Forge Institute Awarded Grant to Help Arkansas Small Businesses Combat Emerging Cyber Threats
Forge Institute announced today that it has been selected by the U.S. Small Business Administration as one of three (3) awardees of the Cybersecurity for Small Business Pilot Program. The funding allows the Arkansas Cyber Defense Center (ACDC) – which launched last spring – to further build capacity and expand critical cybersecurity services to address the escalating cyber attacks targeting small businesses.
Cyber Analyst
Forge Institute seeks an experienced Cyber Analyst / Customer Service Representative responsible for managing repository data collection surrounding cyber incidents in Arkansas. This individual must be service-oriented and expected to prepare reports to create standard operating procedures and best practices based on the collected data. The analyst will also be responsible for writing, presenting, and communicating to Forge Institute’s team, customers, and partners.
Cyber (SOC) Intern
Forge Institute seeks an experienced Cyber SOC Intern responsible for assisting with repository data collection surrounding cyber incidents in Arkansas. This individual must be service-oriented. The intern will also be responsible for writing, presenting, and communicating to Forge Institute’s team, customers, and partners.
Forging a recognizable brand
When Forge Institute was created in 2018, a square logo made sense. I designed it myself. It was self-contained, simple, and looked good enough on the corner of a press release or stamped into a coffee mug. Many brands have been well-served with a square logo, but for some reason, ours just didn't feel right. Plus, we needed one and I only had 5 minutes in between projects…
Forge announces world-renowned speakers for annual Cybersecurity Summit
Each year, Forge hosts the Arkansas Cyber Summit as a way to bring industry, critical infrastructure organizations, academia (researchers and students), state and local government, federal agencies and military together to discuss global cyber threat activity, workforce programs/needs, and to raise awareness of opportunities/programs that help Arkansas robust its cyber defenses and increase economic prosperity for our state. This year’s focus is on developing Arkansas as the Cyber Defense State. Topics include Securing the Defense Industrial Base to Grow Arkansas Jobs; Engaging State & Local Government in Cyber Defense; Trust Officer vs. CISO - What Do We Need Now; National Security Risks & Opportunities from Emerging Technologies; and so much more.
Forge Institute names Air Force Veteran Wes Nickels Chief of Staff
Forge Institute expanded its ranks today when they named U.S. Air Force veteran Wes Nickels as Chief of Staff. Nickels joined the team after completing the DoD SkillBridge through the Forge Fellowship program.
University of Arkansas System CISO Joins Forge Institute Board of Advisors
“I believe that Forge Institute's work is helping to make Arkansas a rally point for all things cyber,” said Wall.
Admin Assistant
Forge Institute seeks an Administrative Assistant (AA) who will assist with the day-to-day operations responsible for general office tasks and administrative duties, such as directing communications between colleagues and partners & participants, organizing schedules and events, entering data, bookkeeping, maintaining office equipment and so on. Our ideal candidate learns quickly when facing new situations, experiments to find new solutions, takes on challenges of unfamiliar tasks, extracts lessons-learned from failures and mistakes, and expands knowledge base through ongoing curiosity. We’re looking for someone who will enable teams & individuals to be focused on their goals and prepared for anything that comes their way. This is a vital role, especially for our team members that have a lot of plates in the air at all times.
Forge Institute Forms Strategic Partnership with Cybersecurity Leader Fortinet
Forge Institute, a leader in cyber workforce development and other cyber defense related services, today announced a strategic collaboration with Fortinet (NASDAQ: FTNT), a global provider of broad, integrated and automated cybersecurity solutions. The partnership is one of mutual benefit to both cyber-driven organizations.
Forge Institute partners with DoD SkillBridge to support Service members' transition gap to civilian careers
A year ago, I began my transition from a 20-year career in the United States Air Force to civilian life. The drastic life change can be daunting to many service members, myself included. There is a fantastic plethora of organizations and programs to help with this monumental task. Wading through the information from these groups is like drinking from a fire hose and can become overwhelming. The program that has had the most significant impact on my transition is DOD SkillBridge. The SkillBridge program allows service members to spend up to their last 180 days in service working with a private organization.
Tony Loukota brings military-grade cyber expertise to Forge Institute’s Academy
Forge Institute, a leader in cyber workforce development and other cyberdefense related services, today named U.S. Marine Corps veteran Tony Loukota as Training Manager. Loukota has previously served as a cyber instructor for Forge Institute and was recruited through the Forge Fellowship program.
Office Manager, DoD STEM Program
The Office Manager is responsible for managing administration duties for academy staff including maintaining records, correspondence and files.The office manager will also be responsible to fill in for instructors as needed.
Assistant Classroom Instructor (3), DoD STEM Program
The Instructor Assistant is responsible for supporting Instructors with implementation of curriculum for the program. Individuals must have the ability to establish and maintain professional and effective working relationships and effective communication with associates, students, visiting teachers/administrators as well as military personnel.
Lead Instructor (3), DoD STEM Program
The Instructor is responsible for the implementation of curriculum for the program. The Instructor focuses on active engagement with students to ensure understanding of material and outlined goals are met. High energy, involved Instructors are the key to the success of the program. Candidates need to be able to meet the program challenges with a positive outlook and be a positive role model to energize students.
The Mission Isn’t Over: How cybersecurity is fulfilling a sacred purpose to serve and protect
“A lot of people coming out of the military feel like the mission is over,” says McCauley, who currently serves as Director of Cyber Security Incident Management and Intelligence at GlaxoSmithKline. “That’s one reason suicide is a major problem with veterans. Careers in cyber renew a purpose to protect.”
Grant from Arkansas Office of Skills Development provides financial assistance to qualified Arkansans
Applications are currently being accepted for significant tuition assistance for Forge Institute IT and Cyber skills bootcamps. Forge has partnered with the Arkansas Office of Skills Development (OSD) to make more instructor-led training available to qualified Arkansans seeking higher paying IT and cyber careers.
Forge Institute launches the Arkansas Cyber Defense Center
The Arkansas Cyber Defense Center (ACDC) is a dedicated hotline that connects small and mid-sized businesses directly in contact with a Forge Institute volunteer. Small business and startup leaders can call ACDC when they feel their organization is under cyber attack or if they feel their digital infrastructure is inadequately protected.
Forge Institute Fellowship Program to Provide Companies with Exceptional Cyber Talent
The Forge Fellowship, launched in January of this year, nurtures a pool of exceptional cyber defense specialists, enabling organizations who participate in the program to select qualified candidates. Training can even be customized through internships with prospective employers. Those who complete the program take part in a special coining ceremony – and inside access to the world’s most lucrative infosec positions.
Forge Institute Granted Authorization by the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense to Become a DoD SkillBridge Provider
Forge Institute announced today that it is authorized as an official SillBridge provider. The qualification authorizes Forge Institute by the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense to work with each of the military service branches and respective installation commanders to develop SkillBridge training programs for their personnel.

