Fortinet Trains Over 1 Million Individuals to Strengthen Cybersecurity Workforce
Fortinet has reached a significant milestone by training over 1 million individuals in cybersecurity, a commitment that underscores the company’s dedication to addressing the global cybersecurity skills gap. Melonia Da Gama, Director of Training and Learning Programs at Fortinet, emphasized this achievement, noting that it reflects the company’s long-term strategy to enhance training and certification initiatives.
Despite the critical importance of cybersecurity in today’s business landscape, many organizations continue to face challenges in finding, developing, and retaining skilled professionals. Fortinet’s efforts in workforce development are aimed at mitigating these challenges. The company fulfilled its pledge made in 2022 to train more than 1 million individuals over a five-year period, achieving this goal ahead of the 2026 deadline.
This accomplishment is indicative of a growing demand for practical cybersecurity education and recognized credentials. It highlights the necessity for clear pathways for individuals at all stages of their cybersecurity careers. Organizations are not only tasked with filling open roles but also with equipping existing employees with the skills needed to adapt to rapidly evolving technologies and a complex threat landscape influenced by artificial intelligence, cloud adoption, and hybrid work environments.
The Importance of Cybersecurity Training
Cybersecurity training is no longer optional; it is essential for fostering a safer digital world. Fortinet recognizes that bridging the cybersecurity skills gap requires more than just technology. Accessible training, recognized credentials, and structured learning pathways are vital for individuals ranging from beginners to seasoned professionals. This understanding led to the establishment of the NSE Certification program in 2015, aimed at delivering practical, real-world cybersecurity skills.
According to the 2026 Fortinet Global Cybersecurity Skills Gap Report, the value of certification-based training is clear. The report indicates that 91% of IT decision-makers prefer candidates with technology-focused certifications, while 92% are willing to invest in employee certification. Additionally, 92% of respondents plan to invest in AI-related cybersecurity training or certifications within the next year.
These statistics highlight that certifications serve as more than mere résumé enhancements. They enable organizations to identify practical capabilities in a field characterized by rapidly changing technologies, threats, and job requirements. Certifications also provide employees with a structured approach to developing skills applicable to security operations, network defense, cloud security, and secure access.
Addressing the Skills Gap
The ongoing skills gap continues to challenge organizational resilience. The Fortinet report reveals that 73% of respondents indicate that cybersecurity is a high business priority for boards, yet many organizations still grapple with hiring challenges and skill shortages. As cyber risks gain visibility at the executive level, the ability to cultivate talent internally has become a strategic necessity.
The Fortinet Training Institute caters to a diverse range of learners, from those new to cybersecurity to experienced professionals seeking to enhance their expertise. The program offers training in foundational concepts, technical skills, and advanced cybersecurity disciplines, equipping learners with the knowledge necessary for achieving real-world security outcomes.
This comprehensive approach is crucial. The cybersecurity workforce cannot expand rapidly enough if organizations solely rely on traditional hiring methods. To broaden the talent pool, multiple pathways must be explored, including upskilling current employees, reskilling individuals from adjacent fields, and supporting students and career changers.
Fortinet’s certification program addresses these needs by providing a clear, structured process for learners and enabling employers to assess skills with greater confidence. Reports indicate that 91% of organizations prefer to hire certified candidates, and 85% of IT decision-makers have team members with technology-focused certifications.
For organizations, certifications offer practical value. Certified employees can enhance security operations, improve the management of security technologies, and ensure consistent execution across teams. For individuals, certifications create new opportunities, validate skills, and provide a recognized pathway for career advancement in cybersecurity.
A Commitment to Long-Term Growth
Reaching the milestone of 1 million trained individuals signifies more than just a number; it reflects over a decade of commitment to cybersecurity education and workforce development. Fortinet’s achievement illustrates how increasing accessibility, practicality, and relevance of training benefits both learners and employers.
The timing of this milestone is particularly relevant. As artificial intelligence transforms security practices, it also expands the capabilities of potential attackers. Modern security teams require experts who are well-versed in networks, cloud platforms, identity management, applications, and emerging AI-related threats. They also need a proven pathway for continuous learning as these technologies evolve.
Fortinet’s dedication to training, upskilling, and reskilling individuals in cybersecurity is critical. While the achievement of training 1 million individuals marks significant progress, it is not the conclusion of the journey; rather, it serves as a foundation for ongoing momentum.
The Fortinet Training Institute will continue to build on this success by helping learners acquire practical cybersecurity skills, earn recognized certifications, and prepare for the demands of today’s and tomorrow’s digital environments.
Source: securitymea.com
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