--- title: INE - 2026 | The Year of the Defender description: "2026 is the Year of the Defender\nThe Year of the Defender is a moment to recognize the professionals who keep organizations running, secure, and resilient and to commit to building the skills required for what comes next." --- ![INE - Logo - Carbon Gradient](https://learn.ine.com/hs-fs/hubfs/INE%20-%20Logo%20-%20Carbon%20Gradient.png?width=90&height=27&name=INE%20-%20Logo%20-%20Carbon%20Gradient.png) A Message for Those Who Protect # **2026 is the Year of the Defender** If you protect systems, data, networks, and people, this year is about you. The world is changing faster than ever. Threats are more complex. Technology is more connected. And the responsibility placed on technologists has never been greater. The *Year of the Defender* is a moment to recognize the professionals who keep organizations running, secure, and resilient and to commit to building the skills required for what comes next. Join the Movement [Start Training](https://www.checkout.ine.com) Join the Movement → Learn more ![](https://learn.ine.com/hubfs/Logo%20no%20Text.png) **Defense Has Evolved.** **Defenders Must Evolve With It.** Modern defense requires more than depth in a single discipline. Today’s environments are interconnected by design, and many of the most serious risks emerge in the gaps between systems. That’s why defenders need more than isolated expertise. They need a working understanding of how networks, security, cloud, automation, and response intersect—and the ability to apply those skills in real-world scenarios.   **INE supports defenders through:** **![school\_45dp\_EF7D22\_FILL0\_wght400\_GRAD0\_opsz48](https://learn.ine.com/hs-fs/hubfs/school_45dp_EF7D22_FILL0_wght400_GRAD0_opsz48.png?width=45&height=45&name=school_45dp_EF7D22_FILL0_wght400_GRAD0_opsz48.png) Expert-created, practitioner-led training** **![labs\_45dp\_EF7D22\_FILL0\_wght400\_GRAD0\_opsz48](https://learn.ine.com/hs-fs/hubfs/labs_45dp_EF7D22_FILL0_wght400_GRAD0_opsz48.png?width=45&height=45&name=labs_45dp_EF7D22_FILL0_wght400_GRAD0_opsz48.png) Hands-on labs grounded in real-world scenarios** **![polyline\_45dp\_EF7D22\_FILL0\_wght400\_GRAD0\_opsz48](https://learn.ine.com/hs-fs/hubfs/polyline_45dp_EF7D22_FILL0_wght400_GRAD0_opsz48.png?width=45&height=45&name=polyline_45dp_EF7D22_FILL0_wght400_GRAD0_opsz48.png) Learning paths designed for cross-skill growth** **![workspace\_premium\_45dp\_EF7D22\_FILL0\_wght400\_GRAD0\_opsz48](https://learn.ine.com/hs-fs/hubfs/workspace_premium_45dp_EF7D22_FILL0_wght400_GRAD0_opsz48.png?width=45&height=45&name=workspace_premium_45dp_EF7D22_FILL0_wght400_GRAD0_opsz48.png) Certifications that validate practical readiness** [Learn How INE Supports Defenders](https://ine.com/why-ine) ## **The Job Has Changed.** **The Stakes Are Higher.**   Modern defenders are expected to protect more systems, across more environments, with fewer blind spots—all while threats continue to grow exponentially. Skills that once lived in silos now overlap. Attackers understand networks, cloud, automation, and security together. Defenders are expected to do the same. **These skills aren’t developed overnight—but they can be built deliberately, through hands-on practice and real-world scenarios.** [Get INE Premium](https://checkout.ine.com/#subscriptions) The challenge isn't effort. It's keeping pace with change and knowing which skills matter most next.  | ![](https://learn.ine.com/hs-fs/hubfs/animation_60dp_EF7D22_FILL0_wght400_GRAD0_opsz48.png?width=28&height=28&name=animation_60dp_EF7D22_FILL0_wght400_GRAD0_opsz48.png) Cross-Domain Thinking | ![](https://learn.ine.com/hs-fs/hubfs/front_hand_60dp_EF7D22_FILL0_wght400_GRAD0_opsz48.png?width=28&height=28&name=front_hand_60dp_EF7D22_FILL0_wght400_GRAD0_opsz48.png) Hands-On Investigation & Reponse | | --- | --- | | ![](https://learn.ine.com/hs-fs/hubfs/cognition_60dp_EF7D22_FILL0_wght400_GRAD0_opsz48.png?width=28&height=28&name=cognition_60dp_EF7D22_FILL0_wght400_GRAD0_opsz48.png) Critical Thinking in an Automated World | ![](https://learn.ine.com/hs-fs/hubfs/all_inclusive_60dp_EF7D22_FILL0_wght400_GRAD0_opsz48.png?width=28&height=28&name=all_inclusive_60dp_EF7D22_FILL0_wght400_GRAD0_opsz48.png) Continuous Adaptability | INE Premium Subscription ## $749 /year Save $250 $499 /year --- - Learning paths, course labs, quizzes, and course files - Learner usage - Fundamentals content - Expanded course library\*  - 50% off One Certification/Year [Get Premium Subscription](https://checkout.ine.com/?plan=ine_premium&coupon=premsub200125) Use Coupon Code: PREMSUB200125 INE Fundamentals Annual ## $299 /year Save $150 $150 /year --- - Learning paths  - Courses - Quizzes - Course Files - Learning Usage - Fundamentals Content - eJPT & ICCA Cert Vouchers [Get Fundamentals Annual](https://checkout.ine.com/?plan=fundamentals_annual&coupon=fundsub100125) Use Coupon Code: FUNDSUB100125 **THE SOLUTION** **Comprehensive Training for Modern Attack Surfaces** Traditional security training focused on perimeter defense can't prepare teams for today's reality. Organizations need security professionals who understand how attackers exploit cloud misconfigurations, mobile application vulnerabilities, IoT devices, and API integrations—not just traditional network perimeters. --- **Why INE Security Training for Your Team?** Multi-Domain Coverage Bridge the gaps between cloud security, network defense, mobile application testing, and web application security with comprehensive learning paths that cover your actual infrastructure—not just legacy perimeters. Hands-On Attack Surface Labs Practice exploiting and defending IoT devices, cloud misconfigurations, mobile applications, and web APIs in realistic lab environments. Your team learns by doing—attacking and defending across diverse technologies. Current Threat Training Content updates continuously as new attack vectors emerge. Train your team on exploitation techniques attackers are using right now—not the techniques from five years ago that traditional courses still teach. Measurable Skill Development Track competency growth across cloud platforms, mobile security, application pentesting, and infrastructure defense. Demonstrate ROI through reduced incident response times and improved detection rates. ![Business UI - Isometric](https://learn.ine.com/hubfs/Business%20UI%20-%20Isometric.png) **Schedule a Personalized Demo** To see how we can transform your infrastructure teams into security-first network architects Schedule Now! ![Q3 - Brand Campaign - Icon](https://learn.ine.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Q3%20-%20Brand%20Campaign%20-%20Icon.png?width=350&height=350&name=Q3%20-%20Brand%20Campaign%20-%20Icon.png) **Transform Your Infrastructure Team's Capabilities** ![Checkmark](https://learn.ine.com/hubfs/Checkmark.png) Design networks with integrated security from the foundation up ![Checkmark](https://learn.ine.com/hubfs/Checkmark.png) Implement Zero Trust architecture without compromising performance ![Checkmark](https://learn.ine.com/hubfs/Checkmark.png) Troubleshoot network issues while maintaining security posture ![Checkmark](https://learn.ine.com/hubfs/Checkmark.png) Reduce mean time to resolution for security-related network incidents ![Checkmark](https://learn.ine.com/hubfs/Checkmark.png) Demonstrate measurable ROI through prevention rather than remediation ![Checkmark](https://learn.ine.com/hubfs/Checkmark.png) Future-proof infrastructure investments with security-conscious design decisions Community Recognition ## **Defender of The Year** What commitment looks like in practice Every year, defenders quietly put in the work to stay sharp, relevant, and ready. The *Defender of the Year* recognizes that commitment—not as a competition, but as a reflection of what modern defense requires.   A defender isn’t defined by a single role or certification. Defenders are the people who take responsibility for keeping systems secure, reliable, and operational, often across multiple domains.   