Subject-matter expert
Erik Choron
Erik brings over 20 years of IT experience to his training. He holds nearly 20 IT certifications, the majority of which focus on cybersecurity. Prior to joining CBT Nuggets, he served as a First Sergeant in the U.S. Army. His interest in tech and eventually IT was spurred after receiving a 486 computer from his grandfather and learning Basic and Pascal. When Erik isn't creating training videos, he enjoys spending time with his family, going to professional wrestling events, and doing mechanical work.
Credentials
Certifications Erik Choron holds
Vendor-issued credentials Erik holds — the practitioner background behind the courses your team will train on.
- Certifications: Certified Ethical Hacker
- GIAC Continuous Monitoring Certification (GMON)
- GIAC Systems and Network Auditor (GSNA)
- GIAC Critical Controls Certification (GCCC),GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst (GCIA) - Gold
- GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
- GIAC Certified Enterprise Defender (GCED)
- GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
- Microsoft MCSA: Server 2012
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Cloud+
- CompTIA A+
- PMI® Project Management Professional (PMP)
Training coverage
Courses that carry Erik Choron's expertise into your team plan
Use these courses as proof of coverage for the roles and technologies your team needs to support.
Courses Erik Choron teaches
CompTIA
CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst CySA+ (CS0-004)
CompTIA
CompTIA SecurityX
This CompTIA SecurityX training prepares you to earn CompTIA’s expert-level security architect certification. SecurityX is one of the best certifications for cybersecurity professionals and IT managers, and covers asset lifecycle management, MITRE ATT&CK framework, GRC, and more. It also aligns with DoDD 8140, helping you comply with government roles and contracts. You’ll learn secure system design, risk management, and compliance across complex environments. Your instructor, cybersecurity expert Erik Choron, has been in the trenches for over 20 years and knows how to make challenging material approachable, relevant, and even fun. Start studying with virtual labs and pass the CAS-005 exam with confidence.
CompTIA
Security+
Prepare for one of the most in-demand entry-level cybersecurity certifications with this CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) training. This course covers essential cybersecurity skills including network security fundamentals, cryptography basics, threat detection and mitigation, risk management, and compliance frameworks. Whether you're new to IT or looking to level up, this Security+ certification course will help you build a strong foundation in security best practices and prepare you to pass the Security+ exam. The SY0-701 exam tests your ability to assess security posture, monitor and secure hybrid environments, and respond to security incidents. This online Security+ training is ideal for aspiring security specialists, help desk analysts, and network administrators seeking a globally recognized credential in cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity
Cisco CCNP Security Core (350-701 SCOR) v2.0
Cybersecurity
CySA+
This intermediate-level CySA+ course prepares cybersecurity professionals to pass the CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) CS0-003 exam. Learn how to proactively monitor systems, detect threats, and respond to incidents with confidence. This hands-on training dives into real-world tools and techniques used in vulnerability management, threat intelligence, and security operations. You’ll practice using SIEM tools, analyzing indicators of compromise (IoCs), performing risk assessments, and strengthening cloud and hybrid environments. Ideal for SOC analysts, security engineers, and IT pros looking to advance their careers, this course aligns with the official CompTIA exam blueprint and industry best practices.
Cybersecurity
Digital Forensics
This digital forensics training teaches you how to collect, preserve, and analyze digital evidence with confidence. You’ll master skills in digital forensics and incident response, from recovering artifacts in memory and unallocated space to analyzing network traffic and hidden data. Explore tools like hex editors, registry analyzers, and steganography software to uncover what others miss. Whether you’re training to become a digital forensics examiner, advancing as a digital forensic analyst, or building computer examiner training into your team’s skill set, this course gives you the legal, ethical, and technical know-how to succeed. You’ll learn proper chain of custody, expert witness testimony, and lab setup for professional investigations.
Cybersecurity
KLCP
Master Kali Linux, earn your KLCP certification, and prepare for the the PEN-103 exam. This associate-level Kali Linux Certified Professional course dives deep into penetration testing, perfect for cybersecurity pros like pentesters and network security analysts. Learn how to leverage the Metasploit Framework, fine-tune system monitoring, and configure Kali at a professional level. Dive in and sharpen your advanced Linux skills to become a Kali Linux Certified Professional.
Cybersecurity
OSCP
This OSCP training prepares penetration testers, cybersecurity professionals, and red team operators to pass the challenging PEN-200 exam and earn their OSCP certification. You'll practice real-world penetration testing with virtual labs designed by experienced infosec pro Erik Choron. You'll also gain deep experience in areas like enumeration, privilege escalation, and Active Directory exploitation as you apply tools like Metasploit, Kali Linux, and tunneling frameworks in real-world scenarios. After taking this OSCP training, you'll be ready to pass the PEN-200 exam with confidence.
Cybersecurity
PEN-100
PEN-100: Network Penetration Testing Essentials is foundational OffSec training for aspiring ethical hackers. Learn Linux and Windows command line, network protocols, scripting with Bash and Python, and explore essential security tools like Nmap, Kali Linux, and Metasploit. Build a strong ethical hacking mindset with hands-on practice in reconnaissance, exploitation, and post-exploitation techniques. Perfect for beginners looking to start a cybersecurity career.
Cybersecurity
Splunk Core Certified User
Networking
Wireshark
This intermediate Wireshark training is designed for network engineers and SOC analysts who want to sharpen their packet analysis skills. You'll dive into key protocols like TCP, UDP, and DNS, build advanced Wireshark filter techniques, and learn how to identify performance bottlenecks or signs of malicious activity. By the end, you’ll have the hands-on experience and practical skills to confidently analyze real-world network traffic and support faster, more secure network operations.
Splunk
Splunk Core Certified Power User
Buyer proof
How Howard County's IT Department Upskilled 80 People, Protected a 600-Server Migration, and Kept Its Training Budget Intact
Local Government · Howard County, MD · 80 employees across 8 disciplines
Howard County's Department of Technology reports 100% license engagement to leadership every month and has won two consecutive budget approvals on the strength of that usage data.
- Physical servers migrated to HyperV virtual environments
- ~600
- Distinct technical disciplines under one department
- 8
- License engagement reported to leadership
- 100%
“I include our leadership, so they know that we're engaging with the training. When the budget comes and they see CBT Nuggets, they say: ‘Oh yeah. We keep that.’”
Elizabeth Nwadiuko
Technical Services Manager