Cyber threats are becoming increasingly automated and AI-driven, pushing organizations to seek professionals who can combine cybersecurity fundamentals with AI-enabled defence capabilities. The global cybersecurity workforce gap has already crossed 4 million professionals. Industry reports indicate that AI-powered attacks are becoming more adaptive and harder to detect, while organizations continue to invest in AI-enabled security systems to strengthen threat detection, automate response, and protect critical infrastructure.
The program combines foundational and advanced concepts across cybersecurity, ethical hacking, AI-driven defence strategies, and threat intelligence. It covers operating systems, enterprise infrastructure security, vulnerability assessment and penetration testing (VAPT), ransomware, and malware analysis. The program also includes hands-on experience with tools currently critical in the ecosystem, such as n8n, IntelMQ, Shodan, Wireshark, Splunk, Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nessus, and Google Colab.
Speaking about the program, Shelly Jobst, Director of Virginia Tech Continuing and Professional Education, said, “Cybersecurity is and will continue to advance with the growing influence of AI across enterprise systems and digital infrastructure. Organizations require professionals who can understand the foundations of security and the emerging role of AI in identifying and mitigating threats. Through this program, we aim to impart practical and future-ready capabilities for emerging cybersecurity roles.”
The course reflects the evolution of cybersecurity roles by integrating AI applications across modern security workflows, including behavioral analytics, threat detection automation, and AI-assisted exploitation and post-exploitation techniques.
Commenting on the collaboration, Krishna Kumar, Founder and CEO, Simplilearn, said, “We are pleased to partner with Virginia Tech Continuing and Professional Education to launch a program that addresses the growing convergence of AI and cybersecurity. As an upskilling platform, we understand that professionals need to develop expertise that goes beyond traditional approaches to threat detection and response. This course brings together hands-on cybersecurity learning with AI applications to help learners with job-ready capabilities for modern security environments.”
The program is suitable for aspiring and early-career cybersecurity professionals, IT professionals, and learners looking to transition into cybersecurity roles with AI-focused capabilities. Candidates should have a foundational understanding of programming concepts, while prior work experience in technology or related fields is preferred but not mandatory.
Upon successful completion, learners will earn a joint Virginia Tech – Simplilearn digital badge and a digital certificate available for download. Learners will also gain access to academic masterclasses taught by Virginia Tech instructors and a Virginia Tech Continuing and Professional Education alumni membership on LinkedIn.
