft their exploits," says Debbie Mahler, Internet Tech Specialists CEO, "By understanding how it's done, security professionals can recognize new attack vectors as they appear as well as recognize how to close holes in their networks, devices and software that are making them vulnerable in the first place."

While Valente and Mahler understand the importance of teaching ethical hacking principles to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) students and security professionals seeking ongoing education, many colleges and universities do not offer ethical hacking courses in fear that the information taught will be used for malicious acts.

"Because schools won't let us teach this kind of information," Valente says, "We’ve decided to deliver this content ourselves.

“However, this is not a course to teach people how to hack in the malicious setting. Hacking is illegal,” he adds. “The course is designed to teach current and aspiring security professionals, as well as students involved or seeking to get involved with STEM who are 18 years and older, what they need to know in order to deliver the highest level of security in their professional capacity."

Therefore, students should be aware that the classes are not designed to help them gain access to networks they do not have permission or legal documentation stipulating they may perform a network-penetration test or security audit.

Students can register for one-week or eight-week course sessions. Downloadable materials, video tutorials and virtual machines are included in course fees. Additionally, students have access to a discussion forum where they can engage with instructors and other students.

One-week Courses:
· Introduction To Computer Hacking - $1,500
· Introduction to Computer Hacking and Countermeasures - $2,175
· Introduction to Computer Hacking, Exploits and Countermeasures - $2,749

Eight-week Courses:
· Introduction to Computer Hacking - $1,700
· Introduction to Computer Hacking and Countermeasures - $2,375
· Introduction to Computer Hacking, Exploits and Countermeasures - $3,149

Courses are available for registration now.

To learn more about the Introduction to Ethical Hacking course, student prerequisite requirements and to register, visit http://training.networkdefensesolutions.com/index.php/ethical-hacking.

About Network Defense Solutions, Inc.
Network Defense Solutions provides security solutions for companies from small businesses with just a few computers to larger companies with an SMB-working environment or an enterprise environment. In an effort to help companies keep their information technology (IT) network and data secure, Network Defense Solutions also offers training courses to help educate future cyber security professionals in ethical hacking, security and other IT services. CEO Anthony Valente is an A+, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certified IT and information security (IS) professional. Valente has experience in authoring numerous attack applications and security solutions as well as tracking attackers and completing web security forensics. For more information on Network Defense Solutions, go to http://training.networkdefensesolutions.com/.

About Internet Tech Specialists
Internet Tech Specialists is a full-service technology and training company specializing in technology strategies centered on the needs of individuals and small-to-midsized businesses. From web and graphic design, to computer support and training, Internet Tech Specialists helps individuals and companies navigate the new digital landscape. CEO Debbie Mahler has over 20 years experience in building and repairing personal computers (PC). Additionally, Mahler has more than 15 years experience in PC security education, as an online instructor for Ed2go, a global education provider and division of Cengage Learning, and through local community colleges. Her efforts in security education have earned her the title of Symantec Software Partner and Security Specialist. For more information on Internet Tech Specialists, visit http://internettechspecialists.com.