Fortinet has partnered with Holy Angel University (HAU) in Pampanga to close the cybersecurity skills gap in the Philippines. This collaboration falls under the Fortinet Academic Partner Program.
HAU will integrate Fortinet’s Network Security Expert (NSE) certification into its curriculum. It will also offer it as a separate continuing education course. This opens cybersecurity training to both enrolled students and professionals.
The program will cover:
- Network and web security
- Malware analysis
- Cyber defense techniques
A new Cyber Innovation Lab will also rise on campus. The lab will feature Fortinet tools and offer real-world cybersecurity training. Students will learn from Fortinet-certified instructors and experts through guest lectures and hands-on sessions.
The 2024 Fortinet Cybersecurity Skills Gap report shows why this move matters.
- 94% of PH organizations had at least one security breach in 2023
- 77% blamed these on lack of cybersecurity skills
- 84% struggled to find candidates with relevant certifications
HAU joins other schools in Fortinet’s growing academic network, including Our Lady of Fatima University, Don Bosco Technical College-Mandaluyong, and Mapúa University.
HAU’s OIC President, Leopoldo Jaime Valdes, said this move ensures students gain skills needed to fight cyber threats. Fortinet PH Country Manager Bambi Escalante added that this partnership helps move beyond outdated hiring practices, focusing instead on certification-based skills training.
