Trend Cybersecurity ConnectED
Bridging Academia and Industry for a Cyber-Secure Future
Closing the Cybersecurity Talent Gap Through Education
The demand for cybersecurity professionals has never been greater. According to the 2024 ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study, the industry faces a global workforce gap of 4.7 million professionals—a 19.1% increase from 2023. The need is most pressing in the Asia-Pacific region, where the cybersecurity workforce gap has increased by 26.4% compared to the previous period.
Yet, despite the urgency, more than half of current cybersecurity professionals report they lack the time and resources to upskill—further widening the gap. This underscores a critical challenge: bridging the skills divide at the undergraduate level to ensure future professionals are equipped with industry-relevant knowledge and expertise.
The study also revealed that many organizations struggle with hiring due to two key challenges: a lack of candidates with the required skills and an overall shortage of qualified cybersecurity professionals. This dual problem not only makes recruitment difficult but also puts added pressure on existing teams to fill critical security gaps.
As the cybersecurity landscape evolves—especially with the rise of AI-driven threats—investing in skills development and preparing the next generation of cyber professionals has never been more essential. Addressing this gap now will be key to building a resilient and future-ready workforce.
Introducing Trend Cybersecurity ConnectED
Trend Cybersecurity ConnectED is a collaborative program designed to strengthen cybersecurity education in the Philippines by aligning academic curricula with industry needs. Through faculty training, student engagement, and expert-led discussions, we help universities prepare the next generation of cybersecurity defenders.
Our goal is to empower educators with practical, up-to-date cybersecurity knowledge so they can train students effectively—producing graduates who are workforce-ready in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
How We Empower Educators and Students
Training the Trainers: Cyber Defense Certified Educators
To equip educators with the latest in cybersecurity, our five-day "Training the Trainers" program provides hands-on learning, industry insights, and expert-led instruction. Professors who complete the program earn a Cyber Defense Certified Educator certificate, demonstrating their readiness to teach cybersecurity at a high standard.
Bringing Cybersecurity to the Classroom
Beyond faculty training, Trend Cybersecurity ConnectED also supports student learning through dedicated classes, technical seminars, and webinars. These sessions provide real-world insights, helping students develop the practical skills necessary for a successful cybersecurity career.
Building a Stronger Cybersecurity Ecosystem
Through partnerships with top universities and state institutions in the Philippines, we work closely with educators to refine curricula, ensuring that cybersecurity courses stay relevant, up-to-date, and aligned with industry needs.
Partner With Us
By working together, academia and industry can bridge the cybersecurity skills gap—producing graduates who are ready to defend against cyber threats from day one. If you’re an educator or institution looking to strengthen your cybersecurity programs, join Trend Cybersecurity ConnectED and help shape the future of cybersecurity in the Philippines.
Let’s get connected.
Email us at
csr_education@trendmicro.com.
Trend Cybersecurity ConnectED
