Gamified cybersecurity experience offers young Canadians a fun, high-impact way to learn more about growing sector
February 1, 2023 (Brampton) – Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst and RBC are pleased to announce a new partnership that will help support the growth of CyberStart Canada, allowing hundreds of young Canadians to discover cybersecurity as a potential career path for the future.
CyberStart Canada uses gamification to measurably improve cyber-related knowledge and skills, and increase interest in cybersecurity careers among an engaged community of 13-18 year-olds across the country. As Canada is currently facing a considerable talent and diversity gap in the cybersecurity sector, one of the aims of CyberStart Canada is to promote greater diversity and inclusion. With RBC’s generous support, the scope of the program has expanded to introduce cybersecurity to underserved and underrepresented groups across Canada.
“Canada is facing a huge shortage of skilled, diverse cyber talent, which is why engaging the younger generation is crucial to ensuring they are able to imagine themselves working towards cyber solutions in the future,” says Charles Finlay, Founding Executive Director of Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst. “With RBC’s generosity, we are thrilled to be able to offer this program to more high school students than ever before.”
In addition to the CyberStart game, which includes over 200 puzzles and challenges, participants will also gain access to cyber career talks, workshops and other engagement activities throughout the duration of the program.
“RBC is proud to be associated with CyberStart Canada,” says Adam Evans, Chief Information Security Officer, RBC. “Through this partnership, we hope to grow and enrich the experience of participants interested in cybersecurity through inspiring activities like the CyberStart game, as well as workshops with recognized experts in the field that will share their expertise of the cyber ecosystem”.
CyberStart Canada is immediately available for youths ages 13-18 in the provinces of Ontario, Alberta and BC. To learn more and sign up, visit: https://cyberstartcanada.com/
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About Royal Bank of Canada
Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 95,000+ employees who leverage their imaginations and insights to bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada’s biggest bank and one of the largest in the world, based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our 17 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 27 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com.
We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/community-social-impact.
About Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst
Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst is Toronto Metropolitan University’s national centre for training, innovation and collaboration in cybersecurity. Headquartered in Brampton, Ontario, the Catalyst empowers individuals and organizations to seize the opportunities and tackle the challenges of cybersecurity.
Through its ground-breaking training and certification programs; unique commercial accelerator for cybersecurity start-ups and scale-ups; first-of-its-kind cyber range; wide-ranging public education programs; and influential policy development platform, the Catalyst helps drive Canada’s global competitiveness in cybersecurity.
For Media Inquiries
Jessica Leach
Toronto Metropolitan University
jleach@torontomu.ca
416-704-2166