Oregon universities and Fortinet partner to expand cybersecurity training funding

The Joint Committee on Information Management and Technology convened on February 28, 2025, to discuss significant advancements in cybersecurity education and funding initiatives in Oregon. The meeting highlighted the successful collaboration between educational institutions and local governments to enhance cybersecurity resilience across the state.

The session began with a report on funding achievements, noting that the National Security Agency (NSA) has mandated certain cybersecurity training requirements for applications. This year, Oregon received over $550,000 to support 11 camps across five institutions, including Portland State University, Oregon State University, the University of Oregon, Oregon Institute of Technology, and Central Oregon Community College. These camps aim to train teachers and expand cybersecurity education.

A key focus of the meeting was the partnership with Fortinet, which is currently in negotiations to secure additional funding for outreach to school districts throughout Oregon. This partnership is expected to bolster cybersecurity training and resources available to educational institutions.

The committee also discussed the administration of a scholarship fund for community college students, which facilitated the distribution of vouchers for cybersecurity certification examinations. A total of 476 students from nine community colleges participated, with all vouchers allocated for CompTIA certifications, marking a significant achievement in expanding access to cybersecurity education.

Testimonials from local government representatives underscored the importance of these initiatives. Brent Hurst, IT Director for the city of Lebanon, emphasized the overwhelming nature of cybersecurity challenges for small agencies and praised the practical training provided by the program. He expressed hope for continued funding to benefit more local agencies.

Bates Russell, Information Services Director for the city of Tualatin, highlighted the increasing challenges posed by cyber threats and the necessity for up-to-date knowledge and hands-on experience. He advocated for the program as a model for collaboration between universities and governments to address critical cybersecurity issues.

Randy Sills, Director of Technology for the Malheur County Education Service District, also voiced strong support for the program, noting its invaluable resources for K-12 schools in maintaining secure systems.

In conclusion, the meeting reinforced the critical role of cybersecurity education in safeguarding public services and protecting community data. The committee members acknowledged the importance of continued support for these initiatives to ensure the resilience of Oregon's cybersecurity infrastructure.