IT Briefcase Exclusive Interview: Vector Solutions Boosts IT Security

The demands of IT security professionals are growing every day. Cybersecurity attacks are not only occurring at unprecedented rates, but the diversity of Cybercrimes is also increasing. Professionals require constant updates to skills and training to stay ahead of the next potential threat. It’s vital to an organization’s security that their staff is well-informed with latest knowledge and training available in the IT field. One of the leading providers of online training is Vector Solutions. We sat down with the SVP of Content and Communications, Victoria Zambito, to learn more about how their IT training and performance support solutions are helping organizations stay safe and ahead of the curve.

• Q. Tell us more about Vector Solutions.

Vector Solutions is a leader in eLearning and performance support. We provide award-winning SaaS solutions for the architecture, engineering, construction (AEC), industrial, facilities management, public safety, IT and education industries. We serve the everyday heroes that build and maintain the infrastructure of the world we live in.

Through our brands, RedVector, TargetSolutions, and Scenario Learning, we deliver continuing education (CE), training, technology and performance management solutions using the latest innovations in learning and technology to create safer, more capable, more compliant organizations. Our extensive online and mobile learning library exceeds more than 5,000 courses written by 200 subject matter experts and reaches over 5 million professionals worldwide.

• Q. What are some of the innovations setting Vector Solutions apart from competitors?

Delivering the latest innovations is a key to success in any industry. But at Vector, we know the difference between just delivering technology to our clients and providing them with performance enhancement solutions.

We are transforming online learning by providing real-time contextual performance support and intelligent solutions that reduce risks and increase productivity. Our goal is to create more than just a Learning Management System (LMS). It is to create an Intelligent Performance Engine, or IPE, that predicts each individual learner’s needs.

Our platform is personalized and prescribes courses based on individual specifications. We use a Credential Management System with automated alignment to required training that is approved by regulatory bodies. We also use competency assessments with automated training plans for workers to develop the skills they need most.

Another innovation we use is iConnect for the integration of our content and platform to third-party solutions so we can leverage data to strategically and intelligently drive learning. For example, with iConnect, Vector Solutions leverages incident data from EHS software to automatically assign corrective action training to reduce workplace injuries.

It’s about systematically integrating innovations with our platform and user preferences to achieve personalized, predictive learning.

• Q. How is Vector Solutions helping IT Security professionals?

Our goal is to keep them ahead of the curve. There has been a 300% increase in daily cyberattacks – the number jumped from 1,000 to 4,000 in 2016. With such exponential changes and growth in the IT landscape, it’s more crucial than ever for IT professionals to stay well-informed and properly trained with the latest industry knowledge and technology.

We work with the some of the industry’s top subject matter experts to develop the most relevant and up to date content for users. Tom Carpenter, for example, is one of our leading subject matter experts – he is a 20-year veteran that is actually responsible for defining the very criteria and qualifications that classify some of the IT industry’s most important certifications. We work with him not just on course content, but also on webinars and other supporting materials to provide real-time updates on IT training and advancements.

• Q. What are the most important certification for IT professionals today?

Many organizations and IT professionals are boosting their knowledge with certificate programs. And while numerous programs are worthy of great respect, few are held in as high regard as these:

Foundational:
CompTIA A+ Certification

The CompTIA A+ Certification provides essential foundational knowledge for IT professionals. It covers basic enterprise hardware and software deployment, management techniques and cloud computing. Approximately 1 million IT professionals hold the highly coveted IT CompTIA A+ certification.

Professional:
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH v9) – EC-Council and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH v9) – EC-Council
The Certified Ethical Hacker Certification demonstrates an IT professional has an understanding of how to look for weaknesses and vulnerabilities in target systems. He or she uses the same knowledge and tools as a malicious hacker, but in a lawful manner to assess the security of a target system(s) and plug holes in networks before black hat hackers find them. The CEH credential certifies individuals in the specific network security discipline of Ethical Hacking from a vendor-neutral perspective.

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
As enterprises continue to use advanced technology, the need to properly configure, monitor, support, and secure their networks is essential. The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) understands the principles of Cisco CCNA Routing & Switching, Security, and Wireless certifications. Knowledge areas include: System & Network Management, Access Control Lists, Common Layer 2 Attacks, IP Services & Security, WLAN Security
and WLAN Maintenance.

Mastery:
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional credential covers eight central domains: asset security, communications and network security, identity and access management, security assessment and testing, security engineering, security operations, security and risk assessment and software development security. The CISSP exam, administered via an online portal, features 250 questions.

• Q. What are some of the challenges of online training? And how is Vector Solutions addressing them?

Keeping learners engaged can often be challenging. To remedy this, we combine the latest eLearning trends with scientific learning theory to develop courses that more easily integrate with everyday life.

For example, micro-learning, mobile learning and apps provide relevant training when and where the user needs it. Courses are broken up into small bite-sized videos that are easily searchable when a refresher is needed on a specific topic. It’s an on-demand learning experience that delivers an immediately applicable skill to the user. This method of short repetitious learning not only caters to increasingly short attention spans, but also is shown to help increase comprehension rates.

Users’ experience and engagement is also being improved with use of videos, virtual reality, augmented reality, and personalization. We work diligently to deliver the latest advancement in online learning to our platform and courses.

We are dealing with high-stakes skill sets and certifications, so we need to make sure we are doing the most to help our learners optimize their training experience. At Vector Solutions, we see training as integral part of performance enhancements tools and solutions, not just another box you check.

Victoria Zambito, SVP of Content & Communications

As a member of the Vector Solutions executive team, Victoria Zambito is responsible for, and has been successful in, growing the highly profitable online education business since she joined the company 17 years ago. As Senior Vice President of Content and Communication, she is responsible for aligning and rationalizing Vector’s extensive library of over 5,000 courses across its multiple brands, enhancing, standardizing and modernizing content, and driving creative, agile solutions to deliver products. She also focuses on centralizing strategic communications and public relations as the company seeks to develop its brand globally.

Prior to this, Zambito led the Business to Professional (B2P) business unit, where she provided strategic leadership by collaborating with the CEO and core management team to establish long-term goals, strategies, plans and policies for growing the company’s direct-to-consumer business. From 2009 to 2012, she served as Vice President of Marketing for the Vector Solutions family of brands, supporting sales pipeline development, brand awareness and demand generation for both B2B and B2C efforts.