Palo Alto Networks announces the third addition to its existing education portfolio, commemorates the launch with a new office opening in Melbourne

Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW), the global cybersecurity leader, announced today the launch of CyberFit Nation, a free online educational program that addresses the unique cybersecurity learning needs of key stakeholder groups, from board directors to school children, to make each day safer and more secure than the one before. 

Education and awareness of our digital safety and well-being have never been more important. The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) reported a 13% increase in the number of cybercrime reports it received in the last year, equating to one report of a cyberattack every eight minutes.

The first of its kind in Australia, CyberFit Nation is the third addition to Palo Alto Networks’ comprehensive education portfolio that aims to make cybersecurity education accessible to all.

It features a range of masterclasses and clinics to augment and close gaps in education for a range of audiences, from boards of directors, startups and SMEs to workplace professionals, end users and children. 

The CyberFit Nation education program will be delivered virtually every quarter to ensure reach includes regional areas and will run face-to-face sessions through industry partnerships as required. The educational sessions at launch include:

• Cybersecurity Masterclass: Cybersecurity Masterclass is targeted at board members, directors and C-level executives and examines the new requirements under the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018, including the element that requires directors to attest to a company’s risk management practices. The course is designed to lift the proficiency of directors in the field of cybersecurity. 
  
• Digital Security and Safety in 25 Minutes: A clinic designed for today’s busy everyday Australians, this course aims to equip professionals, employees and end users with the core fundamentals of cyber risk, security and safety practices. In just 25 minutes, this rapid-fire virtual session will cover key issues, including app permissions, scams and fakes.
  
• Cybersecurity Fundamentals for SMEs & Startups: Online workshops to help owners, operators and managers implement pragmatic cybersecurity strategies to mitigate risks.
  
• Cyber Safe Kids: A 30-minute interactive online session that provides children aged between five and 10 with the practical skills needed to protect themselves and others, and what it means to be a good digital citizen. 

The introduction of CyberFit Nation follows the success of Cyber Security Academy and Cybersecurity Fundamentals.

While the former offers a vendor-neutral curriculum that aligns with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) frameworks for cybersecurity work roles, the latter is an introductory-level course suitable for anyone from high school age and above that breaks down the cybersecurity fundamentals (including cloud and network security) into easily digestible, two-hour modules.

“Everyone has the right to feel safe and be safe online. Yet today, no individual or business is ever truly safe from the threat of a cyberattack,” said Simon Green, president for Asia-Pacific and Japan, Palo Alto Networks.”

“Whether it’s how to prevent a sophisticated ransomware attack on a small business or how to avoid a seemingly simple phishing attack, such as the ‘hi mum’ messages that have been going around this year, education is key in protecting our digital identities and business assets online.”

“We need to restore digital trust and another step in doing that is raising education and awareness. Our CyberFit Nation program, alongside the Cyber Security Academy and Cybersecurity Fundamentals courses, builds online safety and security proficiency for all,” Green continued.

“Australians have a wide range of cybersecurity educational needs and it’s important to ensure that everyone — from early childhood to the boardroom — has the knowledge and power to be digitally safe,” he said

To commemorate the launch of CyberFit Nation, Palo Alto Networks has invited partners such as Google Cloud, Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA), Work180, Cyberlite Books, the Marvel Program, Essendon Football AWFL and Dark Modeto join in the unveiling of the new program at its new office in Melbourne, which will be officially opened to employees from today.

The new office space will enable Palo Alto Networks to support its growing ANZ customer base, as well as ensure the success of initiatives, such as CyberFit Nation.

“We are proud to partner with Palo Alto Networks on CyberFit Nation, an important initiative to make cybersecurity education accessible to all, and look forward to bringing security workshops to Australian startups and SMEs through the Google for Startups Cloud program,” shared Mike Langford, Head of VC and Startup Ecosystem, JAPAC, Google Cloud.

“Cyber security learning needs have expanded given rapid digitalization across the economy, which makes CyberFit Nation a fantastic programme.”

“With cyber security awareness and training now accessible to boards of directors and start-ups/SMEs, it aligns with our vision to ensure continuous innovation within the ICT industry,” says Simon Bush, CEO of AIIA.