Best Cybersecurity Professional Development Software for Startups

CBT Nuggets has been a leader in on-demand IT training for more than 25 years. Subscribers have 24/7 access to training from trusted vendors like Cisco, Microsoft, AWS, and more. Our training library also offers office productivity courses for project managers, and end user courses on security best practices, Microsoft Office, and more. The CBT Nuggets training team has years of experience in their respective fields — these are certified experts in fields like networking, wireless, cybersecurity, data analytics, AI and machine learning, and more. Many CBT Nuggets courses map to IT certification exams, which are an excellent resource for those who want to become certified. As an on-the-job resource, CBT Nuggets training breaks down tricky technical topics into specific skills. Teams and training admins can assign videos to employees and track their progress. Whatever your goal, CBT Nuggets provides the training needed to be successful in your job.

INE's IT training and certification prep will give you and your team the tools to meet today's challenges as well as prepare for tomorrow. Our training materials are created entirely in-house by INE instructors, who are some of the most respected and tenured industry experts. They cover in-demand topics such as Networking, Cyber Security and Cloud Computing, as well as Data Science. Our unique training materials are housed on our own training platform that supports a practical approach to learning. Your expertise is developed through a combination of instructor-led videos and learning paths, quizzes, exercises, and interactive videos. We have helped thousands of professionals reach their goals and build successful IT careers.

Hack The Box, the Cyber Performance Center is a platform that puts the human being first. Its mission is to create and maintain high-performing cybersecurity individuals and organizations. Hack The Box, the Cyber Performance Center is the only platform in the industry that combines upskilling with workforce development and human focus. It's trusted by companies worldwide to drive their teams to peak performances. Hack The Box offers solutions for all cybersecurity domains. It is a one-stop shop for continuous growth, recruitment, and assessment. Hack The Box was launched in 2017 and brings together more than 3 million platform members, the largest global cybersecurity community. Hack The Box, a rapidly growing international platform, is headquartered in the UK with additional offices in the US, Australia, and Greece.

Engaging with cyber security on TryHackMe is both enjoyable and highly compelling. You accumulate points by correctly answering questions, tackling various challenges, and sustaining your hacking streak through concise lessons. The platform offers structured pathways that enhance your expertise in a practical setting by allowing you to complete guided tasks and objectives. Moving beyond mere textbooks, TryHackMe emphasizes interactive lessons that encourage you to apply theoretical knowledge directly. Users can expect an immersive experience featuring network simulations, intentionally vulnerable technologies modeled after real-world scenarios, and much more. If you’re new to the field of security, there’s no need to worry! We provide learning paths designed to equip you with essential cyber security skills, laying the groundwork for a successful career in this domain. With access to all the necessary tools for your education, you can utilize a browser-based machine equipped with security tools, enabling you to learn from anywhere and at any time, as long as you have an internet connection. This flexibility makes it easier than ever to embark on your journey into the world of cyber security.

Infosec Skills offers cyber ranges that immerse learners in practical scenarios reflective of real-world operating environments they will face in their careers. With just a single click, users can access a cyber range to master strategies for countering the MITRE ATT&CK tactics and techniques that may pose a threat to their organization. The training spans a spectrum from basic command line skills to sophisticated adversarial tactics. Each module aligns with the NICE Framework, enabling the creation of targeted and scalable development programs that address gaps in cybersecurity skills. By adopting a bottom-up strategy, organizations can construct tailored learning paths that focus on particular NICE knowledge and skill statements, or they can explore and assign training from the comprehensive catalog of 52 NICE Work Roles available on the platform, ensuring comprehensive skill enhancement. This flexibility allows teams to effectively target their training needs and prepare for the evolving challenges in the cybersecurity landscape.

The EMEA Cyber Security Training programs offered by the SANS Institute provide extensive, practical education and certification opportunities aimed at empowering professionals and teams with the essential skills required to protect contemporary businesses. Featuring more than 85 specialized courses that delve into topics such as cloud security, cyber defense, blue-team tactics, offensive strategies, digital forensics, incident response, industrial control systems, leadership, and open-source intelligence, participants navigate through well-defined learning tracks that correspond with job roles, the NICE Framework, European Skills Framework profiles, and DoDD 8140 work roles. Available training formats include live, in-person events throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, virtual classrooms, on-demand courses, interactive labs, and a wealth of free community resources such as webinars, podcasts, blogs, white papers, open-source tools, posters, cheat sheets, policy templates, and summit presentations. By offering such a diverse range of learning options, SANS ensures that individuals can find the approach that best suits their needs and schedules, ultimately fostering a more skilled cybersecurity workforce.

