Forge Institute names Air Force Veteran Wes Nickels Chief of Staff
Forge Institute expanded its ranks today when they named U.S. Air Force veteran Wes Nickels as Chief of Staff. Nickels joined the team after completing the DoD SkillBridge through the Forge Fellowship program.
University of Arkansas System CISO Joins Forge Institute Board of Advisors
“I believe that Forge Institute's work is helping to make Arkansas a rally point for all things cyber,” said Wall.
Forge Institute Forms Strategic Partnership with Cybersecurity Leader Fortinet
Forge Institute, a leader in cyber workforce development and other cyber defense related services, today announced a strategic collaboration with Fortinet (NASDAQ: FTNT), a global provider of broad, integrated and automated cybersecurity solutions. The partnership is one of mutual benefit to both cyber-driven organizations.
Tony Loukota brings military-grade cyber expertise to Forge Institute’s Academy
Forge Institute, a leader in cyber workforce development and other cyberdefense related services, today named U.S. Marine Corps veteran Tony Loukota as Training Manager. Loukota has previously served as a cyber instructor for Forge Institute and was recruited through the Forge Fellowship program.
The Mission Isn’t Over: How cybersecurity is fulfilling a sacred purpose to serve and protect
“A lot of people coming out of the military feel like the mission is over,” says McCauley, who currently serves as Director of Cyber Security Incident Management and Intelligence at GlaxoSmithKline. “That’s one reason suicide is a major problem with veterans. Careers in cyber renew a purpose to protect.”
Grant from Arkansas Office of Skills Development provides financial assistance to qualified Arkansans
Applications are currently being accepted for significant tuition assistance for Forge Institute IT and Cyber skills bootcamps. Forge has partnered with the Arkansas Office of Skills Development (OSD) to make more instructor-led training available to qualified Arkansans seeking higher paying IT and cyber careers.
Forge Institute launches the Arkansas Cyber Defense Center
The Arkansas Cyber Defense Center (ACDC) is a dedicated hotline that connects small and mid-sized businesses directly in contact with a Forge Institute volunteer. Small business and startup leaders can call ACDC when they feel their organization is under cyber attack or if they feel their digital infrastructure is inadequately protected.
Forge Institute Fellowship Program to Provide Companies with Exceptional Cyber Talent
The Forge Fellowship, launched in January of this year, nurtures a pool of exceptional cyber defense specialists, enabling organizations who participate in the program to select qualified candidates. Training can even be customized through internships with prospective employers. Those who complete the program take part in a special coining ceremony – and inside access to the world’s most lucrative infosec positions.
Forge Institute Granted Authorization by the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense to Become a DoD SkillBridge Provider
Forge Institute announced today that it is authorized as an official SillBridge provider. The qualification authorizes Forge Institute by the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense to work with each of the military service branches and respective installation commanders to develop SkillBridge training programs for their personnel.
Forge Institute Launches “Ask A CISO” Program with Industry Cyber Executives
Forge Institute has launched a new program designed to give small and mid-sized businesses valuable cyber and information security counsel. The unique program, “Ask a CISO,” makes available a variety of experts and security leaders to answer pre-submitted questions in a panel type of forum. The initial panel will include four CISOs and directors of security, Beth-Anne Bygum of Acxiom, Phil Clark of AECC, Jason Cathey of Bank OZK, and Devin Shirley of Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Forge Institute enhances its Emerging Threat Center with CISA’s Cyber Information Sharing and Collaboration Program
“Cyber threat information from the CISCP program and the feeds from the AIS program aid in the ETC’s illumination of cyber threats that could potentially impact our member’s cyber infrastructure” said Watson.”
Former FBI Deputy Assistant Director Gary Stoops Joins the Forge Institute Advisory Board
Today we announce the addition of former FBI Deputy Assistant Director General Gary Stoops to the organization’s advisory board. Mr. Stoops worked for many years with the National White Collar Crime Center and was instrumental in the creation of the National Security and Intelligence Program at Fairmont State and its Open Source Intelligence Exchange (OSIX) laboratory.
Forge Institute to Establish the Consortium for Cyber Innovation with UA Little Rock, UAPB & Acxiom
“The Consortium for Cyber Innovation is monumental to developing our high-tech workforce and developing new capabilities to prevent, detect and mitigate emerging technology risks to businesses, including our nation’s critical infrastructure,” said Lee Watson, CEO of the Forge Institute. “Both campuses already have outstanding undergraduate and graduate Computer Science programs, cybersecurity resources, and world-class faculty. We’re excited to lend our expertise to this very important endeavor which will help fill the coming 3.4 million job gap.”
Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation Enrolls IT Professionals in Forge Institute Training Academy
“Arkansas is becoming the rallying point for cybersecurity. By participating in and supporting Forge Institute’s Training Academy, organizations including AECC benefit from having access to robust professional training from entry level bootcamps to advanced penetration testing courses like Red Team Operations,” said Robert McClanahan.
Rural Community Alliance has partnered with the Forge Institute to bring entry-level IT & Cybersecurity training to very rural communities in Arkansas
Forge Institute and the Rural Community Alliance receive grant funding to expand IT/Cyber Fundamentals Training to 5 Underserved Communities.
Underserved Communities Gain the Opportunity to Learn New Cyber Skillsets
Cybersecurity is among those new industries growing in Arkansas, and a partnership Forge Institute and the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services (ADWS) is helping to spur the movement forward. The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program (TANF) helps families stay together by empowering family leaders with job skills and assistance. Forge Institute has partnered with the TANF program to provide entry level IT & cybersecurity skills to Arkansans eager to develop workforce ready skills.
Forge Institute partners with Splunk TruSTAR to provide Cyber Threat Intelligence Platform for Emerging Threat Center (ETC)
Forge Institute announced today a strategic partnership with Splunk TruSTAR, an industry-leading cloud-native intelligence management platform. The platform enhances seamless integration and actionable automation across Forge Institute’s ecosystem of collaborative information.
Spikes in E-Crime has Companies Turning to the Offensive Cyber Approach
In May of this year, President Biden responded to a rash of high-profile cyber attacks by issuing an Executive Order on Improving the Nation’s Cybersecurity1. Attacks on energy, health care, financial services and more are costing U.S. companies billions of dollars and threatening the nation’s security. This is compelling the U.S. government to become more proactive in its efforts to counter cyber terrorism.
Forge Institute provides Data Science for Executives course for military leaders
Forge Institute provided a one-day training seminar, “Data Science for Executives,” to senior leaders at the National Guard Bureau’s Professional Education Center (PEC), located on Camp Robinson in North Little Rock, Arkansas.