Thiruvananthapuram: In a significant step towards addressing the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals, Fortinet, a leading company in cybersecurity, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Higher Education, Kerala. Under this agreement, Fortinet’s cybersecurity training and certification programs will be offered free of cost through the Kerala government’s Additional Skill Acquisition Programme (ASAP).
Empowering Students with Global Cybersecurity Certifications
As part of this collaboration, the Fortinet Training Institute’s Academic Partner Program will provide students access to its globally recognized Network Security Expert (NSE) certification program. The program consists of five proficiency levels and 11 certifications, covering advanced cybersecurity concepts such as:
Security-driven networking
Adaptive cloud security
AI-driven security operations
Zero-trust network access
Students will receive hands-on training through online labs and exam vouchers to help them achieve globally recognized certifications. This initiative aims to equip students with industry-relevant expertise, preparing them for careers in cybersecurity and strengthening their ability to protect organizations from evolving digital threats.
Bridging the Global Cybersecurity Skills Gap
The partnership comes at a critical time as the cybersecurity skills gap continues to widen worldwide. According to Fortinet’s 2024 Global Cybersecurity Skills Gap Report, 70% of organizations believe that the shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals is increasing security risks. The report also highlights the urgent need for 4.8 million cybersecurity professionals globally to bridge the workforce gap.
In response to this, the Kerala government is introducing Fortinet’s NSE certification as a self-paced online learning program for students. This initiative is designed to create a strong pipeline of skilled cybersecurity professionals, ensuring they meet global standards and contribute to the cybersecurity resilience of organizations worldwide.
Strengthening Kerala’s Cybersecurity Talent Pool
Dr. Usha Titus, Chairperson & Managing Director of ASAP Kerala, emphasized the significance of the partnership in enhancing cybersecurity capabilities for students in Kerala. She stated that this collaboration will create numerous opportunities and equip students with future-ready skills to tackle sophisticated cyber threats.
Vivek Srivastava, Country Manager, India & SAARC at Fortinet, highlighted the critical need for cybersecurity expertise in India’s rapidly digitizing economy. He noted that Fortinet’s free training programs will help build a strong talent pipeline, addressing the skills shortage while strengthening India’s resilience against evolving cyber threats.
With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated due to the rise of AI and advanced technologies, this initiative is expected to play a pivotal role in securing India’s digital infrastructure while empowering students with in-demand skills for the future.
