The “Best” Cyber Investment: Forge Institute trains Arvest Bank employees to be cyber professionals
Financial services firms are 300 times more likely than other companies to be a victim of cyberattacks. Such attacks cost banks millions of dollars every year. Like many financial institutions, Arkansas-based Arvest Bank is taking measures to strengthen its cybersecurity.
Recently, five Arvest Bank employees received certificates for completing Forge Institute’s Cyber Training Bootcamp, a part-time 14-week course that delivers the required baseline training individuals need to become cybersecurity analysts. The training is part of Arvest Bank’s plan to bolster its workforce and develop new cybersecurity analysts.
“Continually developing cybersecurity capacity is essential to protecting our bank and keeping our customers’ accounts safe,” explained Sajan Gautam, chief information security officer (CISO) of Arvest Bank. “Training with Forge Institute is an important part of how we enhance the robustness of our cybersecurity capability moving forward.”
The Cyber Training Bootcamp from Forge Institute not only helps upskill an employer’s workforce, but it also provides valuable skillsets for employees, developing high-tech capabilities that open new doors. As an example, only one of the five employees had an information security background. The others had backgrounds in customer service, software development and database administration.
“I entered the bootcamp as a customer service representative with just basic IT skills,” said Jerica Rolufs of Arvest Bank. “By the end of the 14 weeks, I had a better understanding of key cybersecurity concepts that allowed me to move into a cyber-related role. I'm excited to build a career with the new skills and experience I gained during this course.
The Cyber Training Bootcamp is one of several training programs developed and implemented by Forge Institute, whose mission is to empower partners with cutting-edge technologies and capabilities that advance cyber operational objectives and enhance our national security posture. Lee Watson, founder and CEO of Forge Institute, believes Arkansas is well-credentialed to be a rally point for strengthening the nation’s cybersecurity.
“We believe that more institutions should follow Arvest Bank’s lead by identifying new talent in unconventional places and invest by reskilling and upskilling Arkansans for greater cybersecurity capability,” said Watson. “Arkansas has the infrastructure, government policy and talent pipeline already in place to be on the frontline of cyber defense.”
Organizations wishing to learn how they can leverage our Cyber Training Bootcamp should click here.