The Hackening connects cybersecurity students with supervised, real-world engagements — penetration testing, security assessments, and professional reporting — that strengthen MSPs and the small businesses they protect, while giving experienced practitioners a meaningful way to mentor the next generation.
Cybersecurity students graduate with technical knowledge but limited real-world, client-facing experience. Employers can’t assess readiness. Students face barriers entering the workforce. Meanwhile, MSPs are increasingly targeted but many can’t afford professional penetration testing. And experienced practitioners want to give back but lack structured ways to mentor emerging talent.
The Hackening brings these three groups together in one program. Students gain real engagements. MSPs gain real findings. Practitioners gain a structured way to mentor.
Classroom knowledge alone doesn’t make someone job-ready. Hiring managers want evidence — real engagements, real reports, real client interaction.
Many MSPs can’t justify the cost of professional penetration testing. They go without — and discover gaps the hard way.
Senior cybersecurity professionals want to mentor the next generation. They need a structured, ethical way to do it.
Three groups. One program. Every engagement creates value for all three.
Develop real experience through supervised, client-facing engagements that demonstrate job readiness. Work that goes on a resume.
Receive professional-quality penetration test reports at low to no cost. Real findings, real recommendations, real value.
Mentor students through real engagements. Give back to the MSP and SMB community in a structured, ethical way
Students enrolled in or recently graduated from cybersecurity programs at partner colleges. The primary audience.
Experienced practitioners who want a structured, vetted way to mentor and to validate the next generation’s work.
Cybersecurity programs partnering with The Hackening to provide their students experiential learning aligned with curriculum goals.
MSPs that volunteer their environments for supervised assessments — receiving professional-grade reports in return.
Impact is reviewed periodically to ensure educational value, safety, and program effectiveness. Metrics will be published as cohorts complete and reports are delivered.
The Hackening is one of three programs operated by CyberRISE, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the cybersecurity ecosystem. The Hackening builds the talent pipeline. Framework Maps strengthens practitioner clarity. MSP911 supports MSPs in active incidents. Three programs. One mission.
The Hackening is powered by students who want experience, practitioners who want to mentor, and MSPs who want better security. There’s a role for everyone.