EC-Council and Modern College of Business and Science (MCBS) Launch the Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence in Oman

New Centre strengthens cyber education, enterprise resilience, and digital skill-building across the Sultanate Tampa, Fla., 16 June 2025: EC-Council, a global leader in cybersecurity education and training, and creator of the world-renowned Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) credential has partnered with the Modern College of Business and Science (MCBS) in Oman to launch Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence. This development supports EC-Council’s broader mission to advance cyber readiness across the Middle East and responds to the region’s growing need for skilled cybersecurity professionals, enterprise security solutions, and community-based cyber awareness. Recognized across governments, Fortune 500 enterprises, and academia, EC-Council is trusted worldwide for transforming cybersecurity education into a high-impact, career-defining experience. The Centre of Excellence in Oman marks another milestone in this journey, one that brings world-class resources, deep technical knowledge, and global opportunities to learners, professionals, and institutions across the Sultanate. “The Centre of Excellence reflects our commitment to delivering cybersecurity education that creates meaningful, measurable impact,” said Jay Bavisi, Group President, EC-Council. “Our vision is to build a global ecosystem where learners, educators, and enterprises have access to the most advanced tools, mentorship, and hands-on training to confidently lead in today’s digital economy. Through this Centre, we are creating more than just a learning space, we are opening pathways to opportunity, driving innovation, and empowering individuals to become catalysts for change in the cybersecurity landscape.” “This partnership with EC-Council allows us to directly address the cybersecurity talent gap and expand real-world learning opportunities for our students and industry partners,” said Ms. Aisha Al Kharusi, Deputy Executive Chair, MCBS. “We are focused on building capabilities that align with Oman’s national vision for digital innovation and resilience.” The Centre delivers an integrated ecosystem of programs focused on three core pillars: empowering students, enabling enterprises, and educating the wider community. At every level, EC-Council’s proven approach ensures learners don’t just gain knowledge but acquire the mindset and skills to lead in real-world environments. Students at the Centre benefit from immersive workshops in Ethical Hacking, SOC Operations, and Cyber Forensics. Career counseling and expert mentorship help guide them toward globally recognized credentials and high-growth career paths. Through Capture-the-Flag competitions, cybersecurity clubs, and hackathons, students engage in hands-on challenges that mirror real-world cyber scenarios. Faculty development programs further enhance academic excellence and drive collaboration with EC-Council’s global expert community. To support continuous cybersecurity skill development, the Centre provides enterprises with access to ECL (EC-Council Learning), the world’s largest online cybersecurity library. ECL offers foundational training and self-paced learning across key domains. For organizations looking to accelerate advanced skill-building, ECL Pro+, a subscription available through ECL, unlocks a premium library of AI-powered labs, guided certification preparation, and role-based learning paths designed to equip cybersecurity teams with practical, hands-on capabilities needed to stay ahead of evolving threats. The Centre also extends its reach to the wider community through EC-Council Aware, a library of 25 regional-language, self-paced awareness videos. These resources help individuals of all ages adopt safer digital habits. Combined with quarterly bootcamps and campaigns aligned with global events like Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the Centre cultivates a culture of cyber responsibility and inclusion. The launch of the Centre builds on EC-Council’s latest global initiatives, including the integration of AI into the CEH program, the CPENT AI certification, and the Hackerverse CTF platform. It is also aligned with EC-Council’s $100 million Cybersecurity Innovation Fund, which is driving the development of advanced cybersecurity education and defense solutions worldwide. For more information about the Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence at MCBS and its upcoming activities, please visit [www.mcbs.edu.om]. About EC-Council: EC-Council is the creator of the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) program and a leader in cybersecurity education. Founded in 2001, EC-Council’s mission is to provide high-quality training and certifications for cybersecurity professionals to keep organizations safe from cyber threats. EC-Council offers over 200 certifications and degrees in various cybersecurity domains, including forensics, security analysis, threat intelligence, and information security.      An ISO/IEC 17024 accredited organization, EC-Council has certified over 350,000 professionals worldwide, with clients ranging from government agencies to Fortune 100 companies. EC-Council is the gold standard in cybersecurity certification, trusted by the U.S. Department of Defense, the Army, Navy, Air Force, and leading global corporations.    For more information, visit: www.eccouncil.org About MCBS: Modern College of Business and Science (MCBS) is a private university located in Bawshar, Oman. Established in 1996, the college is regulated by the Ministry of Higher Education[1] and has received recognitions from the Oman Authority for Academic Accreditation and Quality Assurance of Education (OAAAQA). The college offers programs for Associate degrees, Bachelor’s degrees, and PhDs.MCBS also has educational programs for individual students. MCBS is accredited by the Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges, and Universities (ASIC) in the UK. The MBA program, delivered in collaboration with Franklin University, holds accreditation from the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education.