pwn.guide is a cybersecurity education platform that prioritizes user privacy, offering over 85 straightforward, self-paced tutorials designed to take learners from novice to expert in ethical hacking and defense techniques. The platform boasts nearly perfect uptime, facilitates cryptocurrency transactions, and only collects essential user data, ensuring both dependability and confidentiality. Users benefit from a responsive support team available around the clock on the platform, which integrates effortlessly with pwn.VM—a Linux sandbox that allows for the instant deployment of virtual environments like Kali Linux, Parrot OS, and Ubuntu for practical experience without needing extra infrastructure. In addition to practical guides covering a range of topics, from web exploitation to wireless analysis, pwn.guide offers resources aligned with certification standards, a built-in search feature, and quizzes to evaluate learners’ knowledge, thereby enabling individuals to develop a well-rounded skill set that can enhance their portfolios in the field of cybersecurity. This comprehensive approach ensures that learners not only gain theoretical knowledge but also acquire the hands-on experience necessary for real-world application.

Destination Certification provides a specialized platform for cybersecurity exam preparation, featuring thorough, self-paced MasterClasses and intensive one-week Live Online Bootcamps aimed at CISSP, CCSP, CISM, and Security+ certifications. Each MasterClass is designed to assist students in focusing on specific topics and subtopics where they may feel less assured, incorporating interactive video lessons, popular guidebooks, authentic practice questions, domain summaries, downloadable mind-maps, and a mobile app for practice questions and flashcards. Additionally, prospective students can explore free mini-MasterClasses, sample videos, and domain summaries to get a taste of the content prior to enrollment. In BootCamps, seasoned instructors provide exam strategies that emphasize thinking like a CEO, in conjunction with complete access to MasterClass resources, enabling candidates to engage in structured and impactful instruction coupled with targeted practice under expert guidance. Furthermore, the program features personalized review pathways that adapt to individual weaknesses, ensuring that learners can make the most of their study time. This comprehensive approach not only enhances understanding but also builds confidence as candidates prepare for their certification exams.

Our individual learning online courses address current issues and challenges while adhering to federal, state, and local regulations. Regardless of whether you are based in California, New York, or any other state, we ensure comprehensive coverage for your needs. We simplify the process for your organization to meet the latest training requirements by offering interactive, bite-sized episodes that can be viewed conveniently on the go. Created by HR professionals, our training is fully compliant and designed to surpass state and federal standards, allowing you peace of mind. We facilitate easy tracking of progress and course completion, as well as the certification of employees across various functions and locations. As a leader in providing online sexual harassment training and compliance solutions, our goal is to enable managers to utilize our software swiftly, easily, and without hassle. We have taken care of all the hard work to ensure a smooth experience for your team. The issue of sexual harassment and abusive behavior in the workplace remains a significant concern that can impact any employee, highlighting the importance of effective training programs. Ensuring that your organization is well-equipped to handle these challenges is crucial for fostering a safe and respectful work environment.

Engaging in practical experiences is essential for acquiring skills applicable in real-world scenarios. We offer structured career pathways and targeted learning based on specific roles. Our industry-recognized certification programs come with practice examinations to enhance preparation. Additionally, we provide access to dedicated mentors and opportunities for professional networking. Cybrary stands out as the fastest-growing and most dynamic catalog within the sector. Collaborating with a distinguished network of instructors, industry experts, and innovative learning providers allows us to offer relevant, high-caliber content that can be accessed anytime and from anywhere. Through immersive hands-on learning experiences, we ensure that learners have the most effective and captivating method to grasp essential concepts and skills for success. We have developed and compiled an extensive library of over 1,000 secure, browser-based virtual labs, practice tests, and assessments across various fields, including cybersecurity, IT, cloud technologies, and data science. With our courses and resources tied directly to the learning objectives of in-demand industry certifications, we empower learners to effectively prepare and achieve their career goals. This comprehensive approach enables individuals to stay ahead in an ever-evolving job market.

INE’s Skill Dive platform redefines IT training by combining traditional education with interactive, hands-on labs that simulate real-world environments across cybersecurity, networking, and cloud domains. It offers hundreds of labs for all skill levels—from novice exercises like car hacking and vulnerability scanning to advanced labs focusing on secure coding and cloud security exploits. Users gain practical experience in virtualized settings, practicing on real tools and scenarios that build confidence and job readiness. The platform covers diverse topics such as Azure Active Directory pentesting, MSSQL enumeration, and AWS core security, with new labs added regularly. Skill Dive’s extensive content library helps learners plan career-focused training paths and validate their skills in a risk-free environment. Its hands-on approach is ideal for those looking to translate theory into proven skills and prepare for certifications. Organizations can also leverage Skill Dive for team training and upskilling. Formerly Pentester Academy, Skill Dive continues to provide cutting-edge, practical IT training for professionals worldwide.

