December 14, 2023 – Fortinet, the global cybersecurity leader driving the convergence of networking and security, is partnering with the American Chamber of Commerce in Australia and Torrens University to award the Cyber Defender Scholarship to further develop security professionals as a way to address the industry's skills gap. The scholarship includes a 75 per cent reduction in tuition fees for both employees and owners of small and medium-sized businesses to complete the Graduate Certificate of Cybersecurity at Torrens University.
Throughout the course, students will obtain essential cybersecurity skills with the material taught to align with the Fortinet Network Security Expert (NSE) Certification program. At the conclusion of the syllabus, graduates will be able to complete two levels of the Fortinet NSE Certification program, namely the Fortinet Certified Fundamentals and Fortinet Certified Associate.
The creation of the Cyber Defender Scholarship aims to assist organisations in strengthening their employees' abilities to prevent potential breaches and safeguard the company's digital assets in the face of increasingly sophisticated cybersecurity threats. As employees complete the Graduate Certificate, this will also help businesses meet requirements showing their preparedness and maturity in cybersecurity as they become essential links in supply chains.
Linda Brown, chief executive officer and president, Torrens University, said, "The Graduate Certificate of Cybersecurity program combines expertise and insights from Fortinet with strong academic foundations, which is critical to adequately prepare students for the adversaries faced. While threats will continue to evolve, Torrens University, the American Chamber of Commerce in Australia, and Fortinet are working together to ensure graduates are equipped with the latest skills."
Research by KPMG Australia and the American Chamber of Commerce in Australia recently found by boosting its exports of emerging technology to the United States of America, Australia has the potential to generate 80,000 highly skilled jobs and attract AU$24 billion in capital investment by the end of the decade.
April Palmerlee, chief executive officer, American Chamber of Commerce, said, "Enhancing the number and capability of those working in cybersecurity is especially important to Australia's economic prosperity as digital technologies and services are entwined with the growth of trade and supply chain interdependencies.
"As outsourcing and collaboration between trusted partners with aligned values and security interests grows, many changes in the geopolitical environment require organisations to be hypervigilant. Education results in increased awareness within companies and is a critical measure to building resilience to cybersecurity threats. The Graduate Certificate of Cybersecurity offered by Torrens University will ensure graduates are alert to spotting and combatting cyberattacks and the Chamber is proud to partner with its members on this important initiative."
Nicole Quinn, head of government affairs, APAC, Fortinet, said, "In Australia, both government and businesses understand the importance of cybersecurity and the reputational and financial damage that can be caused if organisations don't have appropriate measures in place. However, too often employers overlook their employees who can be the best line of defence against attacks. They may also provide subpar, cumbersome cybersecurity training simply to meet compliance requirements. But now is the time to better equip existing employees and implement more reskilling and upskilling opportunities through collaboration."
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