Closing the skills gap
Cybersecurity continues to be a significant threat for organizations and individuals around the world. Currently, we’re not training or certifying enough people to meet growing demands.
Our commitment
Cybersecurity jobs are high-wage, high-growth jobs, across every industry. We work with education institutions, nonprofits, governments, and businesses to develop local cybersecurity skills programs that meet unique market needs, help build diversity in the industry, and expand opportunity.
Data and insights
We’ve partnered with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to develop a detailed study on the skills gap across multiple countries with a focus on growing cybersecurity workforces through post-secondary education and training.
Unlocking opportunity
Women have been historically underrepresented in cybersecurity. Microsoft is proud to partner globally with women-focused organizations including Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS), LATAM Women in Cybersecurity, Women4Cyber, Women in Cloud, and Women in Cyber Mentorship Programme to help build diversity in the industry.
Pathways to in-demand jobs
Through Skills for Jobs learning pathways, learners can discover the skills needed for a career in cybersecurity and earn a Career Essentials Certificate in Cybersecurity from Microsoft and LinkedIn to demonstrate their commitment to skill building to employers.
Additional training
Access to industry-aligned skilling content is important. That’s why we make learning opportunities and training resources available to support individuals and organizations.
Advanced cybersecurity training
For more technical training, Microsoft Learn helps learners discover the tools and skills needed to become a security engineer. Browse the official collection for security engineers.
EU Cyber Skills Academy
Microsoft is contributing to the EU Cyber Skills Academy in its goals to close the cybersecurity talent gap in the EU.
Cybersecurity awareness resources
Educate everyone in your organization with cybersecurity awareness resources and training curated by the security experts at Microsoft.
Highlighted opportunities
We partner locally and globally with organizations that help build a diverse cybersecurity talent pipeline.
Scholarships for low-income students
The Microsoft Cybersecurity Scholarship Program powered by Last Mile Education Fund provides up to $500 in financial assistance and up to $375 in subsidies for cybersecurity certification exam fees. (US only)
Faculty professional development
Microsoft has partnered with the National Cybersecurity Training & Education Center (NCyTE) to support cybersecurity program development. This includes faculty professional development and support in attaining the Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) Designation.
Explore the mentorship program
Her CyberTracks empowers women in cybersecurity through specialized training and mentorship by offering three tailored CyberTracks—Policy & Diplomacy, Incident Response, and Criminal Justice specialized learning paths on the ITU Academy.
Learn more
Interested in more in-demand skills? Explore additional resources from Microsoft and our partners.