Technology has the potential to transform lives, close opportunity gaps, and strengthen communities. At Cisco, our mission is to Power an Inclusive Future for All, fostering a digital world where education and opportunity advance together.
The demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals has never been more urgent. Recent studies highlight this pressing need: PwC’s Global Digital Trust Insights 2025 reveals that 65% of technology leaders in Brazil view cyber risk as the top threat—significantly higher than the global average. Similarly, Deloitte reports that 57% of organizations worldwide plan to increase investments in digital security within the next two years.
Cisco’s Cyber Education program is at the forefront of addressing this skills gap, preparing Brazil’s workforce to navigate both the challenges and opportunities of the digital era. This year, the program celebrates its 11th edition and a milestone achievement: reaching over one million students through the Cisco Networking Academy.
A Landmark Year for Cyber Education
Cyber Education is a key pillar of Cisco’s Brazil Digital and Inclusive initiative and the broader Cisco Networking Academy, which has impacted more than one million learners nationwide. By partnering with educational institutions, government bodies, and industry leaders, Cisco is cultivating a talent pipeline that supports Brazil’s digital transformation and strengthens the global cybersecurity ecosystem.
Since its launch in 2020, the dedicated Cyber Education program has grown into Brazil’s leading professional training initiative in cybersecurity. This multi-phase program brings together students and educators nationwide, covering everything from foundational concepts to advanced cybersecurity practices. So far, more than 8,000 professionals have been trained, equipping them with the skills needed to safeguard Brazil’s digital future.
This year’s Cyber Education Marathon, the first phase of the program, runs from September 1 to 21. Participants complete the Cyber Threat Management course, learning essential skills to identify, understand, and mitigate cyber threats. The program provides critical insights into protecting digital assets and spotting vulnerabilities in today’s interconnected environment.
Top performers advance to compete for 1,500 professional training scholarships in high-demand courses such as CCNA ITN (Introduction to Networks), a foundational program for understanding network infrastructure, and the CyberOps Associate certification, which prepares learners for hands-on cybersecurity operations, including threat detection and incident response.
Beyond the classroom, the program actively connects graduates with job and internship opportunities through Cisco partners, customers, and other organizations, helping close the talent gap by placing qualified professionals directly into the workforce. The program also invests in developing the next generation of instructors, ensuring a sustainable ecosystem that will continue to grow Brazil’s cybersecurity capabilities for years to come.
To date, over 1,500 graduates from Cisco Brazil’s Cyber Education program have been placed in employment opportunities nationwide, supported by 52 employability partners.
To further encourage participation, Cyber Education recognizes partner academies that achieve the highest graduation rates across four categories. This year, special attention will be given to institutions promoting female participation in cybersecurity—a critical step toward a more inclusive future.
Benefits for Learners, Partners, and Communities
For Cisco, Cyber Education is more than just a program; it represents a long-term commitment to creating meaningful impact. By building skills, empowering talent, and opening pathways to new careers, Cisco helps foster a future where everyone can thrive.
As we launch the 11th Cyber Education Marathon, Cisco and its partners continue to create opportunities for individuals and communities, demonstrating that when technology aligns with purpose, remarkable outcomes are possible.
The demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals has never been more urgent. Recent studies highlight this pressing need: PwC’s Global Digital Trust Insights 2025 reveals that 65% of technology leaders in Brazil view cyber risk as the top threat—significantly higher than the global average. Similarly, Deloitte reports that 57% of organizations worldwide plan to increase investments in digital security within the next two years.
Cisco’s Cyber Education program is at the forefront of addressing this skills gap, preparing Brazil’s workforce to navigate both the challenges and opportunities of the digital era. This year, the program celebrates its 11th edition and a milestone achievement: reaching over one million students through the Cisco Networking Academy.
A Landmark Year for Cyber Education
Cyber Education is a key pillar of Cisco’s Brazil Digital and Inclusive initiative and the broader Cisco Networking Academy, which has impacted more than one million learners nationwide. By partnering with educational institutions, government bodies, and industry leaders, Cisco is cultivating a talent pipeline that supports Brazil’s digital transformation and strengthens the global cybersecurity ecosystem.
Since its launch in 2020, the dedicated Cyber Education program has grown into Brazil’s leading professional training initiative in cybersecurity. This multi-phase program brings together students and educators nationwide, covering everything from foundational concepts to advanced cybersecurity practices. So far, more than 8,000 professionals have been trained, equipping them with the skills needed to safeguard Brazil’s digital future.
This year’s Cyber Education Marathon, the first phase of the program, runs from September 1 to 21. Participants complete the Cyber Threat Management course, learning essential skills to identify, understand, and mitigate cyber threats. The program provides critical insights into protecting digital assets and spotting vulnerabilities in today’s interconnected environment.
Top performers advance to compete for 1,500 professional training scholarships in high-demand courses such as CCNA ITN (Introduction to Networks), a foundational program for understanding network infrastructure, and the CyberOps Associate certification, which prepares learners for hands-on cybersecurity operations, including threat detection and incident response.
Beyond the classroom, the program actively connects graduates with job and internship opportunities through Cisco partners, customers, and other organizations, helping close the talent gap by placing qualified professionals directly into the workforce. The program also invests in developing the next generation of instructors, ensuring a sustainable ecosystem that will continue to grow Brazil’s cybersecurity capabilities for years to come.
To date, over 1,500 graduates from Cisco Brazil’s Cyber Education program have been placed in employment opportunities nationwide, supported by 52 employability partners.
To further encourage participation, Cyber Education recognizes partner academies that achieve the highest graduation rates across four categories. This year, special attention will be given to institutions promoting female participation in cybersecurity—a critical step toward a more inclusive future.
Benefits for Learners, Partners, and Communities
For Cisco, Cyber Education is more than just a program; it represents a long-term commitment to creating meaningful impact. By building skills, empowering talent, and opening pathways to new careers, Cisco helps foster a future where everyone can thrive.
As we launch the 11th Cyber Education Marathon, Cisco and its partners continue to create opportunities for individuals and communities, demonstrating that when technology aligns with purpose, remarkable outcomes are possible.