Forge Institute and the Arkansas Conference of Technology (ACOT) Team Up to Fortify Arkansas Schools against Cyber Adversaries to Safeguard Our Kids
In response to the alarming rise of cyber threats targeting educational institutions, Forge Institute is thrilled to announce a significant partnership with the Arkansas Conference of Technology (ACOT). This collaboration aims to reinforce cybersecurity across Arkansas’ schools, providing a robust shield for students, faculty, and staff against evolving digital threats.
Rural Community Alliance has partnered with the Forge Institute to bring entry-level IT & Cybersecurity training to very rural communities in Arkansas
Forge Institute and the Rural Community Alliance receive grant funding to expand IT/Cyber Fundamentals Training to 5 Underserved Communities.
Prescription for Cybersecurity:
GlaxoSmithKline Enlists its Staff in Forge Institute Cyber Training BootcampThe pharma industry bears all the characteristics of a primary target for cyberattacks: high revenues and intellectual property, including trade secrets and more. In fact, the “life sciences” industry was rated the fourth most “at risk” industry in terms of valuation impacts arising from cyber security issues, according to a Delotte survey.
“What’s Your Emergency?”
The National Day of Civic Hacking is reimagining the 911 emergency system
At Forge Institute think this is an exciting opportunity to change the conversation about cybersecurity and hacking. Traditionally everyone is up-in-arms trying to destroy hackers, this day brings forth a call to use your hacking skills for good. It will be exciting to see the innovation that comes from this day. It really is amazing to see what we come up with when we all work together for good.
"Data plays a crucial role in every aspect of our lives."
Renowned Data Scientist Dr. Elizabeth Parker Joins the Forge Institute Advisory Board
Forge Institute, the Arkansas-based provider of cyber defense workforce training and threat analytic capabilities, announced today the addition of Dr. Elizabeth Parker to its Advisory Board. Dr. Parker serves as Sr. Director – Principal Data Scientist at Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield (ABCBS).
Spikes in E-Crime has Companies Turning to the Offensive Cyber Approach
In May of this year, President Biden responded to a rash of high-profile cyber attacks by issuing an Executive Order on Improving the Nation’s Cybersecurity1. Attacks on energy, health care, financial services and more are costing U.S. companies billions of dollars and threatening the nation’s security. This is compelling the U.S. government to become more proactive in its efforts to counter cyber terrorism.
Arkansas’ Cyber “Strike Team” trains with Forge Institute
The State of Arkansas Cyber Response Team (or Strike Team) recently spent a productive week training with the cybersecurity professionals at Forge Institute, strengthening the team’s cyber skills to provide a frontline of protection from adversaries wishing to disrupt or harm the State’s systems and networks.
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.
Governor Asa Hutchinson appoints Lee Watson, CEO of Forge Institute, to the Arkansas Cyber Advisory Council
In response to the growing threat of cyberattacks, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson announced the formation of the Arkansas Cyber Advisory Council (ACAC), intended to identify and manage the risk of cyberattacks and enhance the response to those threats for the State.
Among the twelve persons named to the council is Lee Watson, founder and CEO of Forge Institute and advocate for establishing Arkansas as the Cyber Defense State.
Forge Institute Cyber Training Bootcamp to provide Arkansas’ workforce with a cyber upgrade
Forge Institute announced today that new openings are available for its next Cyber Training Bootcamp. The availability of enrollment is a response to a string of highly publicized cyberattacks that have targeted the nation’s energy, beef and other critical infrastructure organizations.
Following a rash of highly publicized cybercrimes, including attacks on Colonial Pipeline and Solarwinds, cybersecurity has become a national and international concern and challenge.
Highly trained and certified cybersecurity professionals are in demand in the private and public sectors. In fact, according to Cybersecurity Ventures, it is estimated that 3.5 million jobs in cybersecurity will be unfilled by the end of this year.
Retired CIA Senior Intelligence Service Officer Terry Burruss Joins the Forge Institute Advisory Board
Forge Institute added more senior-level expertise today by announcing the addition of former CIA Senior Intelligence Services (SIS) officer Terry Burruss to its Advisory Board.
