Forge Institute Launches Forge Fellowship to Pivot Against Cyberthreats

"Infosec is a like living organism," said Lee Watson, founder and CEO of Forge Institute. "It learns. It evolves. That requires training that shifts in real time to the current paradigm."

Indeed, that is the nature of the cyber-beast; an ecosystem that is in an almost constant state of adaptation. Agents of the dark web attack, and cyber-protectors respond in force. Sometimes the good guys stay a step ahead. Sometimes, the bad guys unleash something never before seen. To thrive in this world is to remain updated. Yesterday's intelligence and tactics may as well be decade's old.

Companies and organizations needing to deploy a modern cyber defense require a workforce who is not only experience in the latest latest hands-on-keys tactics, but have specialized skills tailored to specific industries.

Forge Institute, an established leader in cybersecurity workforce training and intelligence analysis, is filling that void with an innovative Forge Fellowship program, which is designed to identify, nurture and certify top infosec talent.

“Most companies understand that they have to harden their cyber defenses,” explained the program's director, Miller Crosby of Forge Institute. “Where CEOs struggle is identifying and recruiting infosec specialists with the proper portfolio of skills.”

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. 

The 2022 Forge Fellowship program is allotted 50 Fellows. Already, more than half of the positions are already taken. Companies and organizations who are in need of specialized IT professionals should not hesitate to explore and apply to become a partner. 

“Our Department of Defense SkillBridge certification has already infused the Forge Fellowship program with extremely experienced military members who are ready to deploy their skills for the private sector,” said Crosby. SkillBridge, which connects returning Service members to career job training opportunities, recently partnered with Forge Institute to provide transitioning members of the U.S. military with more cyber career opportunities post Service. The cybersecurity community is ideal for military veterans, who often wish to continue to serve their Country even after discharge.This is just one example of the military’s talent rich pipeline Forge Institute has tapped. 

“I’m a veteran myself,” said Crosby. “Protecting this Nation is just part of who we are. The Forge Fellowship program connects these highly motivated, highly trained professionals to organizations  that can put them to their best use.”

The Forge Fellowship program is not just for those with military experience. Anyone with a penchant for cybersecurity and IT can apply. Candidates may include people already serving as IT specialists, system administrators, or anyone with hands-on-keyboard experience.

Companies and individuals interested in participating in the FI Fellowship Program can  visit the Forge Institute at: https://www.forge.institute/forge-fellowship