Cloud Range launches initial cyber incident Commander Training to improve response time, elevate performance

Cloud Range announced Tuesday the launch of its new training program, Cybersecurity Incident Commander Training. Offered for a limited time at no cost, the training is tailored to those managing incidents in the security operations center (SOC).

Previously existing tools and training only focus on individual jobs and tasks in the SOC and, while critical to the team’s ability to detect and remediate incidents, they do not target the Incident Commander role. Further, many teams do not have a specific ‘commander’ role or backup if the designated team lead is unavailable. This new training by Cloud Range is dedicated to the Incident Commander who oversees the SOC team when an incident or event occurs, such as a ransomware attack, data breach, or any other cybersecurity incident.

Aligned with the job description developed by FEMA and the National Incident Management System (NIMS), the Incident Commander is one of the most critical roles during an incident because it orchestrates the team and resources and is the source of “ground truth” on the incident. That’s why the Incident Commander role requires “soft skills” such as leadership and communication that, without, can lead to team breakdowns.

The Incident Commander training is a new stand-alone, online, self-paced course valued at $499. The goal is to provide security professionals with an overview of the responsibilities and skills needed to swiftly resolve an incident. Incorporating real-world scenarios enables learners to determine how to assign tasks, communicate across multiple levels of the organization, and lead the team effectively. 

The course is designed to highlight strengths and weaknesses so the trainee can improve their ability to manage their team in future situations. The result is that the Incident Commander has a better understanding of their role, how to manage an incident and improve time management, and how to elevate the performance of the incident response team.

“An Incident Commander can make or break an outcome. Because we conduct live-fire cyber attack simulations with our customers around the world, we recognized a gap in how incident response teams are led. Customers also continue to request more assistance for the people leading the SOC or CSIRT team. We realized there was a need for training that helps the Incident Commander lead the team and manage an incident,” said Debbie Gordon, CEO at Cloud Range. “We are providing this first-of-its-kind training for a limited time at no cost because the need is great. Many companies have a person perform the role without any structure, and they do it on the fly. This training equips team leads to become true Incident Commanders, incorporating crucial leadership and communication skills to effectively resolve an incident and lead the recovery.”

After successfully taking the course, which is the first part of the certification process, trainees receive a badge to show completion.

Trainees are eligible for the complete certification after also being the Incident Commander during two of Cloud Range’s live-fire cyber attack exercises, which are dynamic, team-based simulations of real-world attacks on Cloud Range’s virtual cyber range. 

Like a flight simulator, the attack simulations enable the Incident Commander to fully step into the role, guide the team, work with the incident reporter, and practice all the skills and techniques required to be effective. The comprehensive, two-part training process gives security professionals deep knowledge, insight, and hands-on experience that equips them to be effective Incident Commander.

Industrial Cyber News Desk

Industrial Cyber News Desk