Microsoft to expand cybersecurity campaign to 23 countries

Multinational technology corporation Microsoft is attempting to further close the
job vacancy gap in the tech sector by expanding their cybersecurity skills campaign to 23 countries.
In a statement, Microsoft said that they are looking to expand to areas that they see as vital to combating unemployment threats in the sector.
This would include launching the program in Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Romania, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Microsoft’s cybersecurity skills campaign aims to partner with community colleges to provide free curriculum and training for those interested in a career in cybersecurity.
Microsoft will also partner with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), computer science training program Ecole 42, and LinkedIn’s learning platform to develop a detailed skills gap report in selected countries and assist them in expanding their programs reach to other places.
Microsoft Philanthropies Vice President and Lead Kate Behncken said that the company “acknowledges there is a skill gap” and the only way to close it is fully-understanding the issue behind this crisis.
Behncken added that leaving women — that only accounts for 18% of cybersecurity professionals — is hurting everyone’s ability to close the skills gap in the cybersecurity industry.