Acxiom, Forge Institute form partnership for cybersecurity workforce training

Forge Institute and Acxiom announced a strategic partnership that will advance cybersecurity training and workforce development opportunities in Arkansas. The collaboration will focus on serving hard-to-reach communities, developing advanced cyber technical skills and innovating on next-generation cyber capabilities, the two groups said.

Over the last several months, Acxiom has leveraged Forge Institute’s cybersecurity training programs to develop and refine skills for its existing employees. Starting last month, Acxiom began sending several employees to Forge Institute’s 14-week cybersecurity bootcamp, among other courses, as part of its upskill and reskill program for workers.

“Forge Institute’s training and pipeline programs have helped us achieve critical strategic and operational targets while advancing cyber defense skills of our Cyberand Risk Associates. Further, as the demand for cybersecurity talent continues to expand, our partnership with Forge Institute will be key to our ability to recruit quality, diverse candidates and train existing Associates to ensure success,” said Beth-Anne Bygum, VP and Chief Security and Compliance Officer for Acxiom.

“Acxiom is a first-class, global leader in data management, data science and privacy. The evolution of technology, availability of data, and organizational digital transformation initiatives present incredible economic opportunity and also increase cybersecurity risks. The protection of data and focus on privacy is a huge issue and we’re excited to expand our partnership and to work together to provide highly skilled cybersecurity talent that can meet the demands of industry,” said Lee Watson, Chairman & CEO of Forge Institute.

Forge Institute provides a number of workforce development programs and services in the fields of cybersecurity and emerging technology operations. Acxiom is a customer intelligence company that provides data-driven marketing solutions.