CCSA℠ is an instructor-led 1-day program. It validates knowledge and skill sets in cybersecurity with particular focus and emphasis on the development of an applicable cybersecurity incident response and an enterprise cybersecurity program.
CCSASM validates knowledge and skill sets in cyber security with particular focus and emphasis on the development of an applicable cyber security incident response and an enterprise cyber security program.
Increasingly, businesses are challenged with both securing their digital assets and the information infrastructure. Organizations need to monitor the changing dynamics of their infrastructure to mitigate risks and vulnerabilities to ensure compliance with best practices
The CCSASM is a unique program in the compliance and security industry – indeed the first of a kind in the world. It is laser-beam focused on thoroughly examining cyber security requirements and establishing best practices that can be applied in securing today’s digital business information infrastructure.
Organizations are quickly moving to a digital ecosystem that is governed by strict regulatory compliance requirements. Validate your compliance security skills and knowledge and distinguish yourself with the credential, CCSASM.
CCSA℠ validates knowledge and skill sets in cyber security with particular focus and emphasis on the development of an applicable cyber security incident response and an enterprise cyber security program.
Increasingly, businesses are challenged with both securing their digital assets and the information infrastructure. Organizations need to monitor the changing dynamics of their infrastructure to mitigate risks and vulnerabilities to ensure compliance with best practices
The CCSA℠ is a unique program in the compliance and security industry – indeed the first of a kind in the world. It is laser-beam focused on thoroughly examining cyber security requirements and establishing best practices that can be applied in securing today’s digital business information infrastructure.
Organizations are quickly moving to a digital ecosystem that is governed by strict regulatory compliance requirements. Validate your compliance security skills and knowledge and distinguish yourself with the credential, CCSA℠.
From this compliance and security training program you will:
CCSA℠ program is of value to compliance professionals and managers, information security officers, security practitioners, privacy officers and senior IT professionals.
The CCSA℠ exam validates knowledge and skill sets in cyber security with particular focus and emphasis on the development of an applicable cyber security incident response and an enterprise cyber security program.
| Exam Name | Exam Number | Number of Questions | Time Allowed | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCSA-1 | CCS-101 | 60 | 60 Minutes | 75% |
CCSA℠ exam questions are developed with the intent of measuring knowledge and application of general concepts in the area of cyber security incident response and an enterprise cyber security program. Every CCSA℠ exam question has a stem (question) and five options (answer choices). The candidate is asked to choose the correct or best answer from the options. The stem may be in the form of a question or incomplete statement. In some instances, a scenario or description problem may be included.
| Examination Areas |
|---|
| Cyber Security |
| Security Incident Management |
| Vulnerability Assessment & Penetration Testing |
| Essential Cyber Policies |
| Encryption |
| Establishing a Cyber Security Program |
After payment processing, a confirmation for access to the exam will be provided within one business day. The exam must be taken with a 3 months period from the date access is provided.
This is an excellent program for professionals that have earned credentials such as CISSP, CISM, CISA, Security+, MCSE, and CBCP.
CISSP, CISM, CISA, Security+, MCSE and CBCP certified professionals will find that the CCSA℠ program adds significant depth to their knowledge of compliance requirements related to information security. These compliance requirements directly impact the security priorities and initiatives across all types of organizations and business.
The fast track is available only for CCSA℠ students that attend instructor led training. ecfirst recognizes the breadth of security content that must be mastered to attain certain security credentials. Fast Track for the CCSA℠ class means if you have another security credential, such as CISSP or Security+, you will still need to take the class but you will not have to take the exam to get the CCSA℠ credential. It will automatically be given once you send the documentation that you have another security credential.
The Certified Cyber Security Architect (CCSA℠) exam fee is $695.00.
CCSA℠ must comply with the following requirements to retain certification:
ecfirst may, at its discretion after due and thorough consideration, revoke an individual’s CCSA℠ certification for any of the following reasons:
The CCSA℠ Program can be delivered at any location world-wide. To schedule the 1-day CCSA℠ Program at your site, please contact ecfirst at +1.515.987.4044 ext 25 or Kris.Laidley@ecfirst.com.
Bring ecfirst training, certification and executive briefs to your site. ecfirst will customize the session to meet your specific requirements and time frames.
ecfirst is passionate about developing and validating information security compliance knowledge. ecfirst, in business since 1999, was recognized as an Inc. 500 fastest growing privately held business in the United States in its first year of eligibility. ecfirst is an organization with deep hands-on experience in compliance and IT services.
ecfirst serves a Who’s Who client list of over 2,000 that includes Principal Financial, numerous hospitals including Edward, Sherman, Condell, BSA, Mercy, Northwest Community, Samaritan and many others. State and county governments that have been trained by ecfirst include the State of Oregon, Iowa, and Illinois. U.S. government agencies that have participated in ecfirst programs include the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Air Force, Coast Guard, Homeland Security, Coast Guard and several others.
This document is a guide to those pursuing the CCSA℠ certification. No representations or warranties are made by ecfirst that the use of this guide or any other associate publication will assure candidates of passing the CCSA℠ exam.
Copyright © 2006-2020 by ecfirst. Reproduction or storage in any form for any purpose is not provided without prior written permission from ecfirst. No other right or permission is granted with respect to this work. All rights reserved.
Ali Pabrai, MSEE, CISSP (ISSP, ISSMP), CCSFP, Security+, a cyber security & compliance expert, is the chairman & chief executive of ecfirst.
