Middlesex University in Dubai joins the Academic Partner Program, which focuses on developing the workforce of the future by collaborating with higher education institutions to provide Fortinet training and certifications to students. We have partnered.
Middlesex University Dubai is the first overseas campus of the prestigious Middlesex University, based in London, UK. The university's first learning space in Dubai was opened in 2005 at Dubai Knowledge Park, where over 5,000 students from over 120 nationalities study. We are an exciting, diverse and multicultural campus that prides itself on offering students a unique experience.
As a testament to the growth and success of its vibrant international student community, the university opened its second campus in Dubai International Academic City in September 2021. This is the first time that Dubai International University is offering a campus experience across multiple locations. Both are centers of international higher education in the emirate.
Middlesex University Dubai offers a wide range of foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate programs across both schools, including accounting and finance, business administration, marketing, computer engineering, IT, data science, robotics, education, psychology, law, digital media, film and creative. is provided. writing and journalism, fashion design, graphic design and more.
As well as having all the benefits associated with being a world-class British university, students at Middlesex University's Dubai campus will experience a diverse range of nationalities while also being part of a rapidly developing modern city in the heart of the Middle East. You can benefit from all the opportunities presented by. and the culture that makes up Dubai's population.
Partnership with Fortinet
As part of the Fortinet Training Institute, the Academic Partner Program is focused on developing the workforce of the future by working with higher education institutions to provide Fortinet training and certifications to students.
As a partner in this Academic Partner Program, Middlesex University Dubai will integrate the Fortinet Network Security Expert certification directly into existing courses, offering students a stand-alone, do-it-yourself version of the Fortinet Network Security Expert certification, from Fortinet Certified Fundamentals to the Fortinet Certified Solutions Specialist level. Promote paced learning content.
To supplement course content, Middlesex University in Dubai can also provide students with hands-on lab experience using Fortinet's network security technology.
“This partnership is in line with the goals of the UAE government’s Advanced Skills Strategy and Centenary Plan 2071, which has made providing professional skills to students one of its key priorities. We also support the objectives of the UAE Cybersecurity Council, which has set out to develop a cybersecurity strategy and a secure and strong cyber infrastructure,” said Alan Pennell, Vice President, Middle East, Turkey and CIS at Fortinet.
According to Fortinet's 2023 Global Cybersecurity Skills Gap Report, 68% of organizations say they face additional cyber risks due to skills shortages filling IT positions.
Courseware integration
The School of Computer Engineering and Informatics at Middlesex University Dubai is focused on improving the learning experience for students through academic alliance programs and industry partners. As part of the Academic Alliance program, multiple learning pathways have been identified, each offering several courses with professional exams, certifications, and badges. These courses are offered to students during winter and summer breaks.
The Fortinet Network Security Expert Certification Program will be offered to students as a standalone program starting this summer and running from May to September 2024. As students complete each level, they can advance to the next level and apply for certification. test.
The course is delivered as self-paced study. Course materials and labs are provided to the student and he completes one level at a time. After completing each level, students can move on to the next level and apply for the certification exam.
Middlesex University Dubai has links with IT industry partners such as Oracle, Red Hat, Microsoft, SAP, EC-Council and Cisco. Industry partnerships allow students to benefit from advanced networks and contacts, access to real-world projects, and visibility into practical learning through short-term internships and placements.
“The digital environment is constantly evolving, and the rate of change often outstrips the industry's ability to adapt. Cybersecurity concerns and the need to address pervasive risks loom large in today's discussions. Professor Fehmida Hussain, Deputy Director of Engagement and Student Experience and Head of Computer Engineering and Informatics at Dubai Middlesex University.
Fortinet Academic Partner Program
According to a recent study, there is currently a shortage of 3.4 million cybersecurity talent globally. The Fortinet Academic Partner Program works with higher education institutions and schools around the world to help close this gap and create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive cybersecurity workforce around the world.
As of January 2024, we have approximately 700 academic partners in 99 markets worldwide. In the UAE, partners include Syscom College, AMSI, University of Sharjah and now his MDX Dubai. Fortinet is helping with this, with the goal of training 1 million people in cybersecurity by 2026.
The Fortinet Academic Partner Program bridges the gap between learning and career through access to industry-recognized Fortinet Network Security Expert training and certification courses. Authorized academic partners can integrate Fortinet Training Institute certifications directly into existing courses or promote the content as standalone continuing education.
To supplement course content, institutions can also use Fortinet's network security technology to provide students with hands-on lab experiences. Graduates of this program graduate with in-demand cybersecurity skills to protect networks from global cyber threats such as phishing attacks, ransomware, and business email compromises.
The program is taught for pure skills and career development purposes, or with the goal of each graduate earning the Fortinet Network Security Expert certification.
Business impact
Fortinet's 2023 Global Cybersecurity Skills Gap Report shows that organizations continue to fight an uphill battle against cyber threats. They are experiencing more breaches, are in dire need of skilled professionals, and are struggling to fill key roles.
As cybercrime proliferates and bad actors identify new and more sophisticated ways to infiltrate networks, it's no surprise that organizations are falling victim to cyberattacks more frequently than ever before. According to this report, 84% of businesses experienced one or more breaches in the past 12 months. Additionally, the number of organizations with five or more confirmed breaches increased by 53% between 2021 and 2022.
While there are many factors contributing to this increase in breaches, more than two-thirds of business leaders (68%) agree that a lack of IT and security positions poses a security risk to their organization. I agree.
In addition to the increasing frequency of successful cyberattacks, cyberattacks continue to cost organizations significant amounts of money. Almost half of the organizations surveyed suffered a breach within the past 12 months, costing him more than $1 million to remediate. However, it's not all bad news. The report also shows that recruiting from a more diverse talent pool can help narrow the skills gap, with many organizations creating and driving initiatives to attract a wider range of candidates. I am.
The role of diversity
Companies have traditionally sought candidates with degrees in related fields or work experience in cybersecurity to fill open cybersecurity roles. However, given the overwhelming need for cybersecurity professionals, this outdated approach is no longer viable.
Currently, 83% of most organizations have recruitment diversity goals for the next two to three years. Drawing talent from historically overlooked talent sources can help address skills gaps by expanding the pool of potential candidates, such as seeking candidates from a broader talent set, including women, minority groups, and veterans. will help fill in the .
It's encouraging to see companies implementing programs to attract more diverse talent. According to the report, many organizations maintain recruitment efforts that target women (73%) and ethnic minority candidates (59%).
Despite their efforts, some organizations still find it difficult to recruit and retain talented people. Of the three talent sources mentioned above, 69% of IT decision makers found that organizations struggle to find and hire qualified women, significantly more difficult than recruiting from minorities and veterans. says. And more than half, 54%, said retaining these people is also a challenge.
“Our commitment to excellence is reflected in this collaboration with Fortinet, as we incorporate their NSE qualifications into our curriculum to ensure our students receive the best education possible. ” said Professor Fehmida Hussein.
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