Defense isn’t siloed—and neither are defenders. DEFENDERS INCLUDE: | 1 Security and SOC analysts | 2 Network and infrastructure engineers | | --- | --- | | 3 Cloud and platform specialists | 4 Pentesters and security engineers | | ![INE Logo](https://learn.ine.com/hubfs/Logo%20no%20Text.png) Ivan Cese Featured Defender | Ivan Cese exemplifies what it means to be a modern defender. Through consistent effort and a commitment to continuous learning, he completed every INE certification—building deep, cross-disciplinary expertise along the way. His journey isn’t about titles or shortcuts. It’s about showing up, expanding skills, and preparing for what’s next. “ “Cybersecurity, at its core, is a dialogue between attack and defense. Walking both tracks—Red Team and Blue Team—gives you a perspective that is far richer than either alone.” — Ivan Cese | | --- | --- |   | ![Featured Defender Silhouette](https://learn.ine.com/hubfs/LP%20-%20Year%20of%20the%20Defender%20-%20B2C%20-%20Ivan01.png) Ivan Cese Featured Defender | Ivan Cese exemplifies what it means to be a modern defender. Through consistent effort and a commitment to continuous learning, he completed every INE certification—building deep, cross-disciplinary expertise along the way. His journey isn’t about titles or shortcuts. It’s about showing up, expanding skills, and preparing for what’s next. “ “Cybersecurity, at its core, is a dialogue between attack and defense. Walking both tracks—Red Team and Blue Team—gives you a perspective that is far richer than either alone.” — Ivan Cese | | --- | --- | ★ Featured Defender Ivan Cese Ivan Cese exemplifies what it means to be a modern defender. Through consistent effort and a commitment to continuous learning, he completed every INE certification building deep, cross-disciplinary expertise along the way. His journey isn't about titles or shortcuts. It's about showing up, expanding skills, and preparing for what's next.   "Cybersecurity, at its core, is a dialogue between attack and defense. Walking both tracks—Red Team and Blue Team—gives you a perspective that is far richer than either alone."   Ivan Cese ![Featured Defender Silhouette](https://learn.ine.com/hubfs/LP%20-%20Year%20of%20the%20Defender%20-%20B2C%20-%20Ivan01.png) | ![Ivan Cese](https://learn.ine.com/hubfs/Ivan%20Cese-NoBG-02.png) | ★ Featured Defender Ivan Cese Ivan Cese exemplifies what it means to be a modern defender. Through consistent effort and a commitment to continuous learning, he completed every INE certification—building deep, cross-disciplinary expertise along the way. His journey isn't about titles or shortcuts. It's about showing up, expanding skills, and preparing for what's next.   "Cybersecurity, at its core, is a dialogue between attack and defense. Walking both tracks—Red Team and Blue Team—gives you a perspective that is far richer than either alone."   Ivan Cese | | --- | --- | ★ Featured Defender Ivan Cese Ivan Cese exemplifies what it means to be a modern defender. Through consistent effort and a commitment to continuous learning, he completed every INE certification—building deep, cross-disciplinary expertise along the way. His journey isn't about titles or shortcuts. It's about showing up, expanding skills, and preparing for what's next.   "Cybersecurity, at its core, is a dialogue between attack and defense. Walking both tracks—Red Team and Blue Team—gives you a perspective that is far richer than either alone."   Ivan Cese ![Ivan Cese](https://learn.ine.com/hubfs/Ivan%20Cese-NoBG-02.png) Jump point: **TellUsWhy** (text will be hidden wen published) Defenders like Ivan didn't start with perfection – **they started with commitment.**   **Tell us why you are a defender.** ![Logo no Text](https://learn.ine.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logo%20no%20Text.png?width=200&height=214&name=Logo%20no%20Text.png) © 2026 INE. All Rights Reserved. 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