A highly sought after professional, he has successfully delivered solutions to U.S. government agencies, IT firms, healthcare systems, legal & other organizations worldwide.
Mr. Pabrai served as an Interim CISO for a health system with 40+ locations in USA. Mr. Pabrai has led numerous engagements worldwide for ISO 27001, PCI DSS, NIST, CMMC & HIPAA/HITECH security assessments.ecfirst is an approved HITRUST CSF assessor & a PCI Qualified security Assessor.
Mr. Pabrai developed a signature security methodology called, bizSHIELDtm. The Seven Steps to HIPAA Security. bizSHIELDtm today provides the framework for many security and compliance initiatives at client organizations worldwide.
Mr. Pabrai was the creator of the world’s most successful Internet skills certification, CIW. Mr. Pabrai also established the industry’s first certification program on HIPAA – Certified HIPAA Professional (CHP) and Certified HIPAA Security Specialist™ (CHSS™). He also launched the Certified Security Compliance Specialist™ (CSCS™) program.
Mr. Pabrai is the co-creator of the Security Certified Program (SCP) – a program approved by the U.S. Department of Defense Directive 8570.1M and one of the industry’s most comprehensive hands-on information security certification programs.
Mr. Pabrai has presented passionate briefs to tens of thousands globally, including the USA, United Kingdom, France, Taiwan, Singapore, Canada, India, UAE, Africa, Saudi Arabia, Philippines, Japan & others. Conferences Mr. Pabrai has been featured at include HCCA, ISACA CSX, HIMSS, InfraGuard(FBI), ISSA, HIPAA Summit, Google Privacy & Security Summit, Microsoft Tech Summit, Internet World, DCI Expo, & dozens of others. Mr. Pabrai is the author of several Published works.
He has delivered fast paced, high energy briefings in many cities worldwide including Jeddah, (Saudi Arabia); New Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai and Mumbai (India); Tsukuba City (Japan); Dubai, Abu Dhabi (UAE); Karachi and Lahore (Pakistan); London (UK), and across the United States. Mr. Pabrai’s clients have included hundreds of hospitals, long-term care facilities, Kaiser, Microsoft, Kemin, Ernst & Young, Elkay, Intuit, Pella, Principal Financial, U.S. Naval Surface Warfare Center, U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, as well as numerous federal, state and county governments.
His career was launched with the U.S. Department of Energy’s nuclear research facility, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, in Chicago. During his career, he has served as Vice-Chairman and in several senior officer positions with NASDAQ-based firms.
Mr. Pabrai was appointed and servers as a member of the select HITRUST CSF Assessor Council.
Mr. Pabrai is a proud member of the U.S. InfraGard (FBI).
He can be reached at Pabrai@ecfirst.com or at +1.949.528.5224.
Control your excitement!
“Insightful! Appreciate the flow of the class! Easy to understand! The organization of the modules were the strength of the program. Teacher was interactive and energetic. Overall rating of the Course: 9. Overall rating of the Instructor: 10”.
Carrie Main
Ringgold County Hospital
“Excellent. Knowledge of instructor, gaining a general understanding of several cybersecurity frameworks and a deeper understanding of each are the strength of the course. While the course was very fast-paced, I feel like I gained a lot of valuable knowledge in a short period of time. Thank you! Overall rating of the Course: 10. Overall rating of the Instructor: 10”.
Dave Hansen
RSPN
“Good. Ali is extremely knowledgeable. Overall rating of the Course: 10. Overall rating of the Instructor: 10”.
Debbie Tidmore
UnityPoint Health
“Very comprehensive. Contagious energy. Good high-level view. Focused. Provided good strategy to develop framework. Overall rating of the Course: 10. Overall rating of the Instructor: 10”.
Francesco Ventura
noHold, Inc.
“Ali was very passionate about what he was teaching which made it easier to engage. It covered a lot of ground. Useful practice quiz! Overall rating of the Course: 9.”
Isabel Guerrero
episource
“Training was highly informative and applicable. Great informative graphics. Great pace and easy to work into the business day. Overall rating of the Course: 10. Overall rating of the Instructor: 10”.
Jacob Ulczynski
Alamo Area Council of Governments
“It seems very helpful, good compliment to the written material. Brings together a lot of information and the last chapter really brings it all together. Overall rating of the Course: 8. Overall rating of the Instructor: 10”.
Jeremy Davis
Diversified Administration, Inc.
“Excellent presentation of valuable information in defined timeframe. Great instructor and content. Overall rating of the Course: 10. Overall rating of the Instructor: 10”.
Jorge Colon
Linkactiv
“Very good. Quick and to the point. Online offering and well informed instructor were the strength of the course. Overall rating of the Instructor: 9”.
Justin Graves
Area Agency on Aging Region 9
“Love the pace, clear information, and Ali's personality! The strength of the course are the instructor's clarity on the topics, and occasional humor. I'd give Ali a 15 if I could!! Overall rating of the Course: 10. Overall rating of the Instructor: 10”.
Kathy Heaton
Hoag Hospital
“Very good. Very clear understand method! Overall rating of the Course: 10”.
Martin Fernando
Hudson Regional Hospital
“Great instructor's knowledge and his passion for the subject. I believe everything was covered during the lectures. Excellent material and a knowledgeable instructor. What more could you ask for? Fun! Exciting! I always love his classes! Thorough and Informative. Overall rating of the Course: 10. Overall rating of the Instructor: 10”.
