Course Overview
Cyber warfare is no longer a concern confined to governments and defence contractors. Nation-state actors are actively targeting critical infrastructure, financial institutions, healthcare networks, and private enterprises across every major economy. This two-day foundation programme equips security professionals, risk managers, IT leaders, and governance leads with the knowledge to understand who these adversaries are, how they operate, and what their campaigns look like in practice.
Through mentor-led sessions and structured scenario work, participants explore the geopolitical landscape driving cyber conflict in 2026, map real campaigns against the MITRE ATT&CK framework, and examine the tactics of the most active state-sponsored threat groups. Case studies drawn from live operations including Sandworm, APT28, Lazarus Group, and Volt Typhoon bring the threat picture to life in a way that generic awareness training cannot.
By the end of day two, participants will have completed a structured tabletop exercise, produced an executive-level threat briefing, and left with a clear framework for contributing to their organisation's cyber warfare awareness programme. This course is aligned with MITRE ATT&CK, NCSC CAF, and NIS2 guidance and serves as the natural entry point into the Xcademia Cyber Warfare and Nation-State Threat Defence curriculum.
Hands-On Learning
Tabletop threat mapping exercise using MITRE ATT&CK Navigator, kill chain analysis of real nation-state campaigns, and a group executive briefing exercise on Day 2.
Mentor-Led Sessions
Practitioner-facilitated case study analysis with live commentary on active threat actor campaigns, geopolitical context, and defensive implications for each participant's sector.
Career-Ready Skills
Threat actor awareness, cyber kill chain analysis, MITRE ATT&CK navigation, geopolitical risk assessment, and executive communication of cyber warfare risk.
Learning Outcomes
Explain the distinction between cybercrime, hacktivism, and nation-state cyber warfare with professional confidence.
Identify primary nation-state threat actors by country, motivation, and typical target sector.
Map a real-world attack campaign accurately against the MITRE ATT&CK framework and cyber kill chain.
Analyse geopolitical drivers behind cyber conflict and assess their relevance to your organisation's sector.
Communicate cyber warfare threats clearly and credibly to executive and non-technical stakeholders.
Produce a structured threat actor briefing using practitioner-standard analytical frameworks.
Contribute meaningfully to organisational cyber warfare awareness and preparedness programmes.
Prerequisites
Basic familiarity with cybersecurity concepts such as malware, phishing, and firewalls.
Professional experience in an IT, security, governance, risk, or communications role.
No prior knowledge of nation-state threats or cyber warfare doctrine required.
Detailed Syllabus
Step-by-step learning journey from basics to professional practice
Topics Covered
- Pre-reading: NCSC current threat landscape briefing and MITRE ATT&CK Navigator orientation guide
- Setting up access to MITRE ATT&CK Navigator and course collaboration workspace
- Course objectives, participant role mapping, and learning agreement
- Self-assessment: current knowledge of nation-state threats and cyber warfare concepts
Skills You'll Gain
Master these in-demand skills through hands-on practice
Career Progression
A clear view of the roles this programme supports, what typically comes next, and where learners progress over time
Ways to Learn
Choose the learning format that works best for you and your team
Live Online
Instructor-Led Training
Join live instructor-led sessions from anywhere. Interactive, engaging, and flexible.
- Live instructor interaction (real-time)
- Trainer-led walkthroughs and real examples
- Guided resources and session notes provided
- Structured Q&A and practical discussion
Price per person
Group enrolments and early planning options available.
All prices are exclusive of VAT where applicable. Group enrolments and custom packages available on request.
Prefer a Faster, Personalised Route into IT?
Not everyone learns best in a group. If you want focused guidance, faster clarity, and confidence you can use on the job, our 1-to-1 Fast-Track Training gives you private, mentor-led support tailored to your experience and goals.
"Many learners choose 1-to-1 when they want understanding, not memorisation."
Exam & Certification Information
Everything you need to know about the certification exams
Important Information
You will receive an Xcademia certificate of completion based on participation and successful completion of labs and scenario simulations.
Credential
Certificate of Completion
On successful completion of Cyber Warfare Foundations, learners receive an Xcademia Certificate of Completion. This standalone certificate is issued directly by Xcademia and is aligned with globally recognised frameworks and best practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about this course
Security professionals, risk managers, IT managers, governance leads, and communications teams who need to understand the cyber warfare threat landscape. No deep technical background is required.
Ready to Start Your Learning Journey?
Take the next step in your professional development