BlackBerry Leads the Charge in Cybersecurity Training: empowering a Diverse Future Workforce
The cybersecurity landscape is rapidly evolving,creating an urgent need for skilled professionals. Recognizing this critical gap, BlackBerry is stepping up to empower a more inclusive and capable cyber workforce. Through expanded cybersecurity training initiatives, BlackBerry is providing free resources to women, students, government employees, and individuals in underserved communities. This proactive approach addresses the immediate skills shortage and fosters long-term diversity within the cybersecurity sector.
BlackBerry’s Commitment to Cybersecurity Education
BlackBerry’s commitment to cybersecurity education is underscored by its recent initiatives, particularly the expansion of the Malaysia Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence (CCoE). This center serves as a hub for skill development and talent cultivation, aligning with the Malaysian government’s vision to become a regional leader in cybersecurity.
Did You Know? The global cybersecurity workforce needs to grow by 65% to effectively defend organizations’ critical assets,according to (ISC)²’s 2023 Cybersecurity Workforce Study.
Empowering Women in Cybersecurity
One of BlackBerry’s core objectives is to increase women’s depiction in cybersecurity. In partnership with the ISC2 Malaysia Chapter, BlackBerry is offering 50 scholarships for specialized training at the CCoE. this program, featuring flexible in-person and online courses from June to July 2025, aims to equip women with the necessary skills to excel in this field. Recruitment begins this month, offering a timely opportunity for aspiring female cybersecurity professionals.
This initiative addresses a significant disparity. According to Cybersecurity Ventures, women represent only about 25% of the global cybersecurity workforce. By providing targeted training and support, BlackBerry is actively working to close this gender gap.
Bridging the Education Gap
Recognizing that access to education is a significant barrier for many, blackberry is partnering with 42KL, a tuition-free computer science academy, to sponsor 25 CompTIA ITF+ certifications. This initiative targets individuals with limited access to conventional educational opportunities, providing them with foundational IT skills to pursue a career in cybersecurity.
Pro Tip: Earning industry-recognized certifications like CompTIA ITF+ can substantially boost your resume and open doors to entry-level cybersecurity roles. Consider exploring free online resources and study guides to prepare for these exams.
Enhancing Skills for Government Employees
BlackBerry is also introducing EC Council Learning, an enhanced cybersecurity skill development platform, to provide Malaysian Government employees with self-paced learning opportunities. This platform expands the CCoE’s curriculum, allowing government personnel to complete courses at their own pace, thereby enhancing their cybersecurity capabilities without disrupting their work schedules. The hybrid cybersecurity program,featuring online and in-person modules,is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
CyberNext Program: Equipping Students and Educators
In collaboration with talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp), BlackBerry is launching the CyberNext Program, a national initiative to equip Malaysian students and educators with essential cybersecurity skills. Phase One of the partnership will offer free cybersecurity training for 1,000 students and 250 lecturers, commencing from July. This program, supported by training partners ISC2 and CompTIA, underscores the commitment to developing a robust cybersecurity talent pipeline.
This investment in cybersecurity education is particularly crucial given the increasing sophistication of cyber threats. A recent report by accenture found that cyberattacks increased by 31% in 2023, highlighting the need for a proactive and well-trained cybersecurity workforce.
The Role of the Malaysia Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (CCoE)
the Malaysia CCoE, established as a global hub for workforce training, skill development, and intelligence-sharing, has played a pivotal role in advancing Malaysia’s cybersecurity capabilities. Over 40% of attendees at the CCoE last year were women, indicating a positive trend towards diversity in the sector. BlackBerry’s continued support and expansion of the CCoE’s programs are vital to achieving its mission of equipping malaysians with critical cyber-skills.
International Collaboration and Support
The initiative has garnered international support, with the Government of Canada pledging a $3.9M CAD investment in cybersecurity skills training programs at the Malaysia CCoE. This investment, implemented by the Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst and BlackBerry, exemplifies international collaboration in addressing the global cybersecurity skills shortage.
Future Trends in Cybersecurity Training
Looking ahead, the future of cybersecurity training is likely to be shaped by several key trends:
- Personalized Learning Paths: Tailoring training programs to individual skill levels and career aspirations.
- gamification: Incorporating game-based elements to make learning more engaging and effective.
- AI-Powered Training Platforms: Using artificial intelligence to provide personalized feedback and adaptive learning experiences.
- Emphasis on Soft Skills: Recognizing the importance of dialog, collaboration, and critical thinking in cybersecurity roles.
- Continuous learning: Encouraging cybersecurity professionals to stay updated with the latest threats and technologies through ongoing training and development.
By embracing these trends, organizations can create a more dynamic and effective cybersecurity training ecosystem, ensuring that professionals are well-equipped to face the challenges of the digital age.
Summary of BlackBerry’s Cybersecurity Initiatives
| Initiative | Target audience | Description | Key Partners |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISC2 Scholarships | Malaysian Women | 50 scholarships for specialized cybersecurity training at the CCoE. | ISC2 Malaysia Chapter |
| CompTIA ITF+ sponsorship | Individuals with Limited Access to Education | Sponsorship of 25 CompTIA ITF+ certifications. | 42KL |
| EC Council learning | Malaysian Government Employees | Enhanced cybersecurity skill development platform with self-paced learning. | EC Council |
| CyberNext Program | Malaysian Students and Educators | Free cybersecurity training for 1,000 students and 250 lecturers. | TalentCorp, ISC2, comptia |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the Malaysia Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (CCoE)?
