Hashim A.
HA
Hashim A.
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"Immersive Hands-On Labs for Real SOC and Forensics Experience"
5/5
What do you like best about CyberDefenders?

What I liked most about CyberDefenders is the hands-on labs. I truly felt as if I gained actual SOC analyst and Digital Forensics experience. I especially enjoyed the threat hunting module. This program taught me how to uncover suspicious activity and understand attacker behavior. There are multiple hands-on labs consisting of full attack chains where we identify initial access all the way to exfiltration. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about CyberDefenders?

I would've preferred more video lessons rather than reading but I got through it just fine. They have audio capabilities as well and I used that often. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Mohammad O.
MO
Mohammad O.
Security Engineer
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
"Excellent platform for practical cybersecurity learning"
5/5
What do you like best about CyberDefenders?

CyberDefenders provides hands-on, practical challenges that simulate real-world cybersecurity scenarios. The platform helps improve technical skills in areas like digital forensics, incident response, and threat hunting. I also appreciate the active community and detailed write-ups that make learning collaborative and effective. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about CyberDefenders?

Sometimes the challenges can lack detailed hints, which makes them difficult for beginners. Additionally, the user interface could be more intuitive, and adding progress tracking or gamification features would enhance the overall experience. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Verified User in Security and Investigations
US
Verified User in Security and Investigations
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
"Excellent hands-on blue team training with insane learning paths but limited by premium paywalls"
5/5
What do you like best about CyberDefenders?

CyberDefenders stands out for its hands-on, real-world blue team training, offering practical labs and challenges that closely mirror the daily workflows of SOC analysts. The platform features a wide range of scenarios, including DFIR, threat hunting, and malware analysis, all delivered through an intuitive interface with varying levels of difficulty. An active community provides support and motivation, enhanced by leaderboards and badges. Regular content updates introduce high-quality challenges inspired by real incident patterns. The generous free tier makes cybersecurity training accessible to beginners, while detailed walkthroughs after each challenge help reinforce learning and enable users to compare their solutions with those of experts. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about CyberDefenders?

CyberDefenders has several shortcomings, particularly with its restrictive paywalls that place the majority of advanced challenges behind premium subscriptions. This setup can make it too expensive for individual learners to access the full range of content. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Verified User in Computer & Network Security
UC
Verified User in Computer & Network Security
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"Realistic CTF Challenges with Practical Learning Experience"
5/5
What do you like best about CyberDefenders?

I really value the real-life scenarios featured here. As someone passionate about CTF competitions, I find it rewarding to take on challenges that closely resemble genuine attack situations.also using real The incorporation of widely used tools not only helps me grow as a CTF player but also makes the experience more applicable to real-world contexts. It almost feels like I’m gaining hands-on work experience, even though I haven’t yet worked formally in the field. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about CyberDefenders?

I feel that there are currently too many pro labs, and it would be much better to have more free labs available. In addition, I would appreciate seeing more hard or medium-difficulty challenges, as most of the recent free labs have been quite easy. The CCD price is also very high; although I am not certified, I believe it is a good certification, but the cost is still too much, especially for those of us dealing with weaker currencies. Finally, I think it would be beneficial to allow users the option to solve labs locally rather than only on the provided VM. If there are concerns about malware or other risks, a warning would be sufficient, but users should have the choice to work on labs locally if they prefer.

I also Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

VARUN P.
VP
VARUN P.
Associate
Consumer Services
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"Where Theory Meets Hands-On Practice"
4.5/5
What do you like best about CyberDefenders?

What I appreciate most about CyberDefenders is the depth and clarity they bring to each module. The content is kept current, and they consistently cover emerging technologies so you’re not learning outdated material. The platform offers a strong range of blue team modules with a good balance of theory and hands-on practice, and the practical focus is especially valuable for building real skills you can apply in the field. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about CyberDefenders?

So far, I haven't found anything to dislike about CyberDefenders. I am still exploring the platform, but I haven't encountered any major issues. Whenever I have needed help with a lab module, I have received a resolution quickly. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Verified User in Financial Services
IF
Verified User in Financial Services
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"Diverse Challenges and Skill Validation for All Levels"
4.5/5
What do you like best about CyberDefenders?

The CyberDefenders platform offers a wide variety of challenges, ranging from easy to extremely difficult, so everyone can find something that matches their skill level. Solving these challenges is highly satisfying, as it allows you to validate your abilities and showcase them to others, including potential employers. You can also compete with friends to see who can solve a lab first, or use the platform as a valuable learning experience by working through scenarios that closely resemble real-world cases. This hands-on approach helps you understand what to look for during actual investigations or alerts. Engaging with these labs deepens your understanding of how malware operates and provides practical insights on how to strengthen your organization's security posture, all based on real scenarios rather than just reading reports about malware campaigns. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about CyberDefenders?

I find it quite challenging to begin learning as a complete beginner, since there aren't any labs that explain the tools, how to use them, or offer tips and tricks. However, it's still possible to discover this information on your own. In some cases, it feels rewarding to solve a question after doing your own research and finally figuring it out with a specific tool. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Moaz H.
MH
Moaz H.
Cyber Security club - blue team instructor
Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)
"Realistic Labs and Hands-On Learning Experience"
5/5
What do you like best about CyberDefenders?

Their labs and their ideas of creating the labs that makes people get hands-on experience, the labs are realistic and there's hints if you can't solve a question or something Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about CyberDefenders?

that almost everything requires premium subscription, the labs, the tracks, and that the fees for subscription is a bit expensive for some countries or students. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Verified User in Information Technology and Services
UI
Verified User in Information Technology and Services
Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)
"Great Blue-Team Training with Minor Accessibility Gaps"
4.5/5
What do you like best about CyberDefenders?

I appreciate the hands-on experience and the real-world scenarios provided. The content is closely aligned with blue-teaming, which is exactly what I was looking for. The structure and sequence have supported my growth in knowledge and understanding, allowing me to further develop my skills. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about CyberDefenders?

The CCD offers solid technical capabilities, but its pricing model fails to account for differences in regional purchasing power. For candidates living in lower-income areas or countries with weaker currencies, the cost becomes a disproportionately high obstacle relative to local wages and market standards. This makes the platform less accessible, restricts diversity within the talent pool, and ultimately diminishes its impact in regions that would greatly benefit from more affordable blue-team training. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Ooi Chien H.
OH
Ooi Chien H.
Student
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"Top-Tier Hands-On Training for Aspiring Defenders"
5/5
What do you like best about CyberDefenders?

CyberDefenders is an excellent platform for hands-on cybersecurity learning and skills development. I really appreciate the realistic lab environments and well-structured challenges that help strengthen both defensive and investigative skills. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about CyberDefenders?

My experience with CyberDefenders has been very positive overall, and the platform continues to meet my expectations for practical cybersecurity training. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Moutaz A.
MA
Moutaz A.
Restaurant Chef
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"Engaging Challenges That Keep Me Motivated"
5/5
What do you like best about CyberDefenders?

The best part is how realistic the labs are. Unlike other platforms that just teach theory, CyberDefenders forces you to use real industry tools (like Wireshark, Volatility, and Velociraptor) to investigate simulated attacks. It feels like doing the actual job of a SOC analyst Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about CyberDefenders?

While the challenge is good, I find that some labs are overly time-consuming and lack sufficient initial guidance. This can make it feel like you are being 'thrown into the deep end,' which might be frustrating for learners who need a more structured, step-by-step introduction to certain tools or concepts Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.