MSSA expands to offer cybersecurity training to service members

Service members transitioning from the military know what it means to defend their country. Now they can train to defend it another way — as cybersecurity experts.

Microsoft Software & Systems Academy (MSSA) is expanding with a new learning path: Cybersecurity Administration. The military training and security clearance of the more than 200,000 service members transitioning annually to civilian life position them as strong candidates for roles in the growing field of security administration. MSSA helps address the more than 500,000 tech jobs in the United States that remain unfilled each year due to a tech skills gap. Three MSSA offerings already deliver training in Server & Cloud Administration, Database & Business Intelligence Administration, and Cloud Application Development.

The Cybersecurity Administration offering will prepare graduates for security administrator careers that pay a starting salary of approximately $70,000 or more. The program covers topics such as access controls; risk identification, monitoring and analysis; incident response and recovery; cryptology; and network and communications security.

“We are strongly committed to training and hiring those who’ve served our country,” said Chris Cortez, vice president of Military Affairs at Microsoft. “The increased demand for cybersecurity professionals presents a great opportunity for military personnel to train for a long-term, meaningful career that will benefit both them and the tech industry.”

MSSA students can then take the industry-recognized Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) certification test from (ISC)^2® a global nonprofit dedicated to advancing cybersecurity. The SSCP credential certifies the technical skills and practical, hands-on knowledge needed for professional cybersecurity roles. Those earning the credential have shown they can implement, monitor and administer an IT infrastructure to ensure its confidentiality, integrity and availability. Duties typically include installing security software and anti-virus tools, updating and developing disaster recovery protocols, conducting security audits, and defending an organization’s network from unauthorized access.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Microsoft in support of its new Cybersecurity Administration learning path, which takes our deep industry knowledge to the military veteran community,” said Brian Correia, director of Business Development, North America Region, for (ISC)². “There’s no greater joy than providing our nation’s heroes with the necessary training to secure a career in cybersecurity, which is a booming and crucial field right now for our country and the world.”

Graduates can also earn up to 18 college credit hours toward a degree program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, an MSSA learning partner. Embry-Riddle is a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance and Cyber Defense with the Department of Homeland Security.

“We’re excited to continue to expand our partnership with Microsoft to deliver a new MSSA Cybersecurity Administrator learning path,” said Embry-Riddle Worldwide Campus Chancellor Dr. John R. Watret. “This new specialization will provide transitioning service members and veterans with additional opportunities to become employed in the IT industry.”

Offered at multiple bases across the country, MSSA is an intensive 18-week course that equips veterans and transitioning service members with the skills necessary to meet the tech industry’s high demand for talent.

MSSA applicants will be able to sign up for the Cybersecurity Administration training in the coming months.

For more information about MSSA and current program locations, contact your base education or transition office, or go to military.microsoft.com/mssa.