M43 Programs
Cybersecurity Academy
Train With The Best
Cybersecurity jobs are some of the most in-demand in Idaho, with entry-level salaries starting at over $60k annually. Selected members will receive a full scholarship to train at the Sans Institute, one of the most prestigious cybersecurity providers in the industry.
The course takes place in three blocks, each lasting eight weeks. At the end, successful applicants will have three GIAC certifications and be thoroughly prepared to work in the field. Accepted members will also receive academic mentorship and career services valued at over $20k.
How To Apply
Applications are reviewed in July and the Academy starts in November. All candidates will receive notification of acceptance or denial by October 5th of the corresponding application cycle.
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Apply Online
Fill out the application from your Mission43 profile page. A review committee will give it careful consideration and select the first round of applicants to move forward.
Aptitude Exam
Selected applicants from the first round will need to take a mandatory two-hour exam issued by SANS, to be taken within 5 days of issuance. Mission43 can't help with advanced preparation of the exam, which is designed to test both current and potential skill, aptitude and problem solving.
Final Review
The aptitude exams are reviewed by Mission43 and SANS. Selections are made and applicants are notified of status.
This is a highly competitve process. We encourage you to be thoughtful and thorough during the application process.
To be eligible to apply, you need to meet these requirements.
If you aren't already a member, sign up!
We're looking for applicants who are transitioning out of the military or coming from another career with the intention of working in cybersecurity.
Like any advanced skill, your success will depend on your ability to understand the material and your desire to stick with it.
Our goal is to introduce new talent to the cybersecurity workforce. Applicants must not have prior work experience in the information security field, except for previous military experience. However, previous information technology work experience outside of cybersecurity is acceptable.
Common Questions
Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions.
This is a multi-stage program designed to provide a reliable pathway for high-potential veterans and military spouses.
The Cybersecurity Academy is for members who are going to be living in Idaho at the start of course in November and who plan on staying in Idaho to work in the information security field after the course is complete.
The first block for all students focuses on GFACT Certification. The second learning block is centered on GSEC Certification. The third block allows students to choose from four certifications to focus on - GSOC, GCLD, GCFE, or GCIH. The GCIH certification is reserved for the top performing cohort members who receive additional approval.
Also known as SEC275, this is the place for every student to begin their cybersecurity journey. We'll focus on exactly what you need to know so you can start with zero technical and security knowledge and end up with a sufficient level of theoretical understanding and applied practical skills in order to speak the same language as industry professionals.
SEC401 provides the essential security skills and techniques you need to know so you can protect and secure your critical information and technology assets, whether on-premise or in the cloud. This course will also show you how to directly apply the concepts learned into a winning defensive strategy, all in terms of the modern adversary.
The final block allows students to choose one path to focus on out of four available options. SEC450 Blue Team Fundamentals ends with GSOC certification and dives deeper in to security operations and analysis. SEC488 results in GCLD certification and focuses on cloud security essentials. FOR500 is a course designed around Windows Forensic Analysis and results in GCFE certification. The final option is SEC504 - Hacker Tools, Techniques, and Incident Handling. This is a difficult course reserved for top-performing cohort members hoping to get GCIH certification.
Learn More
Hear from Nick Emmerling about the cybersecurity outlook.