EC-Council’s CEH Compete Challenge Confronts the Growing Threat of API Vulnerabilities 

API exploitation and data exposure risks drove the focus of CEH Compete’s May challenge. Tampa, Fla, June 12, 2025: EC-Council, a global leader in cybersecurity education and training, and creator of the world-renowned Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) credential, launched its May CEH Compete CEH Compete Challenge by addressing one of today’s most urgent and overlooked cyber threats: the insecurity of APIs. As APIs increasingly become the backbone of digital platforms, the vulnerabilities have created critical entry points for adversaries, demanding a new level of vigilance and defense from cybersecurity professionals. In May’s challenge, participants encountered a simulated environment where critical APIs responsible for authentication, financial transactions, and customer data retrieval had been left vulnerable. Attackers exploited broken authentication mechanisms, manipulated poorly enforced rate limits, and injected malicious payloads into open API endpoints, attempting to escalate privileges and exfiltrate sensitive information. Participants needed to conduct thorough API reconnaissance, uncover broken object-level authorizations, and defend against API-based injection and mass data exposure attacks. The challenge was crafted at an advanced exploitation difficulty level, replicating the multi-step API attack sequences used by sophisticated adversaries today. Participants had to analyze poorly documented APIs, identify over-permissive data exposure, and secure access control flaws; all while operating under time-constrained attack escalation conditions. Success demanded a nuanced understanding of API security misconfigurations combined with agile incident response capabilities tailored to dynamic application ecosystems. According to the CEH Threat Report 2024, 62% of cybersecurity professionals identified APIs as the biggest source of vulnerabilities within their organizations. The May edition of CEH Compete challenge made it clear that APIs, while powerful enablers of business innovation, have become critical entry points for attackers when improperly secured. Heitor Magnani, Brazil distinguished themselves by systematically mapping vulnerable APIs, neutralizing injection attempts, and deploying secure validation mechanisms to fortify exposed endpoints. API vulnerabilities not only open direct paths to sensitive information but also expose entire interconnected systems to lateral attacks. As enterprises expand their reliance on cloud-native applications and microservices, securing APIs becomes a vital layer of defense against data theft, ransomware propagation, and service disruption. Through CEH Compete, EC-Council continues to offer cybersecurity professionals an unparalleled platform to practice, sharpen, and validate the skills needed to protect digital ecosystems worldwide. For more information about CEH Compete or to register for future challenges, please visit https://www.eccouncil.org/train-certify/certified-ethical-hacker-ceh-compete/

EC-Council Continues Its Initiative-Driven Momentum, Supporting CyberSHE to Strengthen Women’s Participation in Cybersecurity

