After the tremendous success of our first edition (September 2023 to March 2024), Cisco is excited to announce the return of theCisco Cybersecurity Academyin Portugal-now bigger, bolder, and more inclusive than ever.

Building on the achievements of the inaugural program, the Academy's second edition is a six-month initiative designed to transform high-potential talent into job-ready cybersecurity professionals. In close collaboration with our partners-and, for the first time, customers-this Academy delivers hands-on training, industry-recognized certifications, and invaluable real-world experience to address the growing cybersecurity skills gap in Portugal.

Yves Mertens, EMEA Director of Partner Sales at Cisco, shares:

"This Academy is more than just a training program. It's an investment in the future. By upskilling talent within our ecosystem, we're not only helping close the cybersecurity skills gap. We're also strengthening the bonds between Cisco, our customers, and our partners. Together, we're building trusted, long-term relationships that foster innovation and resilience in a constantly evolving threat landscape."

The success of this initiative is thanks to the collective efforts of many people. Special thanks go to the project team: Irina Berlovskaya, Nadia Jamal, and Jose Antonio Cervantes, and our Cisco leaders Brian Feeney (VP of Global Security Partner Sales), Miguel Almeida (Portugal Country Manager), and Bruno Paulo (Customer Experience team), whose leadership and support have been instrumental. We also deeply appreciate the ongoing backing from Cisco'sCountry Digital Acceleration (CDA)program and theCisco Networking Academy, whose certified trainers deliver one of the core technical modules.

Why It Matters

Cybersecurity skills are in critical demand, both globally and in Portugal. The talent gap is real and growing. Only three percent of organizations globally have the 'Mature' level of readiness needed to be resilient against today's cybersecurity risks.

Readiness is critical as73%of respondents said a cybersecurity incident is likely to disrupt their business in the next 12 to 24 months. Companies are taking action to address this as97%of companies plan to increase their cybersecurity budgets in the next 12 to 24 months.[1]

At Cisco, we are committed to building the future of cybersecurity by empowering the next generation of professionals and supporting our partners with world-class talent.

The first edition of the Academy showed what's possible when industry, partners, and students unite with a shared purpose. Over six months, our participants achieved:

• Industry-leading certifications: CyberOps, CCNA, CEH, Cisco Fire Jumper
• 200+ hours of bootcamps, 86 hours of labs & Capture the Flag events
• TED-style talksfrom security leaders, customers, and partners
• Team-building, mentorship, and real-world readiness
• A direct path into roles with Cisco partners

What's New in Edition 2?

We're building on this momentum with several key enhancements:

• Participants:18 students, now drawn from both partners and customers
• Timeline:September 2025 to March 2026
• Format:Hybrid (70% remote, 30% in-person)
• Focus:Upskilling existing employees with strong networking backgrounds into cybersecurity professionals

By the end of the program, students will earn four technical certifications, including: CyberOps Associate, CEH, and CCNP Security (Core + Firewall), as well as training in vital soft skills such as human factors in security, active listening, and persuasive communication.

A Shared Investment in the Future

This Academy is about more than technical training; it's about growing the cybersecurity ecosystem. Our partners have co-invested by employing students from day one, while Cisco has provided the structure, training, and guidance. Together, we are developing a community of skilled cybersecurity professionals who can contribute immediately to the market.

Brian Feeney, VP of Global Security Partner Sales at Cisco, adds:

"Looking ahead, cybersecurity demands more than expertise; it requires a community that can anticipate and adapt to emerging threats. With the Cisco Cybersecurity Academy, Cisco is bringing together talented individuals, partners, and customers to shape a future-ready workforce prepared to secure our digital world."

To our partners: thank you for your continued trust and investment.

To our customers: welcome aboard -we're excited to grow together.

To our students, past, present, and future -this is your moment.

Let's keep building. Let's secure what matters.

Edition 2 of the Cisco Cybersecurity Academy starts now. Visit our Cisco Cybersecurity Academy

We'd love to hear what you think. Ask a Question, Comment Below, and Stay Connected with#CiscoPartners on social!

Cisco Partners Facebook  |  @CiscoPartners X/Twitter  |  Cisco Partners LinkedIn|  @CiscoPartners X/Twitter  |  Cisco Partners LinkedIn