- The Malaysia CCoE is a hub for workforce training, skill development, and intelligence-sharing in cybersecurity.
- Who is eligible for the ISC2 scholarships for women?
- Malaysian women interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity are eligible to apply for the ISC2 scholarships.
- How can I find out more about 42KL?
- You can find out more about 42KL by visiting their website.
- What is included in the CyberNext Program?
- The CyberNext Program offers free cybersecurity training for 1,000 students and 250 lecturers in Malaysia.
What specific cybersecurity certifications,beyond the mention of CompTIA,are currently highly sought after by employers in the field,and what skills do they cover?
BlackBerry’s Bold Move: Interview with dr.Anya Sharma on Cybersecurity Training and Empowerment
Archyde News Editor, Ever mindful of the dynamic landscape of cybersecurity, we’re joined today by Dr. Anya Sharma, Head of Global Cybersecurity Education at BlackBerry. Dr. sharma, thank you for being with us.
Dr. Anya Sharma: Strengthening the Cyber Workforce
Dr. Sharma: It’s a pleasure to be here. Thank you for having me.
Archyde News: Addressing the Skills Gap
Archyde news: BlackBerry is clearly making meaningful strides in cybersecurity training.Can you elaborate on why this is such a crucial area of focus for the company right now?
Dr. Sharma: Absolutely. The cybersecurity skills gap is a pressing issue.As cyber threats become increasingly complex, we need a well-trained and diverse workforce to defend against them. Organizations globally are struggling to find qualified professionals. Our initiatives,like the expansion of the Malaysia Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (CCoE) and the CyberNext program,are aimed at addressing this promptly.
Archyde News: Empowering Women in Cybersecurity
Archyde News: We’re notably impressed with BlackBerry’s commitment to empowering women in cybersecurity. Can you tell us more about the ISC2 scholarship program and the impact you hope it will have?
Dr. Sharma: Women are currently underrepresented in cybersecurity. Our goal is to increase the percentage of women in this field.The ISC2 scholarship program,offering 50 scholarships at the CCoE,provides specialized training,and flexible learning to help bridge that gap. We are hoping to see more women joining the sector.
Archyde News: Bridging the Education Gap
Archyde News: Accessibility is also a critical factor. How does BlackBerry’s partnership with 42KL and the sponsorship of CompTIA ITF+ certifications address the education gap?
Dr. Sharma: We are aware that not everyone has access to traditional educational pathways. The partnership with 42KL and the ITF+ certification sponsorship are focused on providing foundational IT skills to individuals who may lack conventional educational opportunities giving them a chance to start a cybersecurity career.
Archyde News: Benefits for Government Employees
Archyde News: Cybersecurity concerns stretch beyond the private sector. How is the EC Council Learning platform benefiting Malaysian government employees?
Dr. Sharma: The EC Council Learning platform offers Malaysian government employees access to self-paced learning resources. It’s significant that they are enabled to enhance their cybersecurity capabilities without disrupting their work schedules. The hybrid model allows adaptability and continued learning.
Archyde News: CyberNext Program Impact
Archyde News: The CyberNext Program sounds like a very significant undertaking. could you elaborate on the program’s goals and, more broadly, its benefits for students?
dr.Sharma: Absolutely, the CyberNext program is designed to equip students and educators with essential cybersecurity skills. We are collaborating with TalentCorp, ISC2, and CompTIA to offer training, with a focus on the immediate and future needs of a robust cybersecurity workforce. Students can start their cybersecurity career from a place of expertise.
Archyde News: The Role of the CCoE
Archyde News: The Malaysia CCoE seems to be the heart of this initiative. Can you talk about its importance in driving Malaysia’s cybersecurity capabilities and its evolution?
Dr. Sharma: The CCoE is a global hub for training and learning programs, as well as collaboration.it has played a pivotal role in skill growth and is open to international collaboration, including the $3.9M CAD pledged by the Government of Canada. We’re constantly improving the CCoE’s programs.
Archyde News: Future Trends
Archyde News: Looking ahead, what are some of the key trends shaping the future of cybersecurity training that BlackBerry is embracing, and what are the most important?
Dr. Sharma: We are focused on personalized learning paths,gamification,AI-powered platforms,encouraging continuous learning,and particularly the importance of soft skills. Cybersecurity is not just about technical skills – it’s equally about the ability to communicate, collaborate, and think critically. The evolving trends involve the development cycle of personalized, engaging, and adaptive-learning experience to suit new generation of cyber professionals.
Archyde News: International Collaboration
Archyde News: The involvement of the Canadian government with its financial support speaks volumes. Why is international collaboration so essential in tackling the global cybersecurity skills shortage?
Dr. Sharma: Cyber threats are not limited by borders. International collaboration allows us to share knowledge and expertise, develop unified standards, and pool our resources to tackle the cyber skills shortage effectively. By working together, we can create a stronger, more resilient cybersecurity ecosystem.
Archyde News: A thought-Provoking Question
Archyde News: Cybersecurity is a rapidly changing field.What can existing IT professionals do to upskill and transition into the specific areas of cybersecurity that are facing the biggest talent shortages?
Dr. Sharma: cybersecurity is a continuous learning process. Existing IT professionals should seek training in current threats. Certifications, like those available through CompTIA, can open doors. Collaboration with and learning from those experts in the cybersecurity fields, and staying curious, is vital.
Archyde News: Thank You
Archyde news: Dr. Sharma, thank you for your insights. This is a great start in developing the cybersecurity workforce.
Dr. Sharma: Thank you, it was my pleasure.
