Program begun to train veterans in cybersecurity skills

Published November 11, 2016 by Robert Powell, III

The commonwealth has begun an initiative designed to provide veterans with access to cybersecurity training and skill development.

Speaking at the Virginia’s Veterans Day ceremony, Gov. Terry McAuliffe announced the launch of Cyber Vets Virginia.

Cyber Vets Virginia is a cyber training collaboration involving the state, the Institute for Veterans and Military Families’ Onward to Opportunity program and private- sector leaders, including CISCO, Amazon Web Services and ISC2.

The initiative provides a free cyber training pilot program for veterans living in Virginia and interested in working in the industry.

Cyber Vets Virginia also provides veterans with a consolidated resource for information related to cybersecurity opportunities in the commonwealth, including cyber education at Virginia community colleges and four-year institutions, information on financial support, and tools to help veteran build a career track in the cyber workforce.

In addition,  Cyber Vets Virginia will serve as the pilot platform for the Commonwealth’s inaugural cyber jobs portal, CyberJobs.virginia.gov. The portal aims to create a pathway for former military service members to navigate employment opportunities in Virginia’s cyber sector.