Cisco and British Columbia Institute of Technology Partnering to Develop Cybersecurity Talent

VANCOUVER — Cisco and the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) are working together to help educate the “next generation” of cybersecurity professionals.

Cisco and BCIT are partnering to expand BCIT’s Industrial Network Cybersecurity (INC) Lab to merge cybersecurity and networking skills training to boost interest and talent in the cybersecurity field in Canada and globally, according to Cisco last month.

About 36% of Canadian businesses said they don’t have enough talent to properly take care of their cybersecurity infrastructure, according to a study from Cisco and Angus Reid. Two-thirds of Canadian businesses are also struggling to find digital talent, according to KPMG.

INC Lab aims to create experts who can defend industrial, manufacturing, and critical infrastructure organizations from cyberattacks.

Cisco Canada provided the needed technology for INC Lab, so students can use game-based and real-world scenarios at the site.

The curriculum also includes a Networking Academy that simulates control systems found in industrial facilities.

Cisco’s work with BCIT’s INC Lab is part of Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration program, which forms partnerships with governments to help build “digitally inclusive societies, more resilient economies, and the workforce of the future.”

The program is already in the works to close the cybersecurity gap with the second cohort graduating in June.

The program’s assistance has allowed 100% of graduates to find jobs or plan to continue their education elsewhere. 

“Resilient future”

The INC Lab program is “a direct response to the industry’s growing need for cybersecurity skills to protect critical infrastructure and keep our communities running,” said David Leversage, program champion, BCIT. 

“There is no other institution in North America that offers this type of immersive experience, and our in-demand graduates can pursue high-paying jobs in one of the hottest job markets.”

Cisco is investing its “resources and expertise to help governments and the public sector fuel digital skills training and secure a pipeline of cybersecurity leaders,” said Shannon Leininger, president, Cisco Canada. 

“Canada relies on these skilled professionals to keep our communities safe and productive, while building toward a more resilient future.” 

Graduates from the INC Lab program provide Charter with “a pipeline of skilled cybersecurity talent to meet the growing needs of Canadian businesses,” said Kelly Michell, president, Charter. 

“We train, grow and mentor INC grads to set them up for a successful career in cybersecurity.”

Recent Cisco activity

Over the past year, Cisco has formed various deals and partnership in different industries, such as:

• Cisco and GDIT aim to provide government agencies with private 5G solutions
• Cisco and Celcom are working together to improve the mobile connectivity experience inMalaysia
• Cisco and McLaren Racing have partnered to help create a network and collaboration infrastructure
• Verizon Business added Cisco’s managed software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) services to improve their network strategy and 5G connectivity

The growing cybersecurity market

The global cybersecurity market is projected to grow from $155.83 billion in 2022 to $376.32 billion by 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.4%, according to Future Business Insights. 

Growth in the cybersecurity market is being driven by the internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud security, Future Business Insights reports. The demand for cybersecurity is also growing globally as cyberattacks are more common and sophisticated.