Trend Micro Next-Gen Cyber Defenders

Formerly Certificate Program in IT Security (CPITS)

The time is now

There’s never been a better time to launch a career in IT Security. Cybersecurity threats are on the rise, yet the current global shortfall of cybersecurity workers has been estimated at over 3 million. There are tremendous opportunities for passionate young talent entering this field – with roles extending from software development to sales, support, and professional services.

Trend Micro Next-Gen Cyber Defenders program (formerly Certificate Program in IT Security (CPITS)) reflects our commitment to closing the cybersecurity skills gap and increasing diversity in our industry. Trainees undergo a free 10-week program focusing on the soft and hard skills required to succeed in the field. Participants earn industry-recognised certificates, and a number of those completing the program are offered employment opportunities with Trend Micro.

Over the last 6 years, over 400 young cybersecurity professionals have passed through the CPITS, going on to embark on a wide range of information security careers internationally – in Australia, Brazil, India, the US, the Middle East, and Africa.

“The CPITS has given me a great opportunity. It’s allowed me to fill a knowledge gap regarding cybersecurity, helped me to understand the business needs of this industry, the best ways to improve myself and my skills, and shown me how to enjoy the journey!”

Mohamed Khaled
Cloud Security Sales Engineer
CPITS graduate, 2016

Program overview

The CPITS is led by instructors from Trend Micro’s global network of experts and educators. Course modules explore cybersecurity threats, trends, and solutions, with hands-on learning in areas such as cloud computing, security operations, endpoint and server protection. Oral and written tests, as well as practical exercises, encourage trainees to develop both the technical and the soft skills required for success in the field.

Trainees can expect to gain a solid understanding of the cybersecurity industry and its various career pathways. They will also learn about Trend Micro’s industry-leading solutions, and the company’s unique culture and history. Learning will combine collaborative, independent, and virtual classroom study.

The CPITS is an intensive full-time program: Classes operate Sunday–Thursday, from early June until mid-August. A holiday break is scheduled for the period of Eid al-Adha. As a virtual program, this edition of the CPITS will rely on remote/virtual learning, so trainees will require reliable internet connectivity throughout. Program participants will receive a bursary for the duration of the training program.

Upon successfully completing the program, trainees will be awarded a CPITS Certificate to accompany the industry-recognised product and cloud computing certificates earned during the program. Trend Micro will also extend job offers to a number of those completing the program.

Is the program for you?

If you are passionate about technology, eager to learn new things, and ready to develop your cybersecurity skills, then we want to hear from you!

Successful candidates will have graduated within the last 4 years with a Bachelors degree in an ICT-related field. Exceptional candidates without such a degree may also apply, but must be aged under 27 at the end of 2022 and be able to demonstrate equivalent experience or training. Applicants will need to demonstrate solid working knowledge of networking and associated concepts: client/server architecture; IP addressing and subnetting; routing tables; TCP/IP & OSI models and protocols. Proficiency with basic Linux commands will also be required.

Prior knowledge of cybersecurity tools is not required, but candidates will benefit from familiarity with key concepts, including: malware; vulnerabilities; firewalls; ransomware; phishing.

Trend Micro is committed to closing the gender gap in our industry and we especially encourage applications from women.

Hear what our students say about it

"CPITS is a life-changing program. It introduced me to the cyber security industry and showed me what working in cybersecurity is really like. The hands-on approach and well-designed educational structure allowed me to have an enjoyable educational journey and to be equipped with the market's most demanded cybersecurity skills. If I had the chance to do this program again, I would dive in with both feet without hesitation!"

Ahmed Mannai
Associate Systems Engineer, Tunisia
CPITS 2021

"The beauty of the CPITS program is that you're being trained by actual field engineers and experts who use their own experiences to teach; and how the program focuses on not only giving a solid cyber-security structure, but also building soft and business skills of benefit in the short and long-term. I will treasure the relationships and memories I made during this program for the rest of my life."

Turki Alhamzi
Associate Customer Service Manager, Saudi Arabia
CPITS 2018

"Joining a robust, condensed, and impactful training strategy like CPITS has opened many doors for me, allowing me to explore and break into top industries with job opportunities in cybersecurity and cloud computing. The CPITS has been a sort of investment in myself: my character as well as my soft & technical skills. Overall, it’s a great way for engineers like me to gain a wide variety of experiences, make good friends, and enjoy their journey!"

Mohamed Ashour
Systems Engineer, Egypt
CPITS graduate, 2017

"CPITS was really a turning point in my whole life! During the program, I learned the true meaning of ‘exploring yourself’. I discovered my passion while learning cybersecurity fundamentals and identified my potential to explore further and further in a cybersecurity career."

Asmaa Elsawy
Systems Engineer, Egypt
CPITS graduate, 2018

"The program helped put me on the right track after graduation - being well-trained by top experts in cybersecurity, and then getting really good experience in specialist security and cloud technologies. At the same time, I benefitted from chances to learn more about myself in the context of business."

Shereen Lotfy
Sales Operations Specialist, Egypt
CPITS graduate, 2017

"The CPITS gave me a great chance. It helped enrich my knowledge of the cybersecurity field. But it wasn’t only about the technical skills, but also about expanding my understanding of the market and the business needs of this crucial Industry. The program helped me improve my knowledge and skills, making me more confident, while pushing me to do my best and showing me how to continue growing and learning throughout my journey!"

Aisha Badr
Systems Engineer, Egypt
CPITS graduate, 2018

For all inquiries about the program in the Middle East and Africa, please email AMEA_CPITS@trendmicro.com

Explore the Cyber Risk Index (CRI)

Trend Micro Next-Gen Cyber Defenders