Free DHS-Certified Cybersecurity Training coming to Texarkana this April

TEXARKANA, AR — Technical personnel who protect critical infrastructure networks will have the opportunity to attend a free, four-day cybersecurity training course April 6–9, 2026, provided by the Cybersecurity Defense Initiative (CDI). The Comprehensive Cybersecurity Defense (CCD) course will run daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 3501 U of A Way, Building TKW, Room 133 in Texarkana, Arkansas.

Cybersecurity Defense Initiative

The CCD course gives participants hands-on expertise in defending communications and data networks against cyber threats. Over four days, attendees will study methods attackers use and learn how to plan, install, harden and monitor network defenses. The curriculum emphasizes proactive security, real-world lab exercises and strategies that aren’t tied to specific software tools — helping agencies adopt solutions with limited cost implications.

Students who complete the training will gain an enhanced understanding of the evolving cyber threat landscape, defensive network design, and emerging attack methodologies like social engineering. They will also work with tools used by attackers to better anticipate and mitigate real-world security challenges.

The course is offered at no cost to technical personnel working for agencies or organizations that are part of the nation’s critical infrastructure. It uses a blended learning format that balances classroom instruction with hands-on labs and supplemental materials.

CDI is a national cybersecurity program developed under a cooperative agreement funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and FEMA. CDI courses — including CCD — are certified through DHS and delivered across the country to strengthen defensive capabilities in both public and private sectors.

Interested participants can register online now at https://cybersecuritydefenseinitiative.org/courses/ccd-course-texarkana/#registration.