Fortinet has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Higher Education, Kerala to bolster cybersecurity education and skill development. This collaboration will enable students to access Fortinet’s award-winning cybersecurity training and certification curriculum at no cost through the Additional Skill Acquisition Programme (ASAP). By leveraging this partnership, Kerala aims to cultivate a new generation of cybersecurity professionals equipped to tackle the ever-evolving landscape of digital threats.

As part of the initiative, Fortinet Training Institute’s Academic Partner Program will offer access to the globally recognized Network Security Expert (NSE) certification program. Spanning five proficiency levels and comprising 11 certifications, the program covers cutting-edge areas such as security-driven networking, adaptive cloud security, AI-driven security operations, and zero-trust network access. Students will gain hands-on experience through online labs, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world cybersecurity scenarios. Furthermore, they will receive exam vouchers to achieve globally recognized certifications, significantly enhancing their employability in the competitive cybersecurity sector. The importance of this initiative is underscored by the widening global cybersecurity skills gap.

According to Fortinet’s 2024 Global Cybersecurity Skills Gap Report, 70% of organizations believe that the shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals is increasing their security risks. The report also highlights the urgent need for 4.8 million cybersecurity professionals worldwide to bridge the workforce gap.

Recognizing this pressing demand, the Government of Kerala is introducing Fortinet’s NSE certification as a self-paced online learning program for students. This effort aims to develop a highly skilled talent pool that meets international cybersecurity standards, ultimately enhancing the state’s cybersecurity resilience. Fortinet’s commitment to bridging India’s cybersecurity skills gap extends beyond this partnership. The company is also working with AICTE to provide 100,000 virtual internships in cybersecurity and collaborating with CERT-In to promote cybersecurity awareness and training programs for academia. These initiatives collectively strengthen India’s cybersecurity workforce, supporting the country’s rapidly expanding digital economy.

Dr. USHA TITUS (Retd.), Executive Director, Chairperson & Managing Director, ASAP Kerala, and Ex Officio Secretary to Government, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “This partnership marks a significant milestone in our shared vision of fostering skill development and enhancing cybersecurity capabilities for aspiring professionals in Kerala. We believe this collaboration will pave the way for numerous opportunities, empowering students with industry-relevant knowledge and expertise. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated with the rise of advanced technologies like AI, equipping students with a comprehensive and future-ready skill set is critical to safeguarding today’s rapidly evolving digital world and ensuring resilience against emerging challenges.”

Vivek Srivastava, Country Manager, India & SAARC at Fortinet, highlighted the growing need for cybersecurity expertise in India, saying, “India’s rapid digitisation is unlocking tremendous opportunities, but it also brings a growing need for robust cybersecurity expertise to safeguard its digital future. Fortinet is committed to bridging this gap by equipping students and professionals with industry-recognised certifications and training programs. Through our partnership with ASAP Kerala, we aim to build a strong talent pipeline that not only addresses the skills shortage but also contributes to the nation’s resilience against evolving cyber threats.”