Forge Institute Strengthens Cybersecurity Resilience, Bridging the Talent Gap

Little Rock, AR, November 1, 2023 – In observance of Cyber Awareness Month, which has been recognized nationally every October since 2004, Forge Institute stands at the forefront of strengthening cybersecurity awareness and readiness. In an era where our world has evolved into a highly interconnected digital landscape, organizations have become the prime targets of cyber threats. Forge Institute, through innovative partnerships spanning the public and private sectors, is committed to developing the next generation of cyber defenders to maintain a perpetual edge over our adversaries.

"As we conclude the 2023 Cybersecurity Awareness Month, I trust that businesses and organizations have taken steps towards bolstering their cyber resilience," emphasized Scott Anderson, Chief External Affairs Officer of Forge Institute. "In our contemporary digital landscape, developing people is our strongest defense. Forge is unwavering in our commitment to preparing the next generation of cyber defenders to maintain a perpetual edge over our adversaries."

Forge Institute's Cyber Defense Bootcamp has successfully trained and certified cybersecurity professionals through a comprehensive 14-week program.

Forge Institute has trained cyber defenders and reskilled or upskilled IT workers for prominent organizations, including Simmons Bank, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arkansas, Acxiom, Arvest Bank, Mainstream Technologies, Bank OZK, and GlaxoSmithKline, and many more.

“The Cyber Defense Bootcamp offers GSK (and any employer) a unique opportunity to not only find talent in a challenging hiring market, but to also show an investment in all of our team members, regardless of their being new to the company or a current employee who is building on their skill sets and career opportunities,” stated a former Senior Director of Security at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).

The Bootcamp lays the foundation for businesses seeking to develop their workforce. It equips employees with the skills necessary to safeguard the nation against evolving Dark Web threats and offers advanced training for security operations center staff.

"What I find most valuable about our Cyber Defense Bootcamp is the collaboration it has cultivated with organizations in Arkansas and across the nation. These companies have not only entrusted us to strengthen their security operations teams and rapidly equip their IT staff with cybersecurity skills, but they have also played an active role in shaping our curriculum, hiring our graduates, and sending their employees to us. We're dedicated to more than just certifying students; we are committed to qualifying them to effectively confront real-world threats through hands-on, immersive training experiences," remarked Daniel Ross, Chief Growth Officer of Forge Institute.

At the core of Forge Institute's mission, the Bootcamp offers a dynamic learning experience that includes in-classroom instruction, collaborative group projects, and hands-on labs replicating real-world cyber threats and scenarios. What sets this program apart is that each module is led by a subject matter expert actively engaged in the industry, ensuring that the content remains cutting-edge and relevant for those transitioning into the role of a cybersecurity analyst.

"Employers like us are thrilled to have people who've been through great training and are prepared to hit the ground running because there is a shortage of cyber talent,” emphasized a cybersecurity professional. "It’s hard to put a price tag on what it means for our company when we can take current team members and add to their infosec and technical skills. It also helps employees progress their long-term career as an information security expert."

“This bootcamp is essential to filling your organization’s cybersecurity gap,” said Tony Loukota, a former Forge Academy Instructor. “In less than four months, an individual can be trained and certified to perform cyber defense, protecting not only your organization but your customers and clients as well.”

The Bootcamp comprises 35 instructional days over 14 weeks, totaling 276 training hours. The first half of the course builds upon a participant's existing knowledge and experience from an information technology (IT) job role, computer-related bachelor degree, or other technical job role and gradually transitions to a more operational cyber defender mindset.

The latter half delves deep into red and blue team operational Tactics, Techniques, & Procedures (TTPs), complemented by guided lab sessions for immersive, hands-on experience. The curriculum is aligned with the National Initiative to Cyber Education (NICE), a framework associated with the U.S. Department of Commerce, and includes input from industry-leading Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs).

For more information on the next Cyber Defense Bootcamp cohort starting November 27th, visit the Forge Institute at: www.forge.institute/cyber-training-bootcamp.

Key Facts

• Forge Institute's Cyber Defense Bootcamp, coming up next month, provides immersive, comprehensive training.

• This 14-week program caters to companies looking to develop their workforce, train security operations teams, and upskill IT professionals, ensuring they are both certified and qualified to combat evolving threats.

• The Cyber Defense Bootcamp uses practical, hands-on scenarios to teach the latest cyber defense tactics and procedures.

• It plays a crucial role in bridging the nation's cybersecurity talent gap, benefiting job seekers, IT and cybersecurity professionals, and veterans.