The collaboration struck between CERT India and Fortinet is aimed at empowering students, teachers and professionals at large with credible cybersecurity skills and sensibilities
The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) and Fortinet, the leading network security and secured access solution provider, have launched joint initiatives for students and educators as well as professionals to advance cyber awareness and cyber security skills as a part of the national cyber security awareness month initiatives.
The collaboration has been effected under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between CERT-In and Fortinet. This aims at empowering students, teachers, and professionals as a whole with the skills needed to defend against evolving cyber threats. ‘
“Cultivating a skilled cybersecurity workforce for the future is essential for achieving a resilient cyber landscape. This PPP (public private partnership) venture with Fortinet aims to empower academic institutions by equipping them with industry-standard cybersecurity expertise,” says Dr. Sanjay Bahl, Director General, CERT-In.
“The curriculum is thoughtfully designed by teachers to cater to students at various levels, offering a progressive learning pathway that enhances their cybersecurity proficiency and prepares them for the challenges ahead. We’ve K-12 schools, colleges and higher education institutions under this joint initiatives,” elaborates Bahl.
Vivek Srivastava, Country Manager, India & SAARC, Fortinet, comments, “Cybersecurity is not just a technical skill—it’s a life skill that everyone needs to understand in today’s digital world. Our collaboration with CERT-In is aimed at ensuring that students, educators, and professionals are equipped with the knowledge to navigate the digital landscape safely and confidently.”
“Through the Fortinet academic partner program, we’re providing advanced training and certifications that empower individuals across all levels to protect themselves and their communities and businesses against evolving cyber threats. By fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness, we’re building a foundation for a safer digital future,” adds Srivastava.
The Fortinet academic partner program offers industry-aligned cybersecurity training and certifications, empowering professionals to handle modern cyber challenges. These programs cover a range of topics, from foundational cybersecurity principles to advanced threat detection and incident response, providing participants with job-ready skills.
Participants of these programs will benefit from Fortinet’s global cybersecurity experience, gaining insights into the latest technologies and solutions. The collaboration offers joint certificates offered by CERT-In and Fortinet for enhancing participants’ career prospects.
Interestingly, the collaboration makes the K-12 education system an integral part for skilling the nation in combating any cyber eventualities with confidence and courage.
Of K-12 education systems & cybersecurity:
Fortinet’s security awareness and training service for education revolutionizes cybersecurity education by training teachers first, empowering them to inspire a new generation of digital citizens. Recognizing teachers’ pivotal role, the program prioritizes their development through comprehensive training. This strategic approach ensures educators possess the expertise to effectively impart essential cybersecurity knowledge, online safety, and digital literacy skills to students.
By investing in teacher development, the K-12 program addresses the growing need for cybersecurity awareness, fostering a culture of responsibility and preparing students for success in an increasingly digital world. Also, the education edition of the security awareness and training service is tailored for primary and secondary schools, this initiative delivers security awareness and training at no cost, aimed at building a secure digital environment and fostering a culture of digital safety among young learners.
With customized curriculum developed by educators, this service equips students with essential cybersecurity knowledge to protect themselves in an increasingly connected world.
Qaisar
