While cybersecurity remains a board-level priority, the skills gap continues to constrain how effectively organizations can respond to threats. Fortinet’s 2025 Cybersecurity Skills Gap Global Research Report found that 86% of organizations experienced a breach last year. And a lack of security awareness and skilled personnel ranked among the leading causes.

At the same time, nearly nine out of ten IT leaders say they prefer to hire certified professionals. That gap between demand and capability is exactly where Fortinet’s Authorized Training Centers (ATCs) deliver measurable impact.

As enterprises expand teams, mandate certifications, and adapt to AI-driven environments, structured cybersecurity training is no longer optional. It is foundational. Operating across more than 150 countries and territories, Fortinet ATCs deliver training in 26 languages. They provide critical, hands-on, role-based instruction through the Network Security Expert (NSE) Certification program. Their work helps organizations build validated and valuable skills across network security, cloud, SASE, and security operations.

We are proud to recognize the winners of the fifth annual Fortinet Training Institute ATC Awