Cyber Defense

Cyber Defense Track + Certified Cybersecurity Associate

Start from zero and earn four certifications across SOC and CTI with 400 hours of applied training, labs, and exams. No prior experience needed.

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Program Details

The Cyber Defense Track + Certified Cybersecurity Associate program is a complete beginner-friendly pathway that takes you from digital literacy to job-ready cybersecurity skills. With four certifications and twelve microcredentials, you’ll build progressive expertise across cybersecurity fundamentals, SOC workflows, and threat intelligence, all within IronCircle’s immersive, applied platform.

proficiency level

Beginner

Non-Technical 

recommended Pacing

10

hrs/week

for

40

weeks

  • Cybersecurity fundamentals, networking, and cloud security
  • SOC workflows, alert triage, and incident response
  • SIEM, SOAR, log analysis, and malware investigation
  • Threat intelligence lifecycle, profiling, and infrastructure tracking
  • Reporting, frameworks (NIST, MITRE, CIS), and real-world labs (Splunk, Wireshark, MISP, ThreatConnect)
  • Designed for learners with basic computer literacy and no prior cybersecurity experience.
  • Students, graduates, and career changers starting or transitioning into cybersecurity
  • IT, support professionals, and workforce learners upskilling into cyber defense roles
  • Academic institutions and training programs seeking structured, end-to-end certification pathways

From IronCircle to Industry Leaders

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Outcomes

Learners will be able to:

  • Understand cybersecurity principles and operational workflows
  • Detect, analyze, and escalate threats using SOC tools
  • Conduct log and SIEM-based threat detection
  • Apply structured analysis to reduce bias in investigations
  • Contribute to CTI and incident response efforts

Benefits

Microcredentials

Four IronCircle certifications, with 12 stackable microcredentials

Lab-driven

60% lab-driven content aligned to real-world tasks

Career support

Includes career support with learners building skills lists and case studies throughout the program and receiving built-in interview prep to help showcase new skills and expertise to future employers.

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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

Certified Cybersecurity Associate badge collection from IronCircle, featuring Foundations, Operations, and Systems certifications.

Learners have 365 days to complete twelve microcredentials. Each microcredential awards a certification upon passing its exam. Upon completing the requirements, learners receive the full IronCircle career-aligned certification.

FAQ

Delivery

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

Equipment Requirements

To successfully complete the program, learners must have: 

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

Cancellation Policy

Refunds are not provided for IronCircle learning experiences. 
Please see terms & conditions.

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