OPSWAT, a global leader in perimeter defense cybersecurity solutions for critical environments, has unveiled a new initiative aimed at addressing the growing demand for certified cybersecurity professionals. The company announced on February 8, 2024, that it will be launching a $10 million scholarship program to provide essential CIP training courses.
This move comes in response to the pressing need for skilled cybersecurity experts, particularly within critical infrastructure industries. According to ICS2’s 2023 Cybersecurity Workforce Study, there is a global demand for 4 million cybersecurity professionals, representing a significant 13% increase from the previous year. This surge in demand can be attributed to the increasing complexity of the CIP landscape, which requires expertise in safeguarding both Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT).
Furthermore, the interplay between these two domains, along with the proliferation of advanced technologies, has intensified the need for specialized knowledge in protecting critical infrastructure. Recognizing these challenges, OPSWAT is committed to bridging the skills gap in this specialized field. In line with the U.S. Executive Orders and the National Cybersecurity Strategy, OPSWAT’s scholarship program will offer OPSWAT Academy courses in partnership with educational institutions and government agencies. These courses are designed to equip participants with the latest cybersecurity technologies and skills, tailored to defend critical infrastructure from dynamic threats.
Benny Czarny, the Founder and CEO of OPSWAT, emphasized the company’s commitment to education and workforce development, stating that the goal is to ensure that individuals from all backgrounds have the opportunity to develop their cybersecurity expertise and contribute to protecting critical infrastructure.
OPSWAT recognizes the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing the cybersecurity workforce gap and sees its scholarship program as a vital contribution to the growth of the critical infrastructure community. By supporting this initiative, OPSWAT aims to align itself with government initiatives focused on enhancing cybersecurity measures.
For individuals interested in learning more about the OPSWAT Scholarship Program, including eligibility requirements and application details, additional information can be found at https://opswatacademy.com/scholarship-program.
With over 20 years of experience, OPSWAT has positioned itself as a global leader in IT, OT, and ICS critical infrastructure cybersecurity. The company has continuously evolved its solutions platform to provide public and private sector organizations and enterprises with the critical advantage needed to protect their complex networks and ensure compliance. OPSWAT’s “Trust no file. Trust no device.™” philosophy empowers customers by solving their cybersecurity challenges with zero-trust solutions and patented technologies, securing their networks, data, and devices from known and unknown threats, zero-day attacks, and malware.
The launch of the $10 million scholarship program reflects OPSWAT’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals and fortifying critical infrastructure against evolving threats. With this initiative, the company is poised to make a significant impact in closing the cybersecurity skills gap and contributing to the overall security of critical infrastructure worldwide.