MELBOURNE, Vic., September 02, 2024 Fortinet®, the global cybersecurity leader driving the convergence of networking and security, today announced a partnership with Police Veterans Victoria to provide its comprehensive cybersecurity training at no cost to veterans of Victoria Police through the Fortinet Training Institute’s Veterans Program. The collaboration aims to identify and train suitable police veterans for employment in the rapidly growing field of cybersecurity while also helping to address the current cybersecurity skills gap by creating a more skilled, inclusive, and diverse workforce.  

 “This partnership with Police Veterans Victoria (PVV) marks a first-of-its-kind partnership for Fortinet. As part of the Fortinet Training Institute’s commitment to increase access to cybersecurity training, this new collaboration recognises the invaluable contributions of police members and helps to address the challenges of identity loss that can occur during their transition out of active duty. Fortinet’s Veterans Program is designed to close the cybersecurity skills gap with a more skilled, inclusive, and diverse workforce. We look forward to working with Solve Transition, who is helping lead the pilot, and PVV, as participants receive comprehensive training and certification, expanding their career opportunities in cybersecurity.” – Nicole Quinn, Head of Government Affairs, APAC at Fortinet 

Delivering Advanced Cybersecurity Skills

Fortinet’s Network Security Expert (NSE) Certification program will be offered to Victoria Police veterans through this partnership, equipping them with advanced cybersecurity skills to meet the needs of an ever-changing threat landscape. This initiative underscores Fortinet’s commitment to enhancing cyber resilience globally through its extensive ecosystem of public and private partnerships.  

Professor Neil Curtis, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Solve Transitions, will provide one-on-one mentoring to individuals, ensuring a smooth and supportive transition into the cybersecurity industry. 

Certification Programs Usher In Next Career Phases for Police Veterans

The Fortinet NSE Certification program includes a range of self-paced and instructor-led courses, as well as practical, hands-on exercises. The certification program assesses specific levels of cybersecurity expertise, from foundational knowledge to advanced architecture.  

Participants in this program will have access to various NSE courses, including Fortinet Networking Fundamentals (non-certification course), Fortinet Certified Fundamentals (FCF), Fortinet Certified Associate (FCA), and Fortinet Certified Professional (FCP).

A Widening Cyber Skills Gap Threatens Cybersecurity

According to Fortinet’s 2024 Global Cybersecurity Skills Gap Report, the cybersecurity workforce faces a significant shortage, with an estimated 3.4 million positions globally unfilled:  

• In Australia and New Zealand, 70 per cent of respondents believe that the cybersecurity skills shortage creates additional risks for their organisation. 
• Nearly 90 per cent of company leaders globally (87 per cent) said they experienced a breach that they can partially attribute to a lack of cyber skills. 

This alarming skills crisis not only hampers organisations’ ability to defend against evolving cyber threats but also highlights the urgent need for targeted training initiatives. By partnering with Police Veterans Victoria, Fortinet is committed to equipping Victoria Police veterans with essential cybersecurity skills, facilitating their reintegration into the workforce and helping to bridge this critical skills gap. 

“This partnership between Police Veterans Victoria and Fortinet reinforces how important police veterans are to our society. We are excited to see how veterans move into the next phases of their careers with Fortinet’s support and commitment.”  –  Nicole Quinn, Head of Government Affairs, APAC at Fortinet

“The transition from active duty to civilian life can be challenging for veterans, often leading to feelings of uncertainty and a lack of purpose. By providing the opportunity for police veterans to train in cybersecurity, these individuals are empowered to develop new, in-demand skills that not only enhance their professional qualifications but also instil a renewed sense of purpose.”  – David McGowan, Chief Executive Officer, Police Veterans Victoria

“As a police veteran myself, I understand as veterans engage with the complexities of cybersecurity, they can leverage their past experiences and discipline to thrive in this critical field. This opportunity not only opens doors to rewarding career prospects but also creates a sense of belonging within a growing community of cybersecurity professionals, helping them to redefine their identities post-service and make meaningful contributions to society.” – Professor Neil Curtis, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Solve Transition 

About Fortinet

Fortinet is a driving force in the evolution of cybersecurity and the convergence of networking and security. Our mission is to secure people, devices, and data everywhere, and today we deliver cybersecurity everywhere you need it with the largest integrated portfolio of over 50 enterprise-grade products. Well over half a million customers trust Fortinet’s solutions, which are among the most deployed, most patented, and most validated in the industry. The Fortinet Training Institute, one of the largest and broadest training programs in the industry, is dedicated to making cybersecurity training and new career opportunities available to everyone. Collaboration with high-profile, well-respected organisations from both the public and private sectors, including CERTs, government entities, and academia, is a fundamental aspect of Fortinet’s commitment to enhance cyber resilience globally. FortiGuard Labs, Fortinet’s elite threat intelligence and research organisation, develops and utilises leading-edge machine learning and AI technologies to provide customers with timely and consistently top-rated protection and actionable threat intelligence. Learn more at https://www.fortinet.com, the Fortinet Blog, and FortiGuard Labs.