Empowering both individuals and organizations to combat cyber threats through essential cybersecurity skills and resources is crucial. Our Learning Library supports enterprise security teams in enhancing their defenses and tackling cyber threats by providing vital training in both offensive and defensive strategies. This initiative offers a chance to develop the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to address new and emerging cyber challenges effectively. By cultivating a skilled workforce, organizations can mitigate the risks associated with sudden personnel changes. It is vital that learners stay informed about the latest vulnerabilities and best practices, which is achieved through the continuous addition of fresh content to the OffSec learning library. Additionally, the OffSec flex program allows organizations to purchase a set amount of training in advance, providing them with the flexibility to utilize these resources throughout the year as their needs evolve. As the cyber landscape continually shifts, staying proactive in skill development is essential for long-term security resilience.

Discover the innovative Haiku game, an entry point to acquiring essential real-world cybersecurity expertise. The learning trajectories offered in the game are meticulously designed to align with actual cybersecurity roles and certifications, fast-tracking your journey toward a fulfilling career in this field. At Haiku, we leverage the advantages of game-based training to enhance your team's ability to learn and grow. Whether you're mentoring newcomers in cybersecurity or elevating the skills of experienced professionals, Haiku equips your team with crucial knowledge and abilities. From the very first day, participants will be prepared to identify, manage, and resolve security threats effectively. Furthermore, our training includes simulated networks that reflect your existing technology environment, ensuring relevant practice. Haiku also integrates practical skills development with the NICE Workforce Framework, along with certification preparation pathways, allowing for validation of skills and competencies at both individual and team levels. This unique approach not only fosters engagement but also ensures that all team members are equipped with the most current and applicable skills in cybersecurity.

Security Blue Team offers immersive, hands-on training and certifications in defensive cybersecurity aimed at nurturing the expertise of both budding and experienced security professionals globally. Their flagship programs encompass the Blue Team Level 1 Junior Security Operations certification, which spans approximately 30 hours and includes topics such as phishing analysis, digital forensics, threat intelligence, SIEM usage, and incident response across eight distinct domains; the Blue Team Level 2 Advanced Security Operations certification, a more in-depth course focusing on malware analysis, threat hunting, vulnerability management, and advanced SIEM emulation, delivered over about 50 hours and covering six domains; and the SecOps Manager certification that instructs participants on how to effectively plan, develop, and enhance security operations teams through six extensive domains. Participants can deepen their understanding through gamified labs, biweekly challenges, and practical capstone projects on the Blue Team Labs Online platform, which allows for the application of learned concepts in both cloud environments and downloadable scenarios. This interactive approach not only reinforces theoretical knowledge but also equips learners with practical skills needed in the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity.

CyberExam is an innovative cloud-based platform designed for cybersecurity training, offering a gamified experience that ranges from fundamental concepts to complex scenarios, allowing both individuals and organizations to enhance their skills in analysis, defense strategies, and offensive tactics against actual cyber threats. The platform features secure, browser-based virtual labs and microlearning settings where users can engage in practical exercises like vulnerability assessments, incident responses, threat hunting, and red-team operations without needing external infrastructure or portals. Its self-paced learning modules cater to various skill levels, incorporating engaging challenges, performance metrics, and analytics dashboards to track development and confirm expertise. With round-the-clock accessibility, user-friendly interfaces, and adaptable architecture, CyberExam accommodates both individual learners and teams, offering customizable challenges, the opportunity to build portfolios through completed missions, and effortless corporate implementation for group training sessions. This comprehensive approach not only fosters skill development but also empowers users to stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats.

uCertify offers a variety of course delivery methods tailored for different audiences, including self-paced options for IT professionals, mentor-guided experiences for competency-based educators, and instructor-led classes for schools and colleges. The learning journey commences with a pre-assessment, followed by engaging interactive lessons, practice tests, hands-on labs, and concludes with a post-assessment. Moreover, students can track their progress through test history and performance analytics. All our courses and labs are compliant with JAWS (Job Access with Speech), ensuring enhanced accessibility for all learners. The platform includes features that allow students to customize their experience by adjusting the font, size, and color of course materials, as well as utilizing text-to-speech functionalities, interactive videos, and how-to content that comes with interactive transcripts and voice-overs. Our offerings are designed to be highly engaging, incorporating virtual labs, simulations, and over 50 interactive elements. This includes a diverse array of over 60 interactive question types such as true/false, various multiple-choice formats, drag and drop, list creation and ordering, hot spots, fill-in-the-blank, performance-based assessments, and manually graded essays, along with matching lists. All of these components work together to create a comprehensive and enriching educational experience.

