Conway, Ark., – May 18, 2021 – Forge Institute and Acxiom today announced a collaboration with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) to help develop a highly trained cybersecurity workforce in the state of Arkansas. This collaboration will help position Arkansas as a frontline player in protecting cyber infrastructure by standing as a central hub of cybersecurity talent and strengthen its economic future.
Together, Forge Institute and Acxiom will expand access to high-quality cybersecurity training and provide a workforce ready supply of talent. The partnership is aimed at serving hard-to-reach communities and developing advanced technical skills for employees, which provides a unique opportunity for Arkansans. Home to a number of companies in the financial services, energy, critical manufacturing, healthcare and logistics sectors, cybersecurity has a natural home in the Natural State.
“As part of the governor’s commitment to meet the demand in the information technology field, we are proud to showcase a successful partnership between Acxiom, the Forge Institute and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s workforce programs,” said Commerce Secretary Mike Preston. “I applaud the participants who are eager to learn this industry and become workforce-ready. Their talents are recognized by top leading information technology companies in the state.”
Governor Asa Hutchinson’s Computer Science Initiative has accelerated the digital mindset for Arkansas’ workforce, manufacturing an inclination for cyber skills beginning at school age. Forge Institute seeks to add to those skills by hosting a state-of-the-art training academy that delivers relevant, up-to-date content and curriculum and hands-on scenario-based lab exercises to increase cybersecurity skills.
“Incidents like the SolarWinds and Colonial Pipeline cyber-attacks have awakened companies to the threat cyber criminals present,” said Scott Anderson, executive director at Forge Institute. “Based on research from Cybersecurity Ventures, it’s projected that there will soon be 3.5 million open positions for cybersecurity professionals nationwide. Arkansas has qualified candidates who can fill this vacuum. They only require the training, which is what Forge Institute provides.”
Acxiom, the customer intelligence company whose data-driven solutions create business growth by enabling better customer experiences, has leveraged Forge Institute’s world-class cybersecurity training programs to develop and refine skills for its existing employees. Starting last month, Acxiom began sending several associates to Forge Institute’s 14-week cybersecurity bootcamp.
“Companies need to build trust by implementing ethical practices for data collection and use,” explains Chad Engelgau, CEO at Acxiom. “Every employee at Acxiom is responsible for maintaining that trust, first and foremost by safeguarding the data we are entrusted with.”
According to Cybersecurity Ventures, the global cost of cybercrime is expected to reach $10.5 trillion by 2025. This is why many of the nation’s top technology companies are accelerating cybersecurity skill development, making training a priority.
“To stay ahead of the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape, we have to invest in and develop critical technical skills. This investment in our people results in expanding our bench strength and the continuous growth of our cyber defense mindset,” said Janet Cinfio, chief information officer at Acxiom.
Cybersecurity has become a primary concern on a national level and developing a highly trained cybersecurity workforce is enhancing Arkansas’ reputation as a natural cybersecurity rally point for corporations and the public sector. As the AEDC continues to look for ways to build the state’s economy, cybersecurity could play a role for many Arkansans in the days ahead.
For more information about Forge Institute’s training academy, visit forge.institute/training.
