Image 1: Palo Alto Networks and IVE join hands to deliver cybersecurity education through a wide range of activities in the Cybersecurity Center located at IVE (Chai Wan) campus.
Palo Alto Networks and the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE) have announced their continued collaboration and ongoing commitment to nurturing future technology professionals. Working with IVE, Palo Alto Networks helps deliver cybersecurity education through a wide range of activities including certification training, career talks and competitions in the Cybersecurity Center located at IVE (Chai Wan) campus.
Investing in future cybersecurity talents
Hong Kong is facing a significant cybersecurity talent shortage. According to research by the Legislative Council (LegCo), only 1.2% of the 95,780 IT employees work in the cybersecurity sector in Hong Kong. Yet, cyberattacks continue to be a major concern for CEOs and government officials alike, as the ongoing pandemic and geo-political events heighten the risk of security breaches. To prepare students for careers in cybersecurity, Palo Alto Networks provides cybersecurity-related certification training to IVE staff and students, and hosts career talks and competitions to help students gain deeper industry understanding. The company has also supported the Cybersecurity Center by offering professional training advice and industry-standard hardware and software since 2019.
“Cybersecurity is one of the major focuses for IVE, and we have been investing more resources into staff development and facilities like the Cyber Range, Pentesting Lab and Malware Analysis Lab. We provide a diverse training program to students interested in a career in cybersecurity with game-changing Cybersecurity systems, such as ‘Tailor-made Purple Team Training System’, ‘Security Information Event Management System’ and ‘Traffic Generator’. The opening of the Cybersecurity Center enables us to accelerate our cybersecurity training in both hardware and software, and we’re looking forward to promoting our Center as the local hub for future IT security professionals,” said Helen Wong, Head of Department of Information Technology of IVE (Chai Wan).
Image 2: Morpheus Cheung, IVE graduate of Information Technology Discipline, Adrian Chan, Vice President, Greater China at Palo Alto Networks, Wong Wai-ping Helen, Head of Department of Information Technology, IVE (Chai Wan) and Dr John Hui, Academic Director of IVE Information Technology Discipline (from left to right) discussed on the collaboration to nurture Hong Kong cybersecurity talents in Hong Kong.
Bringing global academy program to the local level
The collaboration with IVE is part of the Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Academy program. A worldwide endeavor, Palo Alto Networks works with degree-granting accredited secondary or post-secondary academic institutions across the globe. Since its launch in 2014, the program has grown to comprise more than 1,900 partner institutions in over 85 countries worldwide. The Academy prepares students with the knowledge and skills for a successful career in cybersecurity.
“Over the last few years, we have seen cybercriminals employing newer and more sophisticated modes of attack, and it is increasingly challenging globally and for Hong Kong enterprises to keep up with the ever-changing landscape. There is a severe shortage of cybersecurity specialists worldwide, so collaborations between academic institutions and industry players like Palo Alto Networks are an important and effective way to nurture and inspire future talents, providing them with the latest know-how and real-world training,” said Wickie Fung, General Manager, Hong Kong and Macau, Palo Alto Networks.
“The training and career talks are highly relevant to the current job market. I have gained first-hand knowledge about zero trust and next-generation firewall solutions, both of which help to kickstart my career as a cybersecurity engineer,” said Leung Suet Yi, an IVE student in the Higher Diploma in Cybersecurity program.
Cybersecurity is a high-demand skill set in the digital world and it has even more relevance as companies embrace hybrid working. IVE offers two Higher Diploma programs in the fields of Cybersecurity, which are Higher Diploma in Cybersecurity and Higher Diploma in AI and Smart Technology; IVE graduates of Higher Diploma programs looking to deepen their cybersecurity knowledge have the opportunity to join the top-up degree program offered by School for Higher and Professional Education (SHAPE) and overseas universities.
