SMCS and Fortinet Join Hands to Advance Cybersecurity Education Nationwide

December 02, 2024: IBA-SMCS signed an agreement with Fortinet, a global leader in cybersecurity. This agreement officially welcomes IBA as the first member of Fortinet's prestigious Academic Partner Program in Pakistan, marking a significant milestone in advancing cybersecurity education nationwide. The partnership was facilitated by the National CERT- Pakistan.

The event was attended by senior representatives from both organizations, including Dr. S Akbar Zaidi, Executive Director, IBA; Dr. Shakeel Khoja, Dean SMCS; and Mr. Saqib Ishfaq, Fortinet's Country Manager, Pakistan.

Dr. Zaidi welcomed the Fortinet team and commended the collaboration between IBA-SMCS and Fortinet. He emphasized the benefits this agreement would bring to IBA students and encouraged the school to integrate Fortinet's resources into the curriculum while organizing specialized sessions to maximize its impact. Dr. Khoja highlighted SMCS's rapid growth and commitment to offering innovative and diverse academic programs.

Mr. Ishfaq remarked, "With the rapid expansion of our footprint in Pakistan, Fortinet is proud to play a key role in fostering a digitally secure future for the country. Our Academic Partner Program reflects Fortinet's commitment to empowering local talent and building a stronger foundation for Digital Pakistan. This initiative offers SMCS students a unique opportunity to gain industry-leading training and certifications through Fortinet's renowned programs".