“Terry built the CIA’s first combined mission unit focused on understanding and countering the foreign cyber threat,” said Lee Watson, Chairman, and CEO of Forge Institute. “We’re fortunate to have his experience and insight on what is already a deep advisory board.”
Retired Major General Joseph Wilson Joins the Forge Institute Advisory Board
Forge Institute announced today the addition of Retired Major General Joe Wilson to the organization’s advisory board. Gen. Wilson bears more than three decades of experience as a leader in the United States Air Force, holding numerous assignments in maintenance and logistics both at home and abroad. He has held staff positions at three Major Commands and Air Force Headquarters.
Forge Institute to Develop Computer Science Curriculum for Arkansas High School Teachers
Forge Institute today announced that it, in partnership with the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) Office of Computer Science, is developing computer networking training for high school teachers. The agreement is another step forward to foster and augment the state’s cyber-workforce capabilities.
Forge Institute and Acxiom Announce Cybersecurity Partnership
Forge Institute and Acxiom announced a strategic partnership today that will advance cybersecurity training and workforce development opportunities. This collaboration will focus on serving hard-to-reach communities, developing advanced cyber technical skills and innovating on next-generation cyber capabilities.
Forge Institute Strikes Strategic Partnership with CareerScore
Forge Institute announced today a strategic partnership with Quotanda’s CareerScore. The alliance was created to enhance job placement opportunities for graduates of the Forge Institute Training Academy.
“Our academy is committed to not only providing valuable cyber professional development skills, but to also provide a capability to streamline and assess candidates’ job search and application efforts. This enables our team to focus on high-impact engagements and better positions our graduates to succeed,” said Lee Watson, Founder and CEO of Forge Institute.
“Our academy is committed to not only providing valuable cyber professional development skills, but to also provide a capability to streamline and assess candidates’ job search and application efforts. This enables our team to focus on high-impact engagements and better positions our graduates to succeed,” said Lee Watson, Founder and CEO of Forge Institute.
Forge Institute And University Of Arkansas Little Rock Expand Partnership To Grow Skilled Cybersecurity Workforce
UA Little Rock will recognize certain Forge Institute professional development courses and provide academic credit hours towards a Computer Science and Cybersecurity Bachelor's degrees at UA Little Rock for those who successfully complete the training. Each institution has thoroughly reviewed curriculum and mapped academic requirements to corresponding aspects of Forge Institute’s professional development program.
AR Division Of Workforce Services (ADWS) & Forge Institute Complete First Cycle Of IT/Cyber Fundamentals Course, Trained Under Or Unemployed Arkansans For A Future Career In Technology
Forge Institute and the Arkansas Department of Commerce, Division of Workforce Services, recently partnered to provide eligible Arkansans in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program with the opportunity to participate in workforce-readiness training, designed to help them move towards a higher-paying job in information technology.
Two-day Cybersecurity Course To Help It Professionals Increase Security & Operational Resiliency During Covid-19
Today Forge Institute announced it will be offering a two-day training course “Cybersecurity for IT Professionals” to provide IT professionals with the cybersecurity fundamentals they need to better protect the technology they manage. Participants will understand how their decision impacts the security and operational resiliency of the organization.
Cybersecurity Training Program Expands To Prepare Arkansans For High-demand, High-paying Jobs
Today Forge Institute has announced the start dates of its next two ACA Cybersecurity Training Bootcamps. The Fall 2020 program starts on 10/19/20 and the Spring 2021 cycle begins on 01/20/21. Each bootcamp will provide the perfect on-ramp from an IT generalist position to a Cybersecurity Defense Analyst or SOC Analyst I position. This program is a fantastic way to on-board a new employee or upskill existing team members. Those interested in participating but don’t have an IT background may be eligible for the pre-bootcamp training “IT FUNDAMENTALS.”
Forge Institute partners with the Arkansas Department of Education to provide Statewide Virtual Cybersecurity Training for All District and School Technology Staff
Today Forge Institute announced a partnership with the Arkansas Department Education to provide virtual cybersecurity training to district and school technology staff across Arkansas. With the increase in cyber-criminal activity and a portion of instruction being taught online, there was not a better time for these two organizations to come together and provide the necessary training to help upskill the professionals that defend education systems from disruptive cyber-attacks.