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 program was that one opportunity that turned things around and kickstarted my career in cybersecurity. I got trained in the various aspects of cybersecurity and even in soft skills by well-seasoned instructors who gave great attention to the students. I had lots of fun at the same time, getting to meet amazing people, sharing ideas, perspectives, and culture!”

Fortress Abioye
Associate Systems Engineer,
CPITS graduate, Nigeria 2021

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, threat detection, 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 the current threat landscape. They will also learn about Trend Micro’s industry-leading solutions, and the company’s unique culture and history. Learning will combine collaborative, independent, in-person, and virtual classroom study.

The CPITS is an intensive full-time program: Classes operate Monday–Friday, from early January until mid-March. The program relies largely on remote/virtual learning, but during early March trainees will travel to join ‘in-person’ training (costs covered). Program participants will receive a bursary for the duration of the training program.

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

Is the program for you?

If you are passionate about technology, enjoy collaborating with others, and want to hone your cybersecurity skillset, then we want to hear from you!

Successful applicants will have graduated within the last 4 years with a Bachelors degree in an ICT-related field. 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.

The CPITS relies on virtual classrooms, labs, and resources. Applicants will require a camera-equipped laptop and reliable internet access in order to join the program.

Hear what our students say about it

"The 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,
CPITS graduate, 2018

"Through this program, I was able to grow holistically. Besides the technical training on security that I received from the company's seasoned experts, I also discovered things about myself I did not know and learned how to use that information to improve both my professional life and my interactions with others on a day-to-day basis."

David Ochieng, Associate Systems Engineer,
CPITS graduate, Kenya 2021

"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,
CPITS graduate, Egypt 2018

"The CPITS really broadened my horizons and my professional skills. It helped me to see different ways to think and to leverage challenges in my cybersecurity career. It was a wonderful experience meeting great people, learning from them, and acquiring skills from cybersecurity and Cloud experts. Not forgetting the lots of fun too… It was a value-packed training experience."

Wilklins Nyatteng, Associate Systems Engineer,
CPITS graduate, Kenya 2021

"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,
CPITS graduate, Egypt 2017

"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 Services Manager,
CPITS graduate, Saudi Arabia 2018

"The CPITS changed my life by allowing me to improve my technical skills and gain a whole new perspective on the value of soft skills. The experience taught me to pay more attention to why we do things rather than how we do them. Teachings on the most recent and relevant knowledge came from industry professionals who shared their journeys and experiences. The program also gave me a unique understanding of how to help clients, and how to approach and meet people with diverse and fresh perspectives from around the globe."

Tolu Banji, Associate Systems Engineer,
CPITS graduate, Nigeria 2021

"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,
CPITS graduate, Tunisia 2020

"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, Egypt, 2016

"The CPITS program was an opportunity for me to explore different areas in cybersecurity and a chance to talk to and learn from top security experts. The soft skills I learned from this program have influenced me, my communication skills, my teamwork, and my career positively. The program also allowed me to network with brilliant and like-minds individuals starting up in cybersecurity."

Peligey Rufus, Associate Systems Engineer,
CPITS graduate, Nigeria 2021

"The CPITS was a great opportunity for me to rediscover my passions and unlock new potentials. It not only gave me the chance to explore cybersecurity and cloud technologies from top field experts but it also helped me establish new goals for myself and walk my first steps towards professional growth. The program imparted cross-cultural skills and qualities in a very friendly and professional environment and provided me with knowledge and understanding of international business and market needs."

Jamila Sallem, Associate Systems Engineer,
CPITS graduate, Tunisia 2020

"l see the CPITS program as a bag full of treats. It prepared me to become a successful security engineer by helping me with my confidence, technical capabilities, and the job-ready skills that employers require. Through activities and exercises, l gained the soft skills and certificates that l needed to reach my objectives."

Kudzanai Gomera, Associate Systems Engineer,
CPITS graduate, South Africa 2021

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

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Trend Micro Next-Gen Cyber Defenders