In a significant stride towards fortifying the digital defenses of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in Costa Rica, we, in collaboration with the National Learning Institute (INA) and the Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology, and Telecommunications (MICITT), have completed a joint program – Cybersecurity Analyst Program for your business. This initiative was specifically crafted to enhance the cybersecurity capabilities of SMBs across diverse sectors.
Made possible through the INA-SBD Scholarship Program, this joint effort addressed the critical need for comprehensive cybersecurity training and support for businesses navigating the complex digital landscape.
Program Overview
The program, spanning two and a half months, offered specialized training and personalized consulting to the participating SMBs. The Unit for the Fomento y Desarrollo Empresarial (UFODE) at INA played a pivotal role by assuming 95% of the total program cost for each company involved. Elev8 delivered top-notch learning, providing the tools and knowledge necessary for SMBs to tackle the evolving challenges in the cybersecurity realm.
Reiterating Elev8’s commitment to the collaboration, Jeannie Bonilla, Country Manager of Elev8, said, “We are proud to have been part of this pioneering initiative. The response and commitment of companies’ participants are a testament to the importance and relevance of addressing cyber threats proactively.”
Paula Bogantes, Minister of MICITT, added: “Cross-sector collaboration is essential to address the cybersecurity challenges different sectors face. This program demonstrates how synergy between the public and private sectors can significantly impact our business community, especially in small and medium-sized enterprises, generating cutting-edge capabilities that make them more competitive.”
In the same vein, Adriana Aguilar, Head of UFODE at the INA, commented: “This initiative represents a significant milestone in strengthening the cyber capabilities of the small and medium-sized businesses, helping them protect against increasingly sophisticated threats in the digital environment,”
Key Components of the Program
- State-of-the-Art Training: Participants had the opportunity to engage with cybersecurity leaders and experts who shared the latest trends and best practices in the field. The training sessions covered fundamental aspects of cybersecurity, security in applications and networks, malware analysis, ethical hacking, risk management, incident response, threat intelligence, and other crucial digital security elements.
- Customized Consulting: The program offered personalized consulting to assess the specific needs of each participating SMB. This tailored approach aimed to strengthen internal cybersecurity capabilities, ensuring a more robust defense against cyber threats.
- Access to Technological Resources: SMBs were provided access to advanced technological resources to implement adequate security measures in their day-to-day operations. This hands-on approach empowered businesses to apply their newfound knowledge in real-world scenarios.
The Program’s Impact
The collaborative effort between INA, MICITT, and Elev8 marked a significant milestone in enhancing the cyber capabilities of SMBs. By actively involving both the public and private sectors, the program showcased how synergy can positively impact the business community, especially smaller enterprises, making them more competitive in the digital landscape.Â
