OPSWAT – a global leader in perimeter defense cybersecurity solutions for critical environments – announced that it is launching a $10 million scholarship program to offer essential CIP training courses. This initiative addresses the increasing demand for certified cybersecurity professionals, mainly within critical infrastructure industries.
ICS2 estimated in its 2023 Cybersecurity Workforce Study that 4 million cybersecurity professionals are needed globally, marking a significant 13% increase from 2022. And the CIP landscape has become more complex, requiring expertise in safeguarding both Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT). Plus, the data sharing between these domains, coupled with complex technologies, intensifies the need for specialized knowledge about how to protect it. OPSWAT recognized these challenges and it is committed to bridging the skills gap in this specialized field.
OPSWAT’s scholarship program provides OPSWAT Academy courses through authorized partnerships with educational institutions and government agencies. And these collaborations aim to empower both students and seasoned professionals by offering them free access to courses that cover the latest technologies in cybersecurity and are tailored to equip participants with the skills necessary to protect critical infrastructure environments from a dynamic threat landscape.
KEY QUOTES:
“Through our commitment to education and workforce development, OPSWAT is taking a significant step towards closing the cybersecurity skills gap. Our goal is to ensure that individuals, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to develop their cybersecurity expertise and join OPSWAT’s mission in protecting the world’s critical infrastructure.”
– Benny Czarny, Founder and CEO at OPSWAT