Kuwait, 12 June 2025: The cybersecurity industry continues to evolve rapidly, demanding a skilled and diverse talent pipeline to address growing threats. In a strategic effort to expand access to world-class cybersecurity education across the Middle East, EC-Council, the global leader in cybersecurity training and the creator of the world-renowned Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) credential, has partnered with CyberSHE to deliver impactful technical training and career development opportunities for aspiring women professionals across the region. CyberSHE, an initiative by Women in CyberSecurity Middle East (WiCSME), was launched at Kuwait College of Science and Technology (KCST). The initiative brings together leaders from government, academia, and industry to deliver focused training, mentorship, and structured career pathways for women seeking to build technical capability and pursue careers in cybersecurity. By equipping more women with cutting-edge skills, the program is helping to unlock new perspectives and build stronger, more inclusive cyber teams across the region. “Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing fields in the world, and the Middle East holds extraordinary untapped potential. At EC-Council, we see education as a catalyst for transformation. Through CyberSHE, we are opening the door to global-standard training, mentorship, and new career pathways for women across the region. This initiative represents the kind of purposeful collaboration that creates lasting opportunity. We are honored to support it, and we believe it is just the beginning of a much larger movement to shape the future of cyber talent in the region.” said Jay Bavisi, Group President, EC-Council CyberSHE is a four-week program built around EC-Council’s internationally respected certifications. Participants undertake technical training through the Certified Cybersecurity Technician (CCT), Certified Network Defender (CND), and Certified SOC Analyst (CSA) programs. The hands-on, lab-driven curriculum is delivered over three weeks and is followed by a structured set of career-readiness modules that include mentorship, soft skills development, and industry insights. Dr. Reem Faraj AlShammari, Chairperson of WiCSME, added: “CyberSHE is more than just a program, it represents the power of collective efforts in action. Through CyberSHE, we are uniting key pillars of our society to create a generation of empowered, job-ready women professionals in cybersecurity. By building skilled workforce, the program is directly boosting the National Cyber readiness (Strategic Workforce Development), and is strategically positioned to improve the entire region’s Global Cybersecurity Index rankings.” Following its launch in Kuwait, CyberSHE will expand to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Jordan, and Qatar. Over the next three years, the program aims to train 1,500 women, helping to strengthen national cyber capabilities and promote more inclusive workforce participation. This partnership reflects EC-Council’s global mission to make cybersecurity education accessible, relevant, and transformative. By supporting initiatives like CyberSHE, EC-Council continues to shape pathways that empower women, elevate careers, and contribute to a safer digital future. About EC-Council:  EC-Council is the creator of the world-renowned Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) program and a leader in cybersecurity education. Founded in 2001, EC-Council’s mission is to provide high-quality training and certifications for cybersecurity professionals to keep organizations safe from cyber threats. EC-Council offers over 200 certifications and degrees in various cybersecurity domains, including forensics, security analysis, threat intelligence, and information security.     An ISO/IEC 17024 accredited organization, EC-Council has certified over 350,000 professionals worldwide, with clients ranging from government agencies to Fortune 100 companies. EC-Council is the gold standard in cybersecurity certification, trusted by the U.S. Department of Defense, the Army, Navy, Air Force, and leading global corporations.     For more information, visit: www.eccouncil.org 

Anchoring Innovation and Community: EC-Council’s RSA 2025 Yacht Reception Sets the Stage for Black Hat USA

EC-Council and Borderless CS Partner to Address Executive Cybersecurity Awareness and Workforce Upskilling Amid Rising Global Threats 

