For Immediate Release
DHS Press Office
Contact: 202-282-8010
WASHINGTON— The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today launched the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (NICCS), an online resource for cybersecurity career, education, and training information.
“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,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano. “NICCS provides a comprehensive online resource for cyber education and training.”
NICCS leverages efforts of government, industry, and academia to provide a comprehensive, single resource to address the nation’s cybersecurity knowledge needs. This implementation tool supports the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE), a nationally-coordinated effort that focuses on cybersecurity awareness, education, workforce structure, and training/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.
NICCS was developed in close 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.
To retain and continually train top talent, DHS is moving to create growth opportunities for cyber staff while continuing its support for Centers of Academic Excellence around the country that cultivate a growing number of professionals with expertise in various disciplines, including cybersecurity.
In June 2012, Secretary Napolitano announced a new initiative through the Homeland Security Advisory Council, in conjunction with public-private partnerships, to develop an agile cyber workforce across the federal government. The Department has been working since October 2012 to fulfill recommendations that expand the national pipeline of men and women with advanced cybersecurity skills, enable DHS to become a preferred employer for the talent produced by that pipeline, and position the Department to help make the United States safer, more secure, and more resilient.
For more information, visit http://niccs.us-cert.gov/.
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