In order to effectively combat the continuously changing threats in today's digital environment, it is essential for your organization to cultivate a highly skilled cybersecurity workforce. Immersive Labs offers a distinct method for enhancing human cyber readiness that transcends standard training programs and certifications, delivering interactive content that is specifically tailored to the unique risks your organization encounters. Unlike traditional cybersecurity training, which primarily emphasizes the transfer of knowledge and the completion of various subject areas, Immersive Labs prioritizes two critical outcomes: whether the experiences provided on our platform enhance an organization’s ability to react during an incident and whether this improvement can be substantiated. While conventional training concludes with a certificate, marking the end of skill acquisition, the reality is that those skills begin to diminish immediately afterward. It is crucial to have the means to continuously assess and monitor the capabilities of your workforce, allowing for timely interventions when necessary to maintain a robust defense. This proactive approach ensures that your organization remains resilient in the face of evolving cyber threats.

Altered Security provides an immersive educational platform focused on cybersecurity, offering a variety of resources such as Red Team labs, cyber ranges, bootcamps, and certifications tailored for Active Directory, Azure, and enterprise security. Participants can choose between self-paced online labs or live sessions to engage with realistic, well-maintained environments, complete with preconfigured virtual machines, extensive video courses (averaging 11–14+ hours), comprehensive lab manuals, instructional walkthroughs, and dedicated instructor assistance. The curriculum includes advanced courses like Certified Red Team Professional (CRTP), Certified Red Team Expert (CRTE), and AD CS Attacks, which encompass critical subjects such as enumeration, privilege escalation, Kerberos, certificate-based attacks, lateral movement, hybrid Azure-PHF, and cloud persistence. The hands-on labs are designed to mirror enterprise networks with multiple domains and forests, allowing learners to progress from a non-admin level all the way to enterprise admin compromise, and they also provide opportunities to take exam attempts for well-respected industry certifications. This robust approach not only enhances practical skills but also prepares students for real-world cybersecurity challenges they may face in their careers.

Zero-Point Security’s Cyber Security Training platform is dedicated to skill enhancement through sophisticated training in red team tactics, adversary simulations, and offensive strategies. It features a self-paced learning approach, allowing participants to advance according to their individual schedules, while also providing lifetime access to course materials, ensuring that the content remains current and relevant. The platform incorporates integrated hands-on labs, which negate the necessity for external sites, self-managed infrastructure, or unexpected expenses, thus providing a streamlined educational experience. As a CREST-approved Training Provider, Zero-Point Security guarantees that its certifications are recognized within the industry, helping learners distinguish themselves in a competitive job landscape. Additionally, the use of a Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) pricing model enhances global accessibility, making training more affordable for individuals in various economic conditions. With these features combined, Zero-Point Security is setting a new standard for cyber security education.

GIAC Certifications aims to authenticate real-world cybersecurity expertise within a completely interactive virtual machine setting. Acknowledging the industry's need for specialized certifications that demonstrate practical skills, CyberLive requires candidates to engage in analytical tasks that closely replicate the actual responsibilities associated with those certifications, encompassing everything from system configuration and threat assessment to incident response, all executed within functional VMs instead of mere simulations. Each assessment item in CyberLive is performance-oriented, given more significance than traditional multiple-choice questions, and is allocated extra time to ensure candidates can showcase their proficiency in vital tools and techniques. Conducted in a monitored environment using preferred web browsers, CyberLive exams validate that professionals are prepared to "hit the ground running" from the very first day, providing employers with a dependable means of identifying skills. By focusing on real-world application, these certifications not only enhance the credibility of cybersecurity professionals but also help to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical execution.