Tampa, Fla., May 26, 2025 : EC-Council, a global leader in cybersecurity education and training, and creators of world- renowned Certified Ethical Hacker CEH) Credential, has announced a strategic partnership with Borderless CS, one of Australia’s top cybersecurity solution providers. This partnership brings EC-Council’s AWARE platform and EC-Council Learning (ECL) – the world’s largest online cybersecurity library into Borderless CS’s offerings, enabling organizations to build stronger cybersecurity awareness at the leadership level while addressing critical workforce skills gaps.  The integration of AWARE and ECL into Borderless CS’s service suite marks a shift toward embedding continuous cybersecurity education into the fabric of enterprise operations. This collaboration empowers organizations to build a culture of security, where leadership and teams are aligned, informed, and capable of responding effectively to evolving digital threats.  The partnership arrives at a critical moment. According to the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025, 67 percent of organizations report facing a moderate to critical cybersecurity skills gap, while only 14 percent feel confident in their current cyber capabilities. The report also highlights that leadership awareness remains one of the most overlooked elements of enterprise cyber resilience   “In today’s digital-first environment, cybersecurity is not just a technical issue. It is a leadership priority,” said Jay Bavisi, Group President, EC-Council. “Our partnership with Borderless CS brings EC-Council’s global education infrastructure into the boardroom and across organizations. AWARE and ECL provide relevant, scalable cybersecurity training that meets both executive and workforce needs.”  EC-Council’s AWARE platform is designed for CXOs, board members, and senior leadership. It delivers focused content on threat awareness, regulatory compliance, and the strategic role of executives in managing cyber risk.  ECL (EC-Council Learning) supports AWARE by offering access to the world’s largest online cybersecurity library. The platform includes over 1,000 hours of cybersecurity content, labs, whitepapers, and certification preparation materials. Its modular, on-demand structure allows enterprises to scale training across teams of any size.  “By collaborating with EC-Council’s AWARE and ECL, we are expanding our capabilities to empower businesses, professionals, and future cybersecurity leaders with cutting-edge knowledge and skills to combat evolving cyber threats. This partnership aligns with our mission to bridge the cybersecurity skills gap, foster industry excellence, and deliver impactful security solutions that protect organisations across various sectors.” said Jaya Prakash, CEO of Borderless CS.   Together, EC-Council and Borderless CS are redefining how organizations approach cybersecurity education; not just as a compliance exercise, but as a strategic enabler of resilience, leadership, and long-term success.  About EC-Council: EC-Council is the creator of the world-renowned Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) program and a leader in cybersecurity education. Founded in 2001, EC-Council’s mission is to provide high-quality training and certifications for cybersecurity professionals to keep organizations safe from cyber threats. EC-Council offers over 200 certifications and degrees in various cybersecurity domains, including forensics, security analysis, threat intelligence, and information security.      An ISO/IEC 17024 accredited organization, EC-Council has certified over 350,000 professionals worldwide, with clients ranging from government agencies to Fortune 100 companies. EC-Council is the gold standard in cybersecurity certification, trusted by the U.S. Department of Defense, the Army, Navy, Air Force, and leading global corporations.      For more information, visit: www.eccouncil.org   About Borderless CS:   Borderless CS is one of Australia’s leading cybersecurity companies, dedicated to delivering cutting-edge security solutions that empower organisations to navigate today’s complex digital landscape. With expertise in Managed Security Services, Identity & Access Management, Risk Management, and Cybersecurity Consulting, Borderless CS provides tailored security strategies that protect businesses from emerging cyber threats. Our commitment to innovation, resilience, and industry collaboration positions us as a trusted partner in securing critical infrastructure, enterprises, and government entities. Through strategic alliances and continuous investment in cybersecurity talent, we strive to enhance Australia’s cyber defence capabilities and support organisations in building a secure and future-ready digital ecosystem. 

EC-Council Certifications Reaccredited by UK’s National Cyber Security Centre, Reaffirming Alignment with Government Standards

