Romanians have the opportunity to apply for a free cybersecurity scholarship

The SANS Technology Institute today launched the Paller Cybersecurity Scholarship, an international fully-funded scholarship aimed at helping bridge the cybersecurity skills gap.

The scholarship is open to applicants from Romania, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, and Slovakia. All courses will be conducted in English.

Tailored for candidates with varying levels of cybersecurity experience, from experienced information security professionals to individuals with no technical background, the scholarships grant successful candidates access to one of the two scholarship programs. Both programs offer diplomas and certificates of the highest caliber, helping scholars engage to make their organizations, regions, and countries more secure in the face of cyber threats.

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Through the New to Cyber Track program, which does not require prior experience, students can obtain a Certificate in Applied Cybersecurity, a Bachelor of Science in Applied Cybersecurity, or a Professional Studies Bachelor in Applied Cybersecurity. The second course, dedicated to experienced individuals, the Experienced Student Track, is open to those with a bachelor’s degree and experience in IT or information security and will allow students to earn one of the eight job-specific graduate certificates or a Master’s degree in Information Security Engineering. The scholarship covers all course fees, course materials, and GIAC certification exams, regardless of the program students choose to pursue.

All programs include multiple Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) certifications, are available 100% online, and offer a range of challenging on-demand or live sessions designed to fit students’ needs. Built with the requirements of industry professionals in mind, the courses are highly flexible, allowing students to take one course at a time, and most will conclude with an industry-recognized GIAC certification exam. Created and delivered by elite cybersecurity practitioners currently working in the field, this hands-on online education takes learning beyond the screen and can transform it into a career in cybersecurity that can change lives.

“The Paller Cybersecurity Scholarship provides the world’s best education in cybersecurity to those who have the desire and capability to have real-world impact. A hands-on approach, provided by those on the front lines of the cybersecurity industry, will be imperative for those wanting to defend against today’s critical cyber threats. No other cybersecurity education provider in the world has the same real-world exposure as we do, so we are excited to bring fully-funded scholarships to those who are ready to rise to the challenge and are determined to make a difference,” said Ed Skoudis, President of the SANS Technology Institute.

Named after Alan Paller, the founder of the SANS Institute and the SANS Technology Institute, the Paller Cybersecurity Scholarship is developed based on the educational legacy of this cybersecurity visionary, with millions of prevented security breaches and hundreds of thousands of lives changed as a testament. Today, as organizations need stronger defense more than ever, the SANS Technology Institute is the world’s leading international cybersecurity program and is the only college focused exclusively on cybersecurity education, committed to ensuring that those with the talent, drive, and desire to protect have the opportunity to act and make a difference.

“Alan Paller dedicated his life to significantly improving the skills of cybersecurity practitioners to counter the ever-increasing threats. Due to Alan’s commitment, sustained effort, and kindness, hundreds of thousands of students have become better cyber defenders. His legacy and dedication throughout a lifetime continue to embody the SANS mission,” he added.

There are examples of students who transitioned to cybersecurity from completely different fields, with no prior connection, and have succeeded in building a successful career.

“If you work in this field, you have to be prepared to look to the future and stay connected to the cutting edge of technology. I directly attribute my current job to the certificates I obtained through the SANS Technology Institute. SANS certificates are well recognized and respected throughout the industry and around the world. It is the best program of its kind in the industry,” said Jake Danuser, an SANS Technology Institute graduate who transitioned from philosophy and economics to cybersecurity and is now an associate security consultant for AHEAD, a leading provider of cloud, data, and digital engineering solutions.

To benefit from the scholarship, no previous cybersecurity experience is required, but applicants will need to pass an aptitude test and an interview.

“The SANS Institute is the Oxford of security studies, so students naturally feel high expectations. Living up to them is an extraordinary achievement,” said Shawna Turner, an SANS Technology Institute graduate who transitioned from stage technician to cybersecurity and is now a senior engineer at Nike.

To find out more details or to apply for the Paller Cybersecurity Scholarship, visit www.sans.edu/paller-cybersecurity-scholarship. Applications are open until November 15th at 11:59 PM.