Forge Institute and Acxiom Announce Cybersecurity Partnership

NewsPress Release

May 2

Forge Institute and Acxiom announced a strategic partnership today that will advance cybersecurity training and workforce development opportunities. This collaboration will focus on serving hard-to-reach communities, developing advanced cyber technical skills and innovating on next-generation cyber capabilities.

Over the last several months, Acxiom has leveraged Forge Institute’s world-class cybersecurity training programs to develop and refine skills for its existing employees. Starting last month, Acxiom began sending several employees to Forge Institute’s 14-week cybersecurity bootcamp, among other courses, as part of its upskill and reskill program for Associates.

Together, Acxiom and Forge Institute will expand access to high-quality cybersecurity training and provide a workforce ready supply of talent. This collaboration will help provide the needed resources for Acxiom, its partners and other companies in the community. In addition, the companies are committed to working together to solidify Arkansans’ standing as a central hub of cybersecurity talent and build its economic future.

“Forge Institute’s training and pipeline programs have helped us achieve critical strategic and operational targets while advancing cyber defense skills of our Cyber and Risk Associates. Further, as the demand for cybersecurity talent continues to expand, our partnership with Forge Institute will be key to our ability to recruit quality, diverse candidates and train existing Associates to ensure success.”

Beth-Anne Bygum, VP, Chief Security and Compliance Officer, Acxiom INSERT PICTURE

“Acxiom is a first class, global leader in data management, data science and privacy. The evolution of technology, availability of data, and organizational digital transformation initiatives present incredible economic opportunity and also increase cybersecurity risks. The protection of data and focus on privacy is a huge issue and we’re excited to expand our partnership and to work together to provide highly skilled cybersecurity talent that can meet the demands of industry.”

Lee Watson, Chairman & CEO, Forge Institute INSERT PICTURE