Mike Turpin
ecfirst
“Very good and informative. Overall rating of the Course: 10. Overall rating of the Instructor: 10”.
Pavan Attur
Hudson regional hospital
“Ali is obviously an expert. This is a lot of new information and it's hard to follow all of it this quickly.”
Richard Wollenberger
Parents as Teachers
“A lot of information to present in a short period of time. Overall Ali is very passionate about the material and has a great depth of knowledge on the subjects”.
Rick Guetschow
episource LLC
“Ali is the best!!! Overall rating of the Course: 9. Overall rating of the Instructor: 9”.
Sean Cody
SJC Technology Inc.
“Insightful and Engaging. Awesome Framework. Overall rating of the Course: 10. Overall rating of the Instructor: 10”.
Steve Ransbottom
Bone & Joint SC
“Great course material and fast paced. Overall rating of the Course: 10. Overall rating of the Instructor: 10”.
Sudhnshu Tikekar
St. Rose Hospital
“Great class Ali. Always a pleasure. Let's hope I pass the test. Very informative. Great addition to what I have learned so far from ecfirst. Overall rating of the Course: 9. Overall rating of the Instructor: 10”.
Tina Hernandez
Illuminate Education
“Always a pleasure to take a class from Ali. Have taken CSCSTM years ago (and recertify) and enjoy his candor. Overall rating of the Course: 10. Overall rating of the Instructor: 10”.
Traci Nyre
SCL Health
“Excellent class and Ali is a great instructor, subject matter expert and keeps the class interesting and moving along. A lot of material covered in a few hours, but great overall experience. Thank you Ali and team, your enthusiasm for Security is infectious and welcomed. Stay safe everyone! The course is directly relevant to the conditions we are living today - especially in Healthcare. Class offers a good balance of information. Overall rating of the course: 10. Overall rating of the Instructor: 10.”
Roberto Rijos
Konica Minolta Healthcare Americas
“The breadth of the material shared was very informative and helpful. The awareness of recent changes to and the addition of new standards are the strength of the course. Overall rating of the course: 10. Overall rating of the Instructor: 10.”
Patty Neumayer
Collective Medical Technologies
“I think it is a very targeted course that provides quite a bit of value for those individuals/organizations looking to dip their toe into these topics. It seemed to have a lot of information that was packed into the training days. I think perhaps having an extra two hours would greatly help in absorbing all of the information and providing more room for group discussions of topics and practical application. This course could be a deep dive and allowing questions about best practice and why certain regulations or standards are written the way they are, and how these best practices can be applied to unique organizations.”
Matthew Dolby
Costco Wholesale
“Very good experience and highly recommended. Really enjoyed the training. Up-to-date information. Overall rating of the course: 10. Overall rating of the Instructor: 10.”
Javier Rodriguez-Acosta
MSO of PR
“Excellent training with a wealth of information shared in a very compressed timeframe. Introduced new framework under CMMC that would become a defacto framework for all DoD Vendors to follow and demonstrate compliance. Overall rating of the course: 10. Overall rating of the Instructor: 10.”
Izhar Ahmed Mujaddidi
Beacon Health Options
“Course was very informative. Overall rating of the Instructor: 10.”
Gerry Gianatiempo
Hudson Regional Hospital
“Good information at a good pace. Course strength were the quality and the fact that it was very concise. Overall rating of the course: 9. Overall rating of the Instructor: 10.”
Bill Chelmowski
Magnolia Regional Health Center
“This was a fantastic and an incredibly valuable course! Overall rating of the Course: 10. Overall rating of the Instructor: 10”.
Charlie Mollien
Meijer Inc.
“AWESOME!!!! Loved the course. Presentation of materials, references, information and its importance are the strengths of the course. Overall rating of the Course: 10. Overall rating of the Instructor: 10”.
Gregory Ewing
Trillium Health, Inc.
“Very good and informative. Overall rating of the Course: 9. Overall rating of the Instructor: 9”.
Herbert Massey II
DC Government
“Presenter was informative and presented information in an interesting conversation. Overall rating of the Course: 9. Overall rating of the Instructor: 9”.
Jennifer Thompson
Meijer Inc.
“Excellent. Very informative and entertaining delivery by the presenter. Overall rating of the Course: 10. Overall rating of the Instructor: 10”.
Juan Gaitan
Passageway
“Great and knowledgeable instructor. This is my first cybersecurity class and I have received a lot of information. Overall rating of the Instructor: 10”.
Lassey Mensah
Consolidated Information Technology
“Well organized, informative and very fast. Large amount of information, for both the exam and for future reference. Overall rating of the Course: 10. Overall rating of the Instructor: 10”.
Michael McGregor
Medcom
“Clearly educates the students to know NIST Cybersecurity Framework and how to use it in the real-world cybersecurity field. The instructor is very knowledgeable with solid experience from cybersecurity consulting engagements. So, the students can learn the practical cybersecurity assessment and risk management skills. I strongly recommend this course for NIST Cybersecurity Framework training and awareness education. Overall Rating of Course: 10. Overall Rating of the Instructor: 10.”
Bin Du
McAfee
“The ecfirst classes are always very informative. I am always taking ecfirst classes. Ali is a great teacher and I will continue to take future classes. Overall Rating of the Course: 10. Overall Rating of the Instructor: 10.”
Divyash Patel
MX2 Technology, Inc
“Useful and informative. Instruction and practical scenarios are the greatest strength. Overall Rating of the Instructor: 10.”