London, United Kingdom, May 21, 2025: In a world where cyber threats evolve by the hour, trust in the people defending our digital borders has never been more vital. EC-Council, the global leader in cybersecurity education and training, and creator of the world-renowned Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) credential, has once again earned official reaccreditation from the United Kingdom’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC); a powerful validation of its ongoing commitment to excellence. Five of EC-Council’s flagship certifications Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) , Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO), Certified Penetration Testing Professional (CPENT), Certified Network Defender (CND), and Network Defense Essentials (NDE) have been reaffirmed by the NCSC as meeting the UK Government’s rigorous standards for cyber defense training. This recognition confirms that EC-Council’s programs are not only academically rigorous and practical, but also aligned with the demands of today’s real-world threat environment. The NCSC, part of the UK Government’s GCHQ, is one of the world’s most respected cybersecurity authorities. Its Certified Training and Certified Courses schemes validate programs that align with national priorities, address modern threat environments, and demonstrate measurable impact. In a landscape where trust, quality, and relevance matter more than ever, NCSC reaccreditation is a powerful validation of EC-Council’s ability to deliver programs that meet the highest national and international standards and remain credible and impactful across the global cybersecurity ecosystem. Further strengthening this position is EC-Council’s alignment with the Cyber Security Body of Knowledge (CYBOK) a government-backed framework that defines the foundational and advanced knowledge domains critical to cybersecurity. CYBOK offers a holistic blueprint of the profession, encompassing areas such as governance, cryptography, incident response, and risk management. EC-Council’s certifications being mapped to CYBOK validates their relevance and integrity across government, academia, and industry. This alignment ensures learners are trained in sync with internationally recognized best practices, and it reaffirms EC-Council’s mission to cultivate cybersecurity talent that is both future-ready and globally competent. “For more than 20 years, EC-Council has been democratizing cybersecurity education and making high-quality, globally recognized training accessible to learners and professionals in every corner of the world,” said Jay Bavisi, Group President, EC-Council. “Our mission has always been to equip individuals with training that is not only respected across borders but also delivers real-world, job-ready skills. This reaccreditation by the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre reinforces the trust placed in our programs. In a domain where credibility and competence are critical, we are honored to remain the certification and training provider of choice for governments, enterprises, and cybersecurity practitioners globally.” The reaccreditation provides strong assurance to enterprises, government agencies, and cybersecurity hiring leaders that EC-Council-certified professionals are equipped with validated skills and strategic insight. These certifications continue to serve as a reliable pathway for building high-performing security teams across critical sectors. For individuals pursuing cybersecurity careers, the NCSC’s recognition adds meaningful credibility and global recognition. EC-Council credentials are trusted by employers across regulated industries, critical infrastructure, and national defense, offering a competitive edge in a rapidly growing job market. As part of its continued commitment to cybersecurity excellence, EC-Council has launched a series of global initiatives designed to scale access to advanced training and innovation. These include CEH with AI powered capabilities, the next-generation CPENT AI credential, The Hackerverse  for hands-on skill building, and a $100 million cybersecurity innovation initiative to accelerate the development of next-generation cybersecurity technologies by providing not only financial investment but also strategic mentorship, global exposure, and technical expertise. About EC-Council: EC-Council is the creator of the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) program and a leader in cybersecurity education. Founded in 2001, EC-Council’s mission is to provide high-quality training and certifications for cybersecurity professionals to keep organizations safe from cyber threats. EC-Council offers over 200 certifications and degrees in various cybersecurity domains, including forensics, security analysis, threat intelligence, and information security. An ISO/IEC 17024 accredited organization, EC-Council has certified over 350,000 professionals worldwide, with clients ranging from government agencies to Fortune 100 companies. EC-Council is the gold standard in cybersecurity certification, trusted by the U.S. Department of Defense, the Army, Navy, Air Force, and leading global corporations. For more information, visit: www.eccouncil.org

