Check Point® Software Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: CHKP), a global cybersecurity solutions provider, has formed a strategic partnership with the Cybersafe Foundation, a non-governmental organization (NGO) based in Africa. Their shared objective is to address the persistent shortage of cybersecurity professionals. This collaboration leverages Check Point’s SecureAcademy program, which offers advanced cybersecurity educational content in partnership with educational institutions and non-profit organizations.
As part of this initiative, Check Point’s SecureAcademy courses will be integrated into Cybersafe Foundation’s “CyberGirls” program, a year-long initiative designed to empower women aged 18 to 28 with highly sought-after technical skills. The program is aimed at narrowing the gender gap in the cybersecurity field and supporting individuals in underserved African communities. It seeks to enhance their socio-economic prospects while addressing the growing threat of cybercrime. The CyberGirls program achieves these goals by providing practical training, mentorship for certification readiness, and opportunities for internships and shadowing.
The partnership with Check Point’s SecureAcademy will grant Cybersafe Foundation fellows access to free training, professional development for Cybersafe instructors, and industry-recognized certifications, all of which will accelerate their career prospects. Through this program, Check Point is already collaborating with more than 160 academic partners, serving over 45,000 students in over 60 countries. Their combined efforts aim to tackle the global shortage of 3.5 million cybersecurity professionals.
Confidence Staveley, the Founder and Executive Director of Cybersafe Foundation, expressed pride in the positive impact of their programs on the lives of many young women, enabling them to access life-changing opportunities. She emphasized that the partnership with Check Point will enhance their innovative educational model by providing high-quality cybersecurity training to the CyberGirls community.
Pankaj Bhula, Regional Director, Africa at Check Point, highlighted the critical role of education in countering the rising tide of cybercrime, both domestically and internationally. He emphasized the importance of partnerships like this one in closing the skills gap and creating a talent pipeline for the cybersecurity sector. Bhula expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with an organization that has not only made significant strides in this regard but has also transformed the lives of its participants through education and upskilling.