CTI Academy's educational platform provides an engaging and comprehensive approach to cyber threat intelligence through an easy-to-navigate e-learning system that includes courses led by industry experts, interactive learning materials, virtual labs, and hands-on exercises that replicate genuine threat intelligence situations, malware assessment, and attack surface management. The platform allows for self-directed, practical labs that do not require any external infrastructure or access points, ensuring that learners can easily engage with performance-oriented modules aimed at enhancing their skills in threat analysis, malware reverse engineering, and vulnerability monitoring. In addition, the Cyber Underground Forum offers its members exclusive entry to a specialized network of cybersecurity experts and analysts, real-time threat intelligence updates, global insights into new attack trends, immediate notifications regarding critical vulnerabilities, and a well-rounded repository of intelligence data to facilitate collaborative research efforts. This combination creates a robust environment for professionals to advance their knowledge and stay ahead in the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity.

CyberEDU is an innovative cyber-range-as-a-service platform that effectively connects theoretical knowledge with practical application by providing numerous self-paced, browser-based hands-on exercises and challenges aligned with industry benchmarks like MITRE ATT&CK, OWASP, and CWE. Users—including individuals, corporate teams, and university students—can cultivate both offensive and defensive skills through engaging labs that require no special configuration or hidden barriers. With its well-structured learning pathways, CyberEDU takes users from foundational tasks to complex scenarios, offering adaptable training routes, ongoing skills assessments through a dynamic resume, and gamified incentives, rankings, and competitions to evaluate progress against peers. Furthermore, the platform emphasizes competency-based skill enhancement with quantifiable performance metrics, allowing users to engage in practical scenarios, improve critical thinking, and prepare effectively for capture-the-flag events and professional certifications. By integrating these elements, CyberEDU not only fosters a rich learning environment but also promotes a culture of continuous improvement and skill mastery.

Security University provides a comprehensive training program for IT security professionals, emphasizing performance-driven, hands-on workshops that validate skills through its Qualified Cyber Security Professional Certificate Program of Mastery (CPoM) series, which includes programs such as Q/ISP, Q/IAP, Q/SSE, Q/WP, and Q/CND, all designed to meet stringent learning objectives and CNSS standards, thereby enabling participants to consistently showcase their expertise in areas like cybersecurity operations, information assurance, and penetration testing. Established in 1999, SU offers live, practical sessions led by expert instructors that foster gradual skill enhancement from basic to advanced levels, while SU Testing administers competency and performance-based evaluations featuring practical exercises that verify hands-on skills in realistic situations, thus eliminating the need for multiple-choice tests and confirming the readiness of individuals to establish, operate, defend, and engage in offensive strategies within the cybersecurity landscape. This unique approach ensures that graduates leave with not only theoretical knowledge but also the practical experience necessary to navigate the complexities of the cyber world effectively.

SecureNinja offers a highly regarded cybersecurity training platform featuring both instructor-led and hybrid bootcamps, along with courses that prepare participants for industry-recognized certifications such as CompTIA Security+, Network+, PenTest+, CASP+, ISC²’s CISSP, ISACA’s CISM, EC-Council’s CEH and ECIH, as well as PMI’s PMP, available in locations like Washington, DC, Dulles, VA, and San Diego, CA, as well as online and on-site for government, DoD, and corporate teams. The training is conducted by distinguished information assurance experts and celebrated instructors who have influenced national security policy, ensuring that the curriculum aligns with the NICE Framework and DoD 8570.1-M Directive, thereby offering tailored learning paths that correspond to specific job functions. Participants engage in interactive virtual classes, benefiting from immediate instructor feedback, and receive vendor-approved, performance-based exam preparation at SecureNinja’s accredited testing facility, with flexible class schedules that support both hybrid and traditional on-site formats. Additionally, this comprehensive approach enhances the learning experience, equipping students with the practical skills necessary to excel in the rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity.

MetaCTF serves as a cutting-edge platform for cyber skills and training, aiding organizations in safeguarding their employee and customer information while facilitating the hiring, retention, and development of their workforce. It comprises three main offerings: competition-based training that simplifies the scheduling, execution, and oversight of cybersecurity competitions centered on particular topics; on-demand labs, boasting an extensive collection of over 400 practical labs suitable for professionals at all levels; and cloud labs/cloud ranges, which provide virtual environments for team-oriented simulations through mock networks hosted in virtual machines. Well-regarded by prominent companies like Cigna, GitHub, Autodesk, and Fivetran, MetaCTF focuses on delivering training tailored to specific roles, enabling the evaluation of candidates’ skills, expediting the onboarding process for new hires, enhancing employee retention through developmental investments, and providing teams with opportunities to advance their skills via immersive educational events and captivating challenges that replicate real-world situations. This commitment to practical and engaging learning experiences positions MetaCTF as an essential resource for organizations aiming to stay ahead in the evolving landscape of cybersecurity.