Jan Wilson
Garden Park Consulting
“Ali provided great examples when instructing the course. He broke down each module and made sure the class had a great understanding before moving forward to the next module. There were no areas where I could have used more instructions or assistance. Ali had established clear points when instructing the class and explained in a way where I, a person with little experience and knowledge within cybersecurity, understand what was being taught. Thanks Ali and ecfirst for giving me this opportunity to learn and have a better understanding of cybersecurity. Ali had made this subject enjoyable and also easier to learn. Overall Rating of the Course: 10. Overall
Rating of the Instructor: 10.”
Kevin Dinh
MX2 Technology, Inc
“I am new to cybersecurity but the course managed to let me understand the foundation. Overall Rating of the Course: 10. Overall Rating of the Instructor: 10.”
Lavender
Webster University
“The rate at which the materials were covered. Many times in other classes I find myself nodding off in a training, but not with Ali. He kept us engaged and attentive for the whole course which I greatly appreciated. Keep up the great work! Overall Rating of the Course: 10. Overall Rating of the Instructor: 10.”
Robert Wilson
MX2 Technology, Inc
“Overall rating of instructor: 10. CCSA program was concise. Good presentation. A very passionate instructor. Great information.”
Don Howard
CHMB
“Have a much better understanding of HIPAA, NIST, and HITRUST. Instructor was a fountain of knowledge and expertise. Ali’s passion, knowledge and experience facilitates the attendee to learn concepts that can be so overwhelming without his guidance. He makes a difficult topic interesting and quite digestible. Over rating of CCSA program: 10. Over rating of instructor: 10”
Vicki Brown
CHMB
“Very knowledgeable instructor, provided timely and relevant examples and resources. Overall rating of instructor: 10.”
Mary Honomichi
Siouxland Community Health Center
“Instructor has breadth of knowledge on cybersecurity. Overall rating of CCSA program: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10.”
Andy Ansryan, Senior Director, Information Security
O’Neil Digital Solutions
“Checklists + methodology for NIST based CSF was explained well. Overall rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10. Great overview of the NIST CsF and how it applies to a cybersecurity program.”
T. R. Piller, IT Director + ISO
Arkray
“Energetic instructor and made the training material easier to understand. Overall rating of course: 9. Overall rating of instructor: 9.”
“Frameworks and risk analysis, risk management, encryption were strengths of the course. Overall rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10.”
Katherine Wilson, Senior Internal Auditor
University of Rochester
“Knowledgeable speaker. Presented in a very informative way. Overall rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10. The speaker was knowledgeable on the subject matter. Expertise came through in his presentation. I highly recommend him!”
Suzanne Kaneshiro, Privacy Officer
Dept. of Public Health & Social Services, Guam
“Long-time expertise of the instructor and a very logical layout of the course material were strengths of the CCSA Program. Overall rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10. For a non-IT HIPAA professional like myself, this course gave a comprehensive, but easy-to-understand structure for integrating privacy and security requirements.”
Brett Shrader , Privacy Officer
Beacon Health Options
“Information provided was in-depth and easy to understand. Overall rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10. Great class! Instructor was knowledgeable on topic. He answered all my questions and explained things in a way you can easily understand.”
Kayla Wharton, HIPAA Compliance Specialist
Innovative, Inc.
“Focused, interactive, real-life examples. Overall rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10. Excellent prep course led by knowledgeable, entertaining cyber professional, who brought dry security concepts to life.”
Victoria Gage-Bernheimer, Privacy Counsel
Accenture
“Instructor was very prepared for the course. Overall rating of instructor: 9. Good material and relevant examples provided by trainer.”
Imran Khan
Etisalat
“Overall rating of instructor: 9. The cybersecurity framework and HIPAA incident and risk management were the strengths of the course.”
Uzair Ahmad
Etisalat
“Overall rating of instructor: 10. Overall rating of course: 10. Excellent program.”
Ghulam Qasim
Etisalat
“Overall rating of instructor: 10. Overall rating of course: 10. The content was the strength of the program.”
Sumit Sharma
Etisalat
“Overall rating of instructor: 9. Overall rating of course: 9. A well structured course.”
Amal Alhajeri
Etisalat
“Overall rating of instructor: 9. Overall rating of course: 9. The cybersecurity framework that was covered was the strength of the program.”
Amr Nabil
“A well organized and highly illustrated program with industry expertise delivered. Overall rating of instructor: 10. Overall rating of course: 10. The multiple frameworks discussed was a strength of the program.”
Subramaniam Vaidhyanathan
Etisalat
“The course was very beneficial and with in-depth cybersecurity information. This helped enhance the security knowledge of the attendees. Mr. Pabrai highlighted and covered most areas starting from the history of security and included relevant examples. Overall rating of instructor: 10. Overall rating of course: 10.”
Mohammad Ali Al Hallami
Etisalat
“Instructor was prepared for delivery of the program. Overall rating of instructor: 10. Overall rating of course: 10.”
Vijay Kumar Soni
Etisalat
“Expert level instructor. Complex topics explained in an easy to understand manner. Overall rating of instructor: 10. Overall rating of course: 9.”
Antonio Barrantes
Etisalat
“Great knowledge of the instructor around the topics. Overall rating of instructor: 10. Overall rating of course: 9.”
Francisco Ruiz
Etisalat
“Overall rating of instructor: 10. Overall rating of course: 10. Good delivery.”
