Network Security Training For Partners: Filling A Critical Gap
By Rob Rashotte, Fortinet
As organizations transition to the digital world, they embrace multiple new technologies that, in addition to providing greater productivity and competitive advantage, expand their threat surface. This increased threat comes at a time when enterprises continue to deal with the effects of the ongoing cybersecurity skills gap. With 82 percent of employers saying they are currently dealing with a shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals within their organization, service providers must have the training they need to assist customers in defending against the cyber threats introduced by these new technologies.
For partners, advanced network security training is particularly important to ensure they’re providing the most bang for the buck. The ubiquitous nature of the skills gap makes it hard for customers to train security personnel in-house, so service providers with up-to-date certifications and advanced security expertise will be better situated to win business and increase revenue.
At Fortinet, training and certifications are a key part of ensuring partners succeed and stay up to date on the latest trends. This includes switching customers from perimeter defenses to detection and remediation, and automated security deployment tools. We’ve created solution-specific training that not only allows partners to focus on tactical tasks like configuration, troubleshooting and monitoring but also puts them in a position of ‘Trusted Advisor’ when working with their customers’ IT teams to focus on developing their holistic security strategy.
Training And Certification For Partners
Designed for IT professionals interested in growing their cybersecurity skills and experience, our training and certification program is focused on eight levels of network security expertise. The eight levels cover areas ranging from threat landscape to network security design, configuration, installation and troubleshooting. The program leverages a vast range of self-paced and instructor-led training that together with comprehensive certification exams allows partners to demonstrate and validate their mastery of complex network security concepts and enable customer success.
With validated expertise and the latest cyber security and networking skills, partners can provide expanded service offerings to their customers, helping them to reduce risk and ensure a successful digital business transformation. And of course the benefits to the partner are accelerated sales, increased profitability and customer loyalty.
The Power Of Partners
A significant shortage in professionals with cybersecurity skills has left many security positions unfilled, leading enterprises to turn to third-party service providers to fill roles, answer specialized questions and deploy new technologies. Certified partners are core to company success, helping organizations and existing customers meet their security needs by serving in an advisory capacity. To achieve success vendors must go beyond providing products and include the comprehensive training and education needed to maximize investments and create comprehensive security defenses for customers and their partners.
About The Author
Rob Rashotte is the vice president, global training & technical field enablement at Fortinet. He has 20 years of experience developing training and education strategies for startups as well as complex global organizations. He also has 15 years of experience working with some of the most innovative, fast-paced companies in the high-tech industry. Rob has an MBA from the University of Ottawa.