CASE STUDY marks a significant step forward in the university ' s commitment to elevating cybersecurity education .
As part of the Fortinet Training Institute , the Academic Partner Programme is focused on equipping the workforce of the future , collaborating with higher education institutions to deliver Fortinet ’ s training and certifications to students .
As a partner of this Academic Partner Programme , Middlesex University Dubai will integrate Fortinet Network Security Expert certifications directly into its existing courses and also facilitate the content as standalone self-paced learning for students , from Fortinet Certified Fundamentals to Fortinet Certified Solution Specialist levels . To supplement the course content , Middlesex University Dubai will also be able to use Fortinet network security technologies to give students a hands-on lab experience .
“ The partnership aligns with the UAE Government ’ s Advanced Skills Strategy and goals of Centennial Plan 2071 , which has identified providing specialized skills to students as one of its key priorities . It also supports the aims of the UAE Cybersecurity Council , which has set out to develop a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy and a safe and strong cyber infrastructure in the region ,” said Alain Penel , Vice President , Middle East , Turkey and CIS , Fortinet .
Fortinet ’ s 2023 Global Cybersecurity Skills Gap Report found that as a result of unfilled IT positions due to the skills shortage , 68 % of organisations indicate they face additional cyber risks .
Integrating the courseware
The Department of Computer Engineering and Informatics at Middlesex University Dubai , focuses on enhancing students ' learning experience through its Academic Alliance Programme and industry partners . As part of the Academic Alliance Programme , multiple learning pathways are identified and under each , several courses with professional exams , certifications and badges are offered . These courses are offered to the students during the winter break and the summer vacation .
The Fortinet Network Security Expert certification programme will be offered as a stand-alone programme to the students starting this summer from May to September 2024 . Upon the completion of each level , students will be able to proceed to the next level and apply for the certification exam .
The courses will be offered as self-paced learning . Course materials and labs will be provided to the students to be completed one level at a time . Upon the completion of each level , students will be able to proceed to the next level and apply for the certification exam .
Middlesex University Dubai has connections with IT industry partners including Oracle , Red Hat , Microsoft , SAP , EC-Council and Cisco . Industry partnerships enable students to benefit from the advanced networks and contacts , access to real-life projects and visibility of practical learning through short internships or work placements .
“ The digital landscape is constantly evolving , with the rate of change often outpacing the ability of industries to adapt . Cybersecurity concerns and the imperative to address pervasive risks loom large in today ’ s discourse ,” says Professor Fehmida Hussain , Deputy Director of Engagement and Student Experience and Head of Computer Engineering and Informatics at Middlesex University Dubai .
Fortinet ’ s Academic Partner Programme
According to recent research , there is currently a global cybersecurity workforce shortage of 3.4 million people . The Fortinet Academic Partner Programme works with higher education institutions and schools around the world to help bridge this gap and create a more diverse , equitable and inclusive cybersecurity workforce globally .
As of January 2024 , it has almost 700 academic partners across 99 markets globally . In the UAE , the partners include Syscoms College , AMSI , University of Sharjah , and now MDX Dubai . Fortinet supports this by aiming to train 1 million individuals in cybersecurity by 2026 .
Alain Penel , Vice President Middle East , Turkey and CIS , Fortinet
THE FORTINET NETWORK SECURITY
EXPERT CERTIFICATION PROGRAMME WILL BE OFFERED AS A STAND- ALONE PROGRAMME TO
THE STUDENTS STARTING THIS SUMMER FROM MAY TO
SEPTEMBER 2024 .
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