Forge Institute of Little Rock and Acxiom of Conway recently announced a strategic partnership that aims to provide more cybersecurity training opportunities and have Arkansans hired to fill cybersecurity positions.
The companies said the collaboration will focus on serving hard-to-reach communities, developing advanced cyber technical skills and innovating next-generation cyber capabilities.
Over the last several months, Acxiom has leveraged Forge Institute’s cybersecurity training programs to develop and refine skills for its employees. In February, the company started sending employees to Forge Institute’s 14-week cybersecurity bootcamp, among other courses.
Acxiom said this partnership will help provide the resources it needs, and resources needed by its partners as well as other companies in the community.
“Forge Institute’s training and pipeline programs have helped us achieve critical strategic and operational targets while advancing cyber defense skills of our cyber and risk associates. Further, as the demand for cybersecurity talent continues to expand, our partnership with Forge Institute will be key to our ability to recruit quality, diverse candidates and train existing Associates to ensure success,” Beth-Anne Bygum, vice president and chief security and compliance officer for Acxiom, said in a news release.
“Acxiom is a first class, global leader in data management, data science and privacy,” added Lee Watson, chairman and CEO of Forge Institute. “The evolution of technology, availability of data, and organizational digital transformation initiatives present incredible economic opportunity and also increase cybersecurity risks. The protection of data and focus on privacy is a huge issue and we’re excited to expand our partnership and to work together to provide highly skilled cybersecurity talent that can meet the demands of industry.”
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