From malicious actors simply looking for a profit to nation-states seeking to damage our democratic institutions, cybercrime is a growing concern for government and industry.
According to Fortinet research, 68% of organizations indicate they face additional risks because of cybersecurity skills shortages.
Globally, there are an estimated 3.4 million vacant security roles. Without the numbers and skills to fill these positions, the risk of cyberattacks on critical systems and industries will only grow. An industry survey assessed that one in six cybersecurity jobs go unfilled in Canada despite good pay and benefits.
The solution isn’t only the purview of government. Industry players like Fortinet, a leader in the convergence of networking and security, are stepping up to build workforce capacity as a cornerstone of their business strategy and social commitments.
To provide the training needed to build the cybersecurity workforce of the future, Fortinet has built the Fortinet Training Institute, one of the largest training programs in the industry. Through a broad range of training offerings, Fortinet is making cybersecurity training readily available and helping build a diverse, highly skilled cybersecurity workforce now. The company is making strides internally to align with these values, including creating an inclusive cybersecurity workforce at Fortinet by growing the number of women hired by 39 per cent, year over year. Externally, Fortinet is expanding its Education Outreach program to attract new and underrepresented groups to cybersecurity careers, aiming to close the gap in Canada and beyond.
One focus of the Education Outreach program is to help facilitate the transition of military service members, veterans, and military spouses into the cybersecurity space. Now available in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, the Fortinet Veterans Program provides cybersecurity training pathways for military veterans. Whether they have a technical background or not, Veterans Program members can take Fortinet’s Network Security Experts (NSE) Certification Program and access training, mentorship, and employment opportunities to advance in their new careers.
The program helps address the gap by reaching professionals with complementary skill sets. Fortinet believes military veterans possess several unique skills that align with the cybersecurity field. For example, military professionals tend to be natural problem-solvers, are able to follow the chain of command, work well under pressure, and understand the importance of a strong defence posture. Fortinet believes the veteran community could fill many critical cybersecurity roles.
Guiding the Veterans Program is an Advisory Council comprised of members from organizations that support the military veterans community across the Five Eyes countries: the U.S., U.K., New Zealand, Canada, and Australia. The council helps guide how Fortinet can best meet the needs of military veterans looking to transition into the cybersecurity field.
Beyond the council, the company has partnered with like-minded organizations to advance the program. In Canada, Fortinet is working with Cyber Catalyst Talent Solutions and Tech Vets Canada. Both organizations offer specialized skills and staffing solutions that focus on integrating former military members into Canada’s cyber defence framework. They aim to help Fortinet successfully transition the military community into civilian cybersecurity roles – and provide the support needed to keep them there.
Fortinet’s commitment to closing the skills gap by bringing veterans and under-represented groups to the industry is central to the organization’s pledge to train a million people by 2026. Fortinet even uses its position as the PGA TOUR Americas title sponsor to advance its social commitments. Now in its third year of sponsorship, Fortinet has committed the proceeds from the Fortinet Cup to non-profit organizations working in STEM, inclusion and diversity, and veterans reskilling programs.
Closing the cyber skills gap is critical if Canada is to stand against the growing sophistication of today’s organized cyber criminals. Government investment is a start, but industry must also play a role to build the capacity Canada needs. With its successful Education Outreach program, Fortinet has provided a model of effective industry action.
