Cyber security education is not just a priority—it’s a necessity in today’s digital landscape. With cyber attacks on the rise globally, there is an unprecedented demand for skilled professionals to safeguard critical infrastructures, businesses, and individuals. To address this urgent need, Check Point’s SecureAcademy Program collaborates with over 20 nonprofits and 200 institutions worldwide, delivering cutting-edge cyber security training to underserved and diverse communities.
Nonprofits are uniquely vulnerable to cyber attacks due to several factors. Many lack dedicated IT staff with cyber security expertise, making it difficult to identify and address vulnerabilities. Budget constraints often prevent them from investing in robust security measures, while reliance on volunteers can introduce gaps in cyber security practices. Additionally, nonprofits frequently handle sensitive donor data—a valuable target for cyber criminals—and are increasingly targeted by phishing, ransomware, and social engineering attacks.
SecureAcademy empowers organizations to protect sensitive information and ensure operational continuity by providing cyber security trainings that they can share with their student communities. Here’s a closer look at SecureAcademy’s global nonprofit partnerships and their transformative impact.
Leading Nonprofit Partners in Cyber Security Education
SecureAcademy has forged partnerships with some of the most innovative and impactful nonprofit organizations across the globe. These collaborations empower learners with vital cyber security skills and prepare them for meaningful careers in the field. Below is a spotlight on key partners making significant strides in their regions:
Cybersafe Foundation (Nigeria)
Cybersafe Foundation’s “CyberGirls” initiative equips young women with cybersecurity skills, fostering inclusion and diversity in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Through SecureAcademy, Cybersafe provides hands-on training and certifications, enabling participants to secure roles in cybersecurity and uplift their communities.
Quote: “Partnering with Check Point’s SecureAcademy enables us to provide young women in Africa with the skills they need to break barriers in cybersecurity. Together, we are building a more inclusive and secure digital future.” Confidence Staveley, Executive Director, Cybersafe Foundation
Women Veterans Business Center (USA and LATAM)
WVBC is dedicated to advancing women veterans’ careers across the United states through various trainings. By partnering with SecureAcademy, WVBC delivers specialized training in cybersecurity while championing gender diversity in tech.
Quote: “Our collaboration with SecureAcademy allows us to provide top-tier training to women veterans across the country, empowering them to thrive in cybersecurity careers and drive industry growth.” – Marylyn Harris, Founder and Executive Director at the Women Veteran Business Center
Connectech Coding (Bermuda)
Connectech focuses on bringing digital and coding skills to young Bermudians. Its partnership with SecureAcademy enhances its curriculum by introducing cyber security training to prepare students for the global tech workforce.
Quote: “We chose Check Point’s SecureAcademy to strengthen and expand our well-established approach to education, preparing our students with the essential cybersecurity skills needed to thrive in a competitive global market.” – Coral Wells, Board Chair, Connectech Coding
Desert Research Institute (USA)
The Desert Research Institute leverages SecureAcademy resources to provide students and professionals with access to advanced cyber security education. Their programs target workforce development in critical sectors across the U.S.
Quote: “With SecureAcademy’s support, we are building a strong pipeline of cyber security talent ready to tackle the challenges of protecting America’s digital infrastructure.” Ryan Coots, CISO, Desert Research Institute
IITM Pravartak (India)
This India-based nonprofit integrates SecureAcademy training into its initiatives to bolster cyber security expertise in the rapidly growing Indian tech ecosystem, equipping students with job-ready skills.
Quote: “Through our new partnership with SecureAcademy, we plan to empower students with the knowledge and tools to excel in cyber security and contribute to the nation’s technological advancement.” Balamurali Shankar, Chief Knowledge Officer, IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation
PAICTA (South Africa)
Learn Networking Academy focuses on providing IT and cybersecurity training to underserved communities in South Africa. SecureAcademy’s curriculum plays a pivotal role in enabling learners to secure employment in the tech sector.
Quote: “Partnering with SecureAcademy helps us bridge the digital divide, equipping youth across Africa with vital digital scarce skills to thrive in today’s cybersecurity landscape.” Sonwabo Mdwaba, Founder, President & Chairperson of PAICTA
A Collaborative Effort: Global Impact
The global cyber security landscape underscores the urgency of SecureAcademy’s mission. In Q3 2024 alone, organizations faced an average of 1,876 cyber attacks each—a staggering 75% increase from the previous year. The Education/Research sector was the most targeted, with 3,828 weekly attacks. SecureAcademy’s nonprofit partners play a critical role in combating these escalating threats by providing a robust cyber education and fostering a skilled workforce to protect organizations worldwide.
SecureAcademy’s nonprofit partners span regions including the Americas, EMEA, and APAC, each tailoring cybersecurity training to address local challenges and workforce demands. These partnerships enable:
- Access to cutting-edge curricula on topics like threat prevention, endpoint security, cloud security, and security management.
- Practical, hands-on experience with Check Point technologies to ensure learners are job-ready.
- Opportunities for certification as Certified Security Administrators, Cloud Specialists, and more.
Aligning with Global Strategies
The SecureAcademy Program supports global cybersecurity workforce initiatives, including the Biden-Harris Administration’s National Cyber Workforce and Education Strategy. This alignment highlights the program’s commitment to fostering a robust cybersecurity talent pipeline, addressing the 4.8 million unfilled cybersecurity roles worldwide.
Check Point’s Secure Academy Program continues to expand its global footprint, partnering with nonprofits to democratize access to high-quality cybersecurity education. Together, these collaborations are bridging the gap between industry needs and academic offerings, shaping the next generation of cybersecurity leaders.
For more information on SecureAcademy’s nonprofit initiatives or to explore partnership opportunities, visit Check Point SecureAcademy.