Cyber Defense

Cyber Defense Kickstarter

Build your cybersecurity foundation through hands-on labs and stackable credentials that prepare you for real-world impact.

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Program Details

Cyber Defense Kickstarter is an all-in-one certification program built for complete beginners who want to break into cyber defense fast. This structured pathway combines the IronCircle Certified Cybersecurity Associate certification and the IronCircle Certified Cybersecurity Analyst certification into a single, stackable experience.

With AI-powered labs, performance-based exams, and built-in career support, learners gain the skills, confidence, and credibility to thrive in an entry-level defensive operations role.

Skill Level

Beginner

Non-Technical 

recommended Pacing

10

hrs/week

for

20

weeks

  • Cybersecurity and digital hygiene fundamentals
  • Networking, operating systems, and system administration
  • Security operations and SOC workflows
  • SIEM fundamentals and alert triage
  • Incident response and malware basics
  • Cloud computing, GenAI for cybersecurity, and career readiness
  • Basic computer literacy
  • No prior cybersecurity experience needed!
  • Learners with no technical experience, exploring cybersecurity for the first time
  • Learners who want to build confidence before entering a SOC environment
  • Career changers looking for a complete, supported entry pathway
  • Students or recent grads ready for job-focused certification
  • Academic partners building introductory-to-technical cybersecurity pipelines

From IronCircle to Industry Leaders

Meta lockupCvs health lockupTeamcymru lockupAutodesk lockup

Outcomes

Learners will be able to:

  • Explain and apply core cybersecurity principles and frameworks
  • Demonstrate system and network awareness in lab environments
  • Use SIEM tools to analyze basic and intermediate security logs
  • Detect, triage, and escalate security alerts
  • Simulate entry-level SOC tasks using industry tools
  • Communicate findings and pass performance-based exams aligned to employer expectations

Benefits

Microcredentials

Six stackable microcredentials building from foundational literacy to SOC readiness

Lab-Driven

200 hours of content, with 60% dedicated to hands-on labs and simulations

Career Support

Career support throughout the program through skills lists, case studies, and built-in interview prep to help showcase new skills and expertise to future employers

Talk to an enrollment advisor

A White House-Recognized Leader in Cybersecurity Education

Recognized by the White House as one of nine partners who have made major commitments to fill cyber jobs.

Program Completion

Cyber defense kickstarter

Learners have 180 days to complete all six microcredentials. A certification is awarded for each microcredential upon passing its applied exam. Complete all six to receive both career-aligned IronCircle certifications.

FAQ

Delivery

All lessons, labs, and exams are delivered through the IronCircle platform, an all-in-one, browser-based learning platform experience.

Equipment Requirements

  • A functional laptop or desktop computer with at least a 12-inch monitor
    The program cannot be completed using a cell phone, Chromebook, iPad, or tablet.
  • Reliable broadband internet access

Cancellation Policy

Refunds are not provided for IronCircle learning experiences. 
Please see Terms & Conditions.

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