EC-Council Commits $100 Million to Drive the Future of Cybersecurity Innovation

Tampa, Fla., April 24, 2025: EC-Council , a global leader in cybersecurity education and training, and the creators of world-renowned Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)  credential, is taking a transformative step to reshape the future of digital security. EC-Council has announced the launch of a $100 million investment to drive the development of next-gen technologies aimed to accelerate cybersecurity breakthroughs and strengthen global digital defense. The investment coupled with EC-Council’s platform support, will boost the next generation of cybersecurity innovation which will redefine the cybersecurity paradigm worldwide. Strategic deployment of the investment will prioritize companies with high growth potential, and which demonstrate exceptional technical innovation, problem-solving capabilities, and tangible impact in strengthening Cybersecurity Defense. Companies led by EC-Council certified cybersecurity professionals or those that employ EC-Council certified cybersecurity professionals in key technical and leadership roles will be given priority, aligning with EC-Council’s commitment to expertise-driven cybersecurity innovation. “Our industry stands at a pivotal moment, requiring visionary leadership to counteract an ever-evolving cyber threat landscape,” said Jay Bavisi, Group President, EC-Council. “This initiative is designed to provide not just financial backing but also mentorship, strategic guidance, and global exposure to help these companies create effective security solutions. As a globally trusted cybersecurity brand, we are investing in the future by equipping those who are committed to driving impactful change.” This initiative builds on EC-Council’s two-decade legacy of shaping the global cybersecurity workforce through education, training, and innovation. Its industry-relevant programs; such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) , Certified Network Defender (CND), Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO), and Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI) have become gold standards in the field. Supporting this commitment to continuous learning is EC-Council Learning, the World’s Largest Online Cybersecurity Course Library, which offers professionals and institutions access to thousands of curated resources that evolve with the threat landscape. Further product innovations include CEH powered with AI capabilities, CPENT AI  an advanced offensive security program featuring real-time AI-driven test environments and The Hackerverse CTF, EC-Council’s immersive cyber range platform that simulates real-world attack scenarios to prepare professionals for live threats. The goal of EC-Council’s $100 million investment is to ensure that companies in the cybersecurity space with strong technical capabilities and market potential can access capital and resources to accelerate their growth. Companies from any region are encouraged to apply, as EC-Council is committed to creating a global ecosystem of cybersecurity innovation. With cyberattacks becoming increasingly sophisticated, businesses, governments, and individuals face growing risks. EC-Council’s investment initiative is designed to ensure the companies with best-in-class products, service offerings and capabilities have the resources and platform to reach the users and enterprises who could benefit the most from their solutions. Bavisi further highlighted the importance of empowering emerging companies, stating: “Innovation is not limited to large global corporations or major tech hubs. With the power of today’s technology, infrastructure and AI, some of the most disruptive cybersecurity solutions are emerging in recent times by highly specialised companies, with the potential to transform the sector and lead to new business models. Our goal is to ensure these companies have the support they need to thrive, regardless of their size or location.” For more information on how to apply, visit EC-Council’s official website: https://www.eccouncil.org/supporting-cybersecurity-initiatives/ About EC-Council: EC-Council is the creator of the world-renowned Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) program and a leader in cybersecurity education. Founded in 2001, EC-Council’s mission is to provide high-quality training and certifications for cybersecurity professionals to keep organizations safe from cyber threats. EC-Council offers over 200 certifications and degrees in various cybersecurity domains, including forensics, security analysis, threat intelligence, and information security. An ISO/IEC 17024 accredited organization, EC-Council has certified over 350,000 professionals worldwide, with clients ranging from government agencies to Fortune 100 companies. EC-Council is the gold standard in cybersecurity certification, trusted by the U.S. Department of Defense, the Army, Navy, Air Force, and leading global corporations. For more information, visit: https://www.eccouncil.org/

EC-Council Launches Groundbreaking Capture the Flag Cybersecurity Competition at Zayed University in the UAE 

