BANGKOK, Nov. 27, 2020 – Palo Alto Networks (NYSE:PANW), the global cybersecurity leader, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with 12 leading local universities who joined the Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Academy, a global initiative that addresses the critical cybersecurity skills gap. Palo Alto Networks will partner with the universities to provide next-generation cybersecurity knowledge for the rapidly changing employment landscape. 

The Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Academy provides a comprehensive set of modularized academic and technical courses that match  cybersecurity education and training needs. The courses will provide classroom instruction as well as technical and hands-on lab training, which will equip students with the next-generation cybersecurity knowledge and skills they’ll need to succeed in today’s rapidly changing cyberthreat landscape. Upon completing the course, each student will be eligible as either a Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Associate or Certified Network Security Administrator. 

The participating universities include Dhurakij Pundit University, Khon Kaen University, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Mahanakorn University, Mae Fah Luang University, University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-ok, Rangsit University, Mahidol University, Bangkok University, Thai-Nichi Institute of Technology, and University of Phayao. 

Ms. Wannaporn Thephassadin Na Ayutthaya, Secretary-General of the National Digital Economy and Society Committee said: “Cybersecurity has been identified as a critical enabler as the nation pushes towards becoming a digital nation. Addressing the skills and talent shortage in cybersecurity has never been as critical as the world navigates the pandemic period. With the right kind of training and education for enhanced skills in the sector, we believe that this initiative by Palo Alto Networks is a positive move that will help bridge the gap and allow students at various levels to be equipped with relevant knowledge and training that help them make the right career choice in the future.” 

Government employees are also eligible to sign up for cybersecurity training through all of the participating universities to help them better identify cyber threats as they increase in frequency, scale, sophistication and severity. “A safer cyberspace is a joint responsibility of the government, businesses, individuals and the community. In today’s digital society, government entities should continue to be upskilled and keep abreast of evolving technologies and best practices, in order to form a safe and prepared nation,” Ms. Wannaporn added.

Dr. Tatchapol Poshyanonda, country director for Thailand and Indochina, Palo Alto Networks, said: “Technology digitization and the COVID-19 pandemic are accelerating cybersecurity needs. Cybersecurity training must be prioritized as the sophistication, complexity, and sheer volume of successful cyberattacks increases and threatens our digital way of life. Skills development in youths should be on the national agenda. Private companies, government, and educational institutions should collaborate to ensure that students can fit into the future labor market.”

Palo Alto Networks has forged similar academic partnerships with colleges and universities in more than 70 countries in the U.S., South America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific. It is dedicated to training the next generation of the cybersecurity workforce. For more information, please visit the Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Academy page.

About Palo Alto Networks

Palo Alto Networks, the global cybersecurity leader, is shaping the cloud-centric future with technology that is transforming the way people and organizations operate. Our mission is to be the cybersecurity partner of choice, protecting our digital way of life. We help address the world's greatest security challenges with continuous innovation that seizes the latest breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, analytics, automation, and orchestration. By delivering an integrated platform and empowering a growing ecosystem of partners, we are at the forefront of protecting tens of thousands of organizations across clouds, networks, and mobile devices. Our vision is a world where each day is safer and more secure than the one before. For more information, visit www.paloaltonetworks.com.

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Media contacts:

Libby Chang
Corporate Communications Manager, Asia-Pacific, Palo Alto Networks 
+65 9014 9913
libbychang@paloaltonetworks.com

Mitrseenee Chomboon
Spark Communications 
+66 2 6891455 
goy@spark.co.th