Boby Kuruvila George
Etisalat
“Organized, explained things well. Overall Rating of Course: 10. Overall Rating of Instructor: 10.”
Cynthia Thomas
“Instructor were very informative, detailed & had plenty of knowledge regarding the course. Overall Rating of Course: 9. Overall Rating of Instructor: 10.”
Joshua Allen
CTSI
“The instructor was able to hold my attention & engaged with the class. I really enjoyed this course. Overall Rating of Course: 10. Overall Rating of Instructor: 10.”
Haley Duplechin
CTSI
“I enjoyed the class very much. It was very informative. Overall Rating of Course: 9. Overall Rating of Instructor: 9.”
Selina Sauls
CTSI
"Depth of data and comprehensive coverage. Overall Rating of Course: 10. Overall Rating of Instructor: 10.”
Matthew Holt
CTSI
“All of the information is valid and useful. I thoroughly enjoyed this class. Ali & Lorna made the topic interesting.”
Tina Peterson
CTSI
“Overall Rating of Course: 10. Overall Rating of Instructor: 10.”
Angela Wright
CTSI
“Great course on cybersecurity. Overall Rating of Course: 10. Overall Rating of Instructor: 10.”
Mark Thomas
CTSI
“General information of cybersecurity & steps to make a plan. Overall Rating of Instructor: 10.”
Mark Andrew Tillman
Lee County Library
“A lot of information covered in one day. Overall Rating of Course: 9. Overall Rating of Instructor: 9.”
Patricia Kay Rowland
U.S.M.C
“Lots of material covered. Good study media and well organized. Good class overall. Good instructors. Overall Rating of Instructor: 9.”
Jamie Drew
CTSI
“Class gave strong framework for cybersecurity planning. Instructors had solid gasp of material. Added more real-life examples.”
Daniel Hedges
NEOS
“Detailed, well presented, structured & done in a logical sequence. Instructors understand the importance of the material. Loved the course, a pleasure to be able to participate. Certainly, appropriate for today’s continuously cyber intensive world. Overall Rating of Course: 10. Overall Rating of Instructor: 10.”
Dale Brown
MCLSI
“Overall Rating of Course: 10. Overall Rating of Instructor: 10.”
John Hardin
CTSI
“Overall Rating of Course: 10. Overall Rating of Instructor: 10.”
Steven Thompson
NEOS
“Like the checklists in the CCSA class.”
“Great view of how all the different components of a security program relate to each other. The CCSA class did a good job of pulling the pieces together.”
“Wide range of topics covered. Overall rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10.”
“Have a much better understanding if cybersecurity topics covered. Overall rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10.”
“Instructor was able to relate the sometimes dry material to real life scenarios.”
“Instructor was energetic. Kept us engaged. Course book and reference materials provided were great.”
“Strong instructor. Knowledgeable, and covered topics well. Overall rating of course: 9. Overall rating of instructor: 10.”
“Ali did a great job presenting the material. Great compliance information.”
“Great overview. Fit my needs perfectly! Overall rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10. Ali’s passion for cybersecurity comes out during his delivery. The passion encourages participation and learning. Ali is very open to questions and dialog that makes the subject material yours.”
“The CCSA Program was organized and concise. Overall rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10.”
“Good high level overview. Ali is very engaging and knowledgeable. I have no doubt about his mastery of the topics and it shows. Overall rating of course: 9. Overall rating of instructor: 10.”
“Very good and informative. I enjoyed the course and presentation.”
“Strength of the course included instructor knowledge and the reference book. Overall rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10.”
“Much better course than others I have taken. Overall rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10.”
Private, On-Site CCSA Class Evaluation, June 2017
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“The CCSA Program provided a great governance strategy review of the cybersecurity framework. Within my executive role and planning with our Board of Directors, the information delivered was invaluable! This will enable us to move forward with our cybersecurity plan. The strength of the course included: checklists and the NIST CSF review.”
Lori Beeby
Community Hospital
“The CCSA Program content was clear and concise. Overall rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10. I would highly recommend this class for anyone involved in cybersecurity program development and maintenance.”
Nita Bowers
The Training Place
“Overall rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10.”
Debbie Tidmore
UnityPoint Health
“Overall rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10.”
Laurie Sullivan
Qunicy Medical Group
“Good overall coverage of security planning and thought process.”
John Boualavong
Quincy Medical Group
“Great detailed information.”
Derek Sailors
Community Hospital
“Clear communication, knowledge and explanation of slide-to-test ratio. “Overall rating of course: 9.5. Overall rating of instructor: 9.5. Enjoying class. Good information. Very relevant to current role.”
Michael Lane
UnityPoint Health
“Interactive and informative course. Overall Rating of Course: 10. Overall Rating of Instructor: 10.”
Matthew Dee
Rise Services
“The course definitely helps me prepare for my tasks in the near future. The instructor was very clear in his explanation. Overall Rating of Course: 9. Overall Rating of Instructor: 10. I definitely will take similar courses with ecfirst. Instructor was knowledgeable and friendly.”
Mao Nuon
Akili Interactive
“Instructor was very prepared for the course. Overall Rating of Course: 10. Overall Rating of Instructor: 10.”
Tom Barker
“Very easy to understand. Well organized with real world intelligence. Overall Rating of Course: 10. Overall Rating of Instructor: 10. While the material is complicated, the course book, and instructor’s passionate presentation not only made it easy to understand, but an enjoyable and fun experience.”
