Fortinet Hosts Networking Fundamentals Bootcamp to Upskill More than 400 Participants

When it comes to cybersecurity, the stakes are high for organizations around the globe. Almost 90% of IT leaders say their business experienced a breach in 2023, and 53% indicate that those breaches cost more than $1 million in lost revenue, fines, or other expenses.

While cybersecurity incidents are complex and rarely attributable to a single cause, the shortage of skilled professionals available to fill critical roles continues to put undue strain on businesses. Nearly three-quarters of IT leaders agree that the cybersecurity skills shortage creates additional risks for their organizations.

Re-Evaluating Hiring Practices for Cybersecurity Positions

Organizations must embrace unique recruiting and education strategies to attract new talent to cybersecurity. Most (83%) companies report having diversity hiring goals slated for the next few years. More than 70% of IT decision-makers have structured recruiting initiatives targeting women (73%), 60% have similar programs for minorities, and 45% have related efforts for veterans.

Hiring managers may also find it easier to attract new talent if they change specific prerequisites. Seventy-one of IT leaders say they require four-year degrees, yet professional certifications, bootcamps, and other education opportunities can give professionals a strong foundation of cybersecurity knowledge.

Fortinet is proud to work with numerous partners to diversify and grow the cyber workforce. We do this through various programs offered through the Fortinet Training Institute.

Partnership in Action: 400+ Learners Participating in Fortinet Networking Fundamentals Bootcamp

In an effort to provide underrepresented talent pools with access to cybersecurity education and training opportunities, Fortinet recently kicked off its Networking Fundamentals Bootcamp in collaboration with several Fortinet Education Outreach Program partners, including Women in CyberSecurity, the Pan African Information Community Technology Association, Siyafunda, Blacks in Technology, and the Jamaica Technology and Digital Association, as well as select Fortinet Veterans Program partners such as Cerco, Helping Heroes, Hire Heroes USA, Onward 2 Opportunity, TechVets, and VETSEC.

The program began for more than 400 registered participants on June 3. It includes self-paced training modules and weekly live instructor-led sessions held during four different time slots to provide learners with maximum flexibility. Candidates are learning about the essentials of data communication and the basic functions of computer networking.

The Networking Fundamentals Bootcamp is designed as an entry point for individuals new to the data networking environment and wanting to pursue a career in IT, computer networking and infrastructure, or cybersecurity. The Networking Fundamentals Bootcamp provides a foundation of essential networking concepts and terminology, as it is imperative to know how a network is built to protect it. Students can then build on the ideas to explore more advanced topics related to these career paths. Course topics covered include LAN basics, internetworking fundamentals, TCP/IP, virtualization and cloud, and more. By the end of the bootcamp, participants should be able to identify the seven layers of the OSI model to protect both network appliances and servers, among other skills.

Participants say that the curriculum equips them with a foundational understanding of key cybersecurity concepts that are vital to pursuing a career in the field:

"The Fortinet Networking Fundamentals Bootcamp has been invaluable in laying a solid foundation for my future in cybersecurity. [I'm gaining] a comprehensive understanding of network architecture, essential security principles, and practical skills directly applicable to real-world scenarios. The bootcamp has enhanced my technical knowledge and boosted my confidence in tackling complex cybersecurity challenges."

"The networking fundamentals bootcamp provides essential knowledge that is critical for understanding advanced cybersecurity concepts. This preparation is particularly valuable for obtaining future cybersecurity certifications, which require a solid grasp of networking principles. By mastering these fundamentals, I'll be equipped to pass these certification exams and advance my career in cybersecurity."

"This bootcamp is giving me deeper knowledge than a standard course would, and it is making me aware of key points and highlighting concepts in a way that I find useful. As for my future cybersecurity career, [this training] will make me a more well-rounded and knowledgeable engineer."

Other participants with professional experience in the cybersecurity field remarked that the training offers a valuable upskilling opportunity. One cybersecurity professional looking to re-enter the workforce after a career break said: "As I'm [looking for opportunities to rejoin the workforce], this Fortinet Networking Fundamentals Bootcamp is helping me to gain and recollect key cybersecurity and networking concepts." Another participant noted that "learning about the many different types of networks, network concepts, network communication, and network design" will help them improve their existing business operations.

Collaborating to Close the Cyber Skills Gap

Just as no single entity alone can effectively disrupt cybercrime, the same goes for addressing the cybersecurity skills gap. As adversaries advance their efforts, public and private sector organizations must work together, bringing new talent to the cybersecurity field to build the workforce of tomorrow.

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