Holy Angel University (HAU) has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with global cybersecurity leader Fortinet® to strengthen the country’s cybersecurity workforce under the Fortinet Academic Partner Program.

With the support of MEC Networks Corporation and Simplivia, HAU will integrate Fortinet’s Network Security Expert (NSE) certification program into its computing curriculum and offer it as a standalone continuing education course. Students will gain industry-recognized training in areas such as network security, malware defense, and web protection—skills urgently needed in the Philippine job market.

A new Cyber Innovation Lab equipped with Fortinet’s advanced solutions will provide hands-on experience, alongside guest lectures and training led by Fortinet-certified instructors.

The initiative comes amid a nationwide shortage of cybersecurity professionals. A 2024 Fortinet survey revealed that 94% of Philippine organizations experienced a security breach in 2023, with 77% linking it to a lack of skilled IT staff.

HAU joins other institutions in Fortinet’s academic network, including Mapúa University, Mindanao State University-Sulu, and Manila Central University, in preparing students to meet the growing demand for cybersecurity experts.