Dan Schmidt
KMBS
“Course brings the concepts and terminology together. Overall Rating of Course: 9. Overall Rating of Instructor: 9. Great to meet a practicing instructor who is an industry recognized SME.”
Abhu Bhattacharya
KMBS
“The strength of the CCSA course was the outline and explanation of the NIST framework, as well as implementation of a cybersecurity program. Small class size with great dialogue. Overall Rating of Course: 9. Overall Rating of Instructor: 9. The CCSA course opened my eyes to different cybersecurity frameworks, as well as talk track I should be having with clients on how our services are helping customers get from their current profile to the target cyber profile.”
Brennan Allen
All Covered
“The CCSA Program was outstanding on every level. Overall rating of Course: 10; Overall rating of Instructor: 10. Strength of the Course: All of it.”
Bob Acosta
KMBS
“The CCSA course provides a blend of overview with appropriate drill downs. Overall rating of Course: 10; Overall rating of Instructor: 10.”
Chris Elmore
All Covered
“Very informative course. Overall rating of Course: 10; Overall rating of Instructor: 10.”
Ezekial Keator
P-M-S
“Excellent course. Overall rating of Course: 10; Overall rating of Instructor: 10.”
Ron Gillis
Konica Minolta
“Great course! Lots of useful information presented in a concise and relevant manner. Overall rating of Course: 10; Overall rating of Instructor: 10. Strength of the Course: Engaging presentation style. Real world examples, not just reading from slides. Lots packed into session.”
Peter Coronado
Conceptual MindWorks
“Ali does a great job covering all the topics. Excellent course! Overall rating of Course: 10; Overall rating of Instructor: 10. Strength of the Course: All around great course.”
Jorge Gomez
HistoryMaker Homes
“Overall rating of Course: 10; Overall rating of Instructor: 10. Strength of the Course: Broad, yet concise.”
Lakai Collins
Verizon
“Excellent teacher and speaker. Overall rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10. I was apprehensive taking the course expecting it to be too technical. The information was presented so well and so easy to absorb.”
Dawn Meglino
StratxIT Solutions
“Pabrai covered a lot of information. Effectively and concisely. Overall rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10. Wonderful course. Excellent instructor!”
Nickie Braxton
Boston Medical Center
“Very detailed and well delivered. Overall rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10.”
Brad Fell, MD
Allied Physicians Group
“Nicely laid out program. Overall rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10. I did not know what to expect coming here. I learned a lot of valuable information to use in my own practice. So glad I came!”
Dale Musson
“Checklists are useful. Overall rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10.”
Jacqueline Holmes
Cummins, Inc.
“Excellent instructor and slide deck. Clearly expert on topic. Overall rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10.”
Deborah Tokos
United Health Services Hospitals
“Practical and functional. Topical and quick. Overall rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10.”
Paul Sponcia
The IT Company
“Instructor is educated in all areas of security.”
Andy Ansryan
“Great information. Very thorough. The amount of information provided is amazing! Overall rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10. I feel more confident when I speak to my clients because of my experience with ecfirst.”
Mark Slivka
Edwards Business Systems
“Topics were explained carefully/methodically.”
Michael Williams
“Review, redundancy, emphasis on key topics were strengths of the course. Overall rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10.”
Karen Pugh
“Detailed focus on practical examples.”
Ricardo Santiago
“Referenced materials, regulatory guidance provided, instructor’s vast knowledge of subject matter were strengths of the CCSA Program. Overall rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10. I am so glad that I decided to sign up for this course.”
Eric A. Emmer-Ross
Landstuhl Regional Medical Center
“Very knowledgeable instructor. Easy to understand slides. Excellent speaker. Overall rating of course: 9. Overall rating of instructor: 10. Very informative and great interaction with group.”
Shon Ward
“Comprehensive. Solid information. Excellent material to take away. Overall rating of course: 9. Overall rating of instructor: 9. The courses moves at a dynamic pace, but was very comprehensive. Gave a solid base on which to define and create a cyber security framework.”
Gary Channer
Moxie Software
“The strength of the course was the quality of instruction and information. Overall rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10. I was a bit apprehensive concerning the technical aspects of the subject matter. However, Ali made it easy to understand and apply to my organization. Super job!”
Lou Dinatale
U.S. Army
"The CCSASM Program was exceptional. Overall rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10. The course content is exceptional. Ali is an extraordinary presenter. I was motivated, empowered and equipped to develop and enhance a comprehensive cybersecurity program."
Elsa Zavala
Citizens Business Bank
"The breakdown of the cybersecurity framework was the strength of the CCSASM course. Overall rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10. Thank you for a great class."
CCSASM Program Attendee, Ontario, California
"Topics were relevant, tangible, to my responsibilities. Further enhance my understanding."
CCSASM Program Attendee, Ontario, California
"Overall rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10."
Fabiola Rios
Citizens Business Bank
"The strength of the course was that information provided was coupled with examples of how to implement the program. The CCSASM Program was very informative."
CCSASM Program Attendee, Ontario, California
"It was really good overall. Great job. Able to understand concepts clearly. Overall rating of course: 9. Overall rating of instructor: 10."
CCSASM Program Attendee, Ontario, California
"The strength of the course was the instructor’s knowledge. Overall rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10."
Debra Hite
Citizens Business Bank
"Very informative. Simplified information. Nice checklists and examples. The class was informative and provided real world examples. It was presented in a fun and simplified manner."