A High-Intensity, Two-Hour Cybersecurity Showdown powered by EC-Council Learning , designed to build a strong pipeline of cyber talent in the UAE through real-world cyber-attack simulations and hands-on training.  Dubai, UAE, April 11, 2025:  EC-Council, the global leader in cybersecurity education and the creator of the world-renowned Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) credential, announces the launch of its first-ever Capture the Flag (CTF) cybersecurity competition at Zayed University in the UAE. This groundbreaking event, held as part of the 16th  Student Research Conference (SRC), is an initiative between EC-Council and Zayed University, with sponsorship from Zayed University Research and IEEE UAE.  The collaboration with Zayed University highlights the importance of academic-industry partnerships in addressing the cybersecurity skills gap. As one of the UAE’s leading institutions of higher education, Zayed University is dedicated to empowering students with the skills needed for success in a digital-first world.  With the UAE facing a significant cybersecurity talent shortage highlighted by a recent Fortinet study showing that 90% of organizations in the region experienced a cyber breach last year, there is an urgent need for skilled professionals. EC-Council’s Capture the Flag (CTF) competition plays a crucial role in solving this disconnect by providing students with immersive, hands-on cybersecurity training. By bridging the divide between theoretical knowledge and practical application, the competition develops critical problem-solving, teamwork, and technical expertise. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s broader mission to develop a future-ready cybersecurity workforce capable of defending against evolving digital threats  “Cybersecurity is not a privilege; it’s a necessity for every individual in our digital age”, said Jay Bavisi, Group President, EC-Council. “At EC-Council, we are committed to democratizing cybersecurity education, ensuring that aspiring professionals gain hands-on experience in a high-pressure, real-world environment. The Capture the Flag competition delivers a fast-paced, immersive challenge that simulates real-life cybersecurity scenarios, allowing students to hone their skills and compete at the highest level. Our vision is to build a diverse, global community of cybersecurity experts who are prepared to safeguard our interconnected world.”  The competition will be hosted on EC-Council Learning  – the world’s largest online cybersecurity library equipped with a vast variety of Capture The Flag (CTF) and advanced lab capabilities. ECL’s labs simulate real-world cyber threats, enabling participants to engage in live hacking challenges, vulnerability assessments, and system exploitation scenarios within a controlled environment.  Competition Highlights: Date: April 10, 2025 Duration: 2 hours Format: Team-based, featuring 10 challenging cybersecurity flags Eligibility: Open to undergraduate and graduate students from the UAE, Middle East, and beyond Skills Tested: Network Scanning – Identifying vulnerabilities in system architectures System Hacking – Exploiting system vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access Web Application Hacking – Exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications and databases Privilege Escalation – Exploiting system misconfigurations to gain elevated privileges Cryptography – Applying decryption techniques to extract sensitive information Packet Analysis – Inspecting network traffic to identify security weaknesses All participants will receive a Certificate of Participation, with special prizes for the top three teams. The competition is expected to bring together 100-150 skilled students, forming dynamic teams to tackle evolving digital threats. This event plays a vital role in fostering hands-on expertise, ensuring students gain the skills necessary to combat real-world cybersecurity challenges.  “We are thrilled to collaborate with EC-Council on this pioneering Capture the Flag competition,” said Prof. Omar Alfandi – Zayed University Representative. “With the UAE facing a critical shortage of cybersecurity professionals, initiatives like this competition are essential for bridging the skills gap. By providing real-world simulation, expert mentorship, and rigorous evaluation, the EC-Council CTF competition is set to become a cornerstone event for cybersecurity education in the UAE and beyond. It serves as a launchpad for students to showcase their expertise, gain industry recognition, and establish themselves as future leaders in cybersecurity.”  By integrating academic knowledge with real-world challenges, the EC-Council CTF competition strengthens the UAE’s cybersecurity ecosystem and contributes to building a robust pipeline of skilled professionals.  About EC-Council: EC-Council is the creator of the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) program and a leader in cybersecurity education. Founded in 2001, EC-Council’s mission is to provide high-quality training and certifications for cybersecurity professionals to keep organizations safe from cyber threats. EC-Council offers over 200 certifications and degrees in various cybersecurity domains, including forensics, security analysis, threat intelligence, and information security.     An ISO/IEC 17024 accredited organization, EC-Council has certified over 350,000 professionals worldwide, with clients ranging from government agencies to Fortune 100 companies. EC-Council is the gold standard in cybersecurity certification, trusted by the U.S. Department of Defense, the Army, Navy, Air Force, and leading global corporations. For more information, visit: www.eccouncil.org About Zayed University Zayed University is one of the leading higher education institutions in the UAE, dedicated to academic excellence and innovation. With a strong focus on research and technology, the university provides students with cutting-edge educational programs that align with industry needs. Zayed University plays a vital role in shaping the future of cybersecurity education by fostering collaboration between academia and industry professionals. 

