EC-Council Unveils New AI Risk and CISO Training Suite
EC-Council has launched a comprehensive set of artificial intelligence certifications alongside an updated executive cyber leadership programme, addressing the urgent need for enhanced skills and governance frameworks as organizations transition AI from pilot projects into everyday operations.
The Enterprise AI Credential Suite
The newly introduced Enterprise AI Credential Suite encompasses four role-based qualifications, marking the largest expansion of EC-Council’s portfolio in 25 years. This suite aims to equip professionals with the necessary skills to manage AI’s operational and security risks effectively.
As organizations increasingly rely on machine learning and generative AI systems across various domains such as customer support, software development, and fraud detection, the demand for skilled personnel in these areas has never been more critical. However, many security teams lack the training to assess the models and data pipelines that underpin these technologies.
Aligning with Government Workforce Efforts
This launch aligns with the US government’s initiatives on applied AI education and skills pathways, referencing Executive Order 14179 and the July 2025 AI Action Plan workforce development pillar. The urgency of these educational efforts is underscored by IDC’s analysis, which estimates unmanaged AI risk exposure to be around $5.5 trillion globally.
Rising Concerns and Skills Gaps
As AI adoption grows, so do concerns regarding failures, misuse, and hostile manipulation of AI systems. Reports indicate that 87% of organizations have experienced AI-driven attacks, with generative AI traffic surging by 890%. This alarming trend highlights the expanding channels through which attackers can exploit systems.
Moreover, there exists a significant skills gap, particularly in the United States, where there is forecasted to be a 700,000-person reskilling gap in AI and cybersecurity roles. This disparity is compounded by the fact that 67% of AI talent is concentrated in only 15 US cities, and women represent just 28% of the AI workforce, indicating broader participation and access challenges.
Adapting to New Challenges
Jay Bavisi, Group President and Founder at EC-Council, emphasized the need for the workforce to adapt alongside the rapid adoption of AI technologies. “AI is moving from experimentation to infrastructure, and the workforce has to move with it,” he stated. The new training programs aim to equip professionals with practical capabilities across AI adoption, security, and governance.
Role-Based Training and Certifications
The Enterprise AI Credential Suite is designed to reflect how organizations structure AI delivery and oversight. The entry-level certification, Artificial Intelligence Essentials, focuses on practical AI fluency and responsible use across various roles. The suite is built around the Adopt. Defend. Govern. framework, which encompasses:
- Adopt: Readiness and safeguards for deployment.
- Defend: Threats against AI systems, including prompt injection and data poisoning.
- Govern: Accountability, oversight, and risk management.
In addition to the baseline certification, EC-Council has introduced three more specialized AI certifications:
- Certified AI Program Manager: For professionals managing AI project delivery.
- Certified Responsible AI Governance & Ethics Professional: Focused on operational governance aligned with frameworks like NIST AI RMF.
- Certified Offensive AI Security Professional: Concentrating on testing and defending AI systems against various attack techniques.
Updating Cyber Leadership Training
EC-Council has also updated its senior cyber leadership programme with the Certified CISO v4. This certification addresses executive decision-making and governance in environments where intelligent systems impact business operations and security outcomes. Bavisi remarked, “Security leaders are now accountable for systems that learn, adapt, and influence outcomes at speed.”
Market Context and Future Directions
The launch of this extensive training suite enters a competitive market for AI and cybersecurity education, where universities and consultancies vie to define job-ready skills. The increasing demand for AI governance training has led to a broader interest in role-based training that integrates AI into enterprise systems rather than treating it as a separate research discipline.
EC-Council has certified over 350,000 professionals globally and offers more than 200 certifications across various cybersecurity fields. With AI becoming embedded in operational workflows, organizations are expected to place greater emphasis on formal AI governance and security skills, shifting accountability for AI-related outcomes to senior leaders.
