Fortinet Leverages Military Veteran Talent to Bridge the Cybersecurity Skills Gap

Fortinet Establishes Veterans Program Advisory Council to Support Military Veterans in Cybersecurity

Introduction

Fortinet, a global cybersecurity leader, recently announced the formation of the Veterans Program Advisory Council. The council, comprised of esteemed members from organizations that support the military veterans community across the Five Eyes countries (United States, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Canada, and Australia), will provide guidance on how Fortinet can better meet the needs of veterans looking to transition into the cybersecurity field. With the cybersecurity industry facing a significant talent shortage, military veterans possess valuable skill sets that make them ideal candidates for cybersecurity roles. However, they often lack access to training and career resources. The Veterans Program Advisory Council aims to address these challenges and empower veterans with resources, opportunities, and support to successfully transition into and thrive in cybersecurity careers.

The Role of Military Veterans in Cybersecurity

Military veterans possess a range of complementary skill sets that make them well-suited for cybersecurity roles. These include discipline, problem-solving under pressure, situational awareness, and a strong understanding of the importance of maintaining a strong defense posture. In a climate where there is a global shortage of cybersecurity professionals, with an estimated 3.4 million security roles needing to be filled, military veterans have the potential to play a crucial role in filling critical cyber positions.

Challenges Faced by Military Veterans

Despite their valuable skill sets, military veterans often encounter challenges when transitioning into civilian cybersecurity roles. The Fortinet 2023 Cybersecurity Skills Gap Global Research Report found that 43% of organizations have difficulty recruiting qualified veterans for cybersecurity positions. One of the key reasons behind this difficulty is the shortage of staff, which can lead to overwork and burnout. As a result, veteran turnover is high in the industry.

Addressing the Hurdles Veterans Face

The Veterans Program Advisory Council aims to address the hurdles that veterans face when entering and staying in the cybersecurity industry. The council, comprised of individuals with extensive backgrounds in working with the military veteran community and as veterans themselves, will provide guidance to Fortinet on how to reskill and upskill veterans for various cyber career pathways.

Fortinet‘s Veterans Program already provides members with access to its Network Security Experts (NSE) Certification Program curriculum, helping them transition into the cybersecurity field and advance in their security careers through cyber training, professional development resources, and employment opportunities. The program celebrates its fifth year of successfully assisting military service members, veterans, and military spouses in transitioning into cyber roles.

Members of the Veterans Program Advisory Council

The Veterans Program Advisory Council is comprised of esteemed individuals who have extensive experience working with the military veteran community and are passionate about supporting their transition into cybersecurity careers. The members include:

– Chris Barlow, Managing Director at Cerco IT Ltd (UK)
– Marty Donoghue, Chief Executive of the RNZRSA (New Zealand)
– Colin Grimes, Training Coordinator of TechVets Programme, The Forces Employment Charity (UK)
– Tom Marsland, Board Chairman and CEO at VetSec, Inc. (US)
– Heath Moodie, Director of Vets in Cyber (Australia)
– James Murphy, Director of TechVets Programme, The Forces Employment Charity (UK)
– Bryan Radliff, CyberVets Program Manager at Onward to Opportunity, D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (US)
– Patrick Shaw, Founder of Cyber Catalyst (Canada)
– Mark Wilcox, Head of Cyber Training, Permanent Opportunities and Partnership at Cerco IT Ltd (UK)

Fortinet‘s Commitment to Supporting Veterans

Fortinet is dedicated to supporting veterans throughout their cybersecurity careers. The Veterans Program Advisory Council will help Fortinet enhance its Veterans Program offerings by providing guidance on reskilling and upskilling veterans. In addition to providing access to cyber training and resources, Fortinet has been recognized as a 2023 VETS Indexes Recognized Employer. This recognition highlights the company’s commitment to supporting the veteran community.

Conclusion

The formation of Fortinet‘s Veterans Program Advisory Council demonstrates the company’s commitment to supporting military veterans in their transition to cybersecurity careers. By leveraging the valuable skill sets possessed by veterans and providing them with the necessary training, mentorship, and resources, Fortinet aims to bridge the cybersecurity skills gap while empowering veterans to thrive in the industry. The council members’ expertise and experience will undoubtedly play a vital role in shaping Fortinet‘s programs and initiatives, ensuring the successful integration and retention of military veterans in the cybersecurity field.