EC-Council Helps Accelerate Degrees with Certification for Credit

The American Council on Education (ACE) recommends credits across 9 EC-Council certifications. TAMPA, Fla., Mar. 10, 2025 : EC-Council announced today that the American Council on Education (ACE) has approved 9 certification exams for academic credit recommendations across academia degree programs in the United States. ACE, a learning services and evaluations provider helps learners document their skills and gain access to academic credit for formal training taken outside of traditional colleges. ACE works with the military, government clients, general education providers, and the business world to evaluate military training, corporate courses, certificates, exams, and on-the-job training. Bridging the Gap Between High School and College Part of EC-Council Academia’s mission is to help add value to academic degree programs, adding stackable credentials in the form of EC-Council certifications to students at affordable rates. Using official content, students would then be able to bypass standard exam eligibility processes, moving forward to attempting EC-Council certification exams regardless of their work experience. In 2021, EC-Council announced 5 certifications that were approved by ACE for recommended post-secondary credit. This has since increased to 9 certifications, with a new focus on entry level cybersecurity certifications, making certification for credit more accessible for academic students. The End-User Cybersecurity and Cyber Novice levels across 4 certifications (CSCU, NDE, EHE, and DFE), now represent 12 recommended credits. With additional scholarships in place for U.S. students across the Essentials Series (NDE, EHE, and DFE) via EC-Council’s ONCD Pledge, these certification exams are now available to students at highly affordable rates. Approved Certifications The following certifications have been approved by the American Council on Education (ACE): END USER CYBERSECURITY: Certified Secure Computer User (CSCU) (3 Credits) CYBER NOVICE: Network Defense Essentials (NDE) (3 Credits) Ethical Hacking Essentials (EHE) (3 Credits) Digital Forensics Essentials (DFE) (3 Credits) CYBER TECHNICIAN: Certified Cybersecurity Technician (CCT) (3 Credits) CORE BLUE TEAM / RED TEAM: Certified Network Defender (CND) (3 Credits) Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) (3 Credits) CYBERSECURITY SPECIALIZATION: Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI) (3 Credits) EC-Council Certified Incident Handler (ECIH) (3 Credits) Jay Bavisi, President and CEO of EC-Council addressed this accreditation, stating, “Since the launch of our EC-Council Essentials Series in February 2022, we have completed our certification track from end user to cyber novice levels, confidently skilling up students for entry-level roles in the cybersecurity industry. With the recent credit recommendations by ACE, we firmly believe this track will accelerate students, giving them multiple options to obtain an industry credential, while having this count for credit within their academic programs.” Wesley Alvarez, Director of Academics goes on to say, “Due to a significant increase of student participation in cyber clubs, after school programs, summer camps, and other extracurricular activities that include industry certifications, we are seeing a growing number of students work together to study and obtain these credentials in and outside of the classroom. We are pleased to now add additional value in the form of credit recommendations from ACE, so their hard work can count towards advancing their studies as they work towards graduation.” About EC-Council Academia EC-Council, the inventor of Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification course and exam, has a mission to provide Cybersecurity education and certifications to students across the world to prepare them for their future careers. Founded in 2001, EC-Council offers over 200 different training programs and certifications – ranging from End-User Security to highly technical Penetration Testing to Information Security Management, and many other tactical courses. Recognized under the U.S. Department of Defense 8140 and an ISO/IEC 17024 Accredited Organization, EC-Council holds these and many other distinctions and accreditations by prestigious agencies worldwide – making EC-Council’s certification programs highly desirable and valued within the cybersecurity global communities. The EC-Council Academia partner program offers free partnership opportunities to academic institutions globally. These partnerships establish cybersecurity ecosystems through education that support students, alumni, faculty, employees, and the local communities at large. Through established partnerships, academic institutions can access extensive discounts on learning resources, technologies, and certifications, offering students opportunities to obtain stackable credentials to become more competitive as they enter the workforce. The program also focuses on initiating faculty development, scholarships, and cyber competitions. To date, EC-Council supports over 2,000 education networks and institutions globally. EC-Council Academia works with academic institutions at all levels, including over 250 National Centers of Academic Excellences (N-CAEs) as designated by the National Security Agency, contributing to certify tens of thousands of students annually with industry-leading credentials. For more information on EC-Council Academia, please visit www.eccouncil.org/academia.