Brent Holmes
Citizens Business Bank
"The strength of the CCSASM Program is that it made a very large and complex area into an understandable format. Overall rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10. Thank you so much. This was a wonderful course. The instructor was very prepared for the course."
Peter Csaba
Citizens Business Bank
"The strength of the CCSASM Program was it provided a clear picture of what is required in a cybersecurity plan and associated requirements. Overall rating of the course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10. Instructor was very prepared for the CCSASM Program. This was a very complete overview of the elements of a cybersecurity framework, creating a plan, and the associated requirements."
Harry Anderson
Konica Minolta
"Great content, and checklists. The instructor lives and breathes this! Overall rating of instructor: 10."
Tim Coker
All Covered
"Strength of the course was walking thru a framework to establish a cybersecurity program. Overall rating of the course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10. Course provided a fantastic foundation to engage an enterprise environment, regarding establishing their cybersecurity program."
Jaime Verva
All Covered
"Strong content. Great communication. Overall rating of the course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10."
Joseph Harris
Vizient
"I enjoyed increasing my technical knowledge in this important area. I cannot wait to apply what I have learned. I will continue to build on my knowledge based on a careful review of the course content. Overall rating of the course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10. CCSASM Program has a structured communication and content."
Ken Boyer
Konica Minolta
"Very detailed explanation about building and managing a cybersecurity program. Overall rating of the course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10. Excellent program."
Tracy Wood
Konica Minolta
"Material was well organized and presented in a methodical manner. Overall rating of the course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10."
Mary Nickle
TerraCom Direct
"Best class I have ever taken at Konica Minolta! Instructor was very prepared for the CCSASM Program. Overall rating of the course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10. The strength of the program is that it beautifully covers the area of cybersecurity. The course made a complex area logical and simple. Provides me with ability to qualify questions to assess my clients. I am now able to articulate to all stakeholders in the corporate office why this program will be important to them – CEO, Legal, Compliance, BioEngineering, CIO, CISO, CTO, Privacy Officer, even HR."
Katherine Finley
Konica Minolta
"Being a former Sales Educator, I know first hand how challenging it can be to hold the attention of an audience when teaching. This is especially true when the information is technical and possibly arcane to some in your class. Ali Pabrai performs this very difficult task with great ease, command, and enthusiasm. It makes the learning experience not just fun but effective. Great Job Ali!"
Clif Magee
Engagement Team Manager, Los Angeles Market
Konica Minolta Business Solutions
"Course Strengths: Presentation Material of the CCSASM course."
Grace Parker
Parsons Corporation
"Course Rating: 10, Instructor Rating: 10"
Howard Blober
Full Spectrum Assess
"Comprehensive yet moved quickly Course Rating: 10, Instructor Rating: 10"
Margaret Ayala
Los Angeles County
"Checklist, documents, and resources provided, knowledgeable instructor. Course Rating: 10, Instructor Rating: 10"
Derek Christopher
Hines and Associates
"Well organized, practical study very useful."
Sungih Ahu
"A+ Course. Rating: 10 Instructor Rating: 10"
Connie Seal
Deep Run Security
"Good overall review of NIST CSF Framework. Instructor Rating: 10"
David Sanner
Cisco
"Subjects covered were very well presented. Course Strengths: Outline in all areas and checklists. Course Rating: 10, Instructor Rating: 10"
Eugene Fry
Scryptinc
"I believe the information was clearly presented. Course Strengths: Updated information and knowledge of teacher. Course Rating: 10, Instructor Rating: 10"
Karen Figueroa
Evangelical Covenant
"Instructor has a high knowledge of subject and passes that info with enthusiasm Course Rating: 10, Instructor Rating: 10"
Andrew Parleto
"Course Rating: 10, Instructor Rating: 10"
BAli Mirshafii
KMBS
"Solid Introduction to Cyber Security. Course Rating: 10, Instructor Rating: 10"
Bryan Taylor
All Covered
"Interactive program with examples. Course Rating: 10, Instructor Rating: 10"
Drew Catalpo
All Covered
"Great pace, good information that is relevant. Course Rating: 10, Instructor Rating: 10"
Richard Richison
All Covered
"Great presentation. I very much enjoyed the day. Now if only I can pass the exam! Over rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10. Instructor hit all topics well. Strength of course was the great exchange."
Steve Lewis, EVP & COO
StoAmigo
"Foundation information to prepare an effective cybersecurity program was a strength of the CCSASM course. Over rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10."
William Evans, CIO
CSVS
"Strength of the course was its comprehensive and general application across industries. Over rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10."
Brett Peters, Regional Manager
Konica Minolta
"Strength of the course was the higher level of knowledge of cyber security."
Kari Orrender, Regional Manager
Konica Minolta
"Very clear! Detailed! Pulled the CHP and CSCS courses together. Over rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10."
Stephanie Benoit-Kurtz, VP
Link Technologies
"I have taken ecfirst courses before, and I returned due to the thorough and lively information. Over rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10. The checklists and discussions were the strengths of the course."
Michael O’Hara
MedSec Privacy
"Ali Pabrai was masterful. He allowed us to bring up most topical recent events in the media. Over rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10. ecfirst is a top-notch training organization. The materials and the CCSASM program are fantastic."
Rick Kingsbury
Konica Minolta
"The application of cyber security practices in the real world were a strength of the CCSASM program. Over rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10. Ali Pabrai is a wealth of information. He is adept at explaining complex issues in a simplistic manner."
Kevin Roth
Konica Minolta
"The cyber security checklists and workflows that were outlined seem like they will be very helpful. Over rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10. Ali Pabrai is a very engaging instructor who brought life to a rather mundane topic. I appreciate the knowledge and experience that he brought to the class. I look forward to working with him in the future."
James Trewin, Sr. VP, Information Services
CHMB
"Great overview of NIST CSF and related information. Spirited discussion with classmates. Overall rating of instructor: 10. The CCSASM Program instructor-led class is a very informative introductory class to cyber security. Would recommend for anyone involved in or concerned with their cyber security posture would take the certification training."
Ian Maurer, Sr. VP of Technology
CHMB
"Applicable knowledge and detailed information that is usable and well organized were the strngths of the CCSASM program. Overall rating of instructor: 10."
Student, Las Vegas CCSASM Program
"We have been heavily involved in HIPAA Security for several years. The CCSASM program is a terrific course to understand HIPAA Security and the cyber security framework. We learned how to expand the framework into what we are already doing. Overall rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10. Very good high-level coverage!"
Charity Sharpe
Unity Point Health
"Enjoyed all of the discussions with Ali and his input. Overall rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10. Great course. Amazing instructor. One of the best training classes I have attended."
Karen Durbin
"Loved the real life examples in the course. Overall rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10. Very informative. I understand a lot more than I did before."
Kris Laidley
"The strength of the course was the format of the instruction given and the style of the presentation. Encouragement of class participation was great. I really enjoyed the class. I learned a lot about cyber security. Overall rating of instructor: 10. I walked away with some practical applications."
Beth Manley
Iowa State Association of Counties
"Tied all the information on cyber security together! Overall rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10. Great enthusiasm. Terrific way to learn about IT and cyber security."
Lorna Waggoner
"Tied everything together for me from CHP and CSCS classes. Overall rating of course: 9. Overall rating of instructor: 10."
Deb Lang
"Good overview from a high-level perspective. Overall rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10."
Roy Hansen
"The CCSASM book and the powerpoint presentation were the strengths of the program. Overall rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10."
Heather Burke
"Strength of the CCSASM course were the examples presented by the instructor. Ali is an excellent instructor with good personality and examples shared. Overall rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10."
Stephanie Toms
"Was great to see all the cyber security information presented, pulled together at the end! Overall rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10."
Annjonette Mimi Hart
Unity Point Health
"The many side stories shared on cyber security that relate to ways to converse with security with clients – were a strength of the CCSASM Program. Overall rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10."
Fritz Craiger
"Very effective presentation delivered in the CCSASM Program. Overall rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10."
Rob Blue
Unity Point Health
"The manual, powerpoint, and the instructor were the strength of the CCSASM Program. Overall rating of course: 10. Overall rating of instructor: 10."
Adam Romo
"Wow! Great instructor/presenter! CCSASM is a terrific course."
Attendee, Sep 2016
"Very informative. Kept if fun and interesting."
Attendee, Sep 2016
"Helps us to build and validate the security program for the enterprise. Overall rating of course and instructor: 10."
Anca Banciu
Montefiore Health System
"Good materials and checklist for cyber security."
Attendee, Sep 2016
"Ali Pabrai is a great instructor! Did a phenomenal job in presenting material for the CCSASM program in such a short amount of time. Overall rating of course and instructor: 10. Great instructor. Great resources."
Angela Simmons
Total Medical Compliance
"Very informative and kept it fun and interesting. Overall rating of course and instructor: 10. The organization of slides and data within the slides were strength of the course."
Attendee, Sep 2016
"Informed instructor. Overall rating of course and instructor: 10."
Terri Durst
Southwest Diagnostic Imaging
"Good overview with detail backup for future reference."
Charles Rivers
SDI
"The strengths of the course were content, checklists, and comprehensive review of policy standards. Overall rating of course and instructor: 10."
Patrick Cross
Memorial Health
"Clear to follow. Thoroughly outlined. Overall rating of course and instructor: 10. Thank you for a very clear explanation of a complicated area."
Judith D. Thompson, Esq.
Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office
"The strengths of the course included content, materials, presenter/instructor, and the participants’ background and expertise. Mr. Pabrai provided an excellent environment for participants to contribute experiences and input to the topics covered. Mr. Pabrai demonstrated complete knowledge of subject matter. I will recommend participation in future courses."
Rafael Diaz
Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc.
"The instructor was very prepared for the course. The strengths of the course included details, full of information and easy to follow along. Being new to the field Ali Pabrai made it fun, interesting and easy to understand the content. Overall rating of course and instructor: 10. I am very satisfied with the overall presentation and the information provided."
Timothy Olson
Southwest Health System
"The strength of the course was the wide coverage of topics.
Denis Burns
FSU College of Medicine
"Dynamic speaker and able to deliver technical content in an easy to understand manner. Overall rating of course and instructor: 10. Instructor Ali Pabrai was extremely knowledgeable and effective at teaching the CCSASM material. I thoroughly enjoyed this course."
Lisa Jackel
Goodwill of the Finger Lakes, Inc.
"The checklists and content that can be easily implemented into processes – were the strengths of the course."
Jessica James
Amedisys, Inc
"Course was thorough and included good materials. Very good course. Very thorough information provided. Class interaction was very important."
Andrei Dumitrescu
State of Tennessee
Center for Health Affairs (CHA) & ecfirst Webinar on COVID-19 Cyberattacks Disrupt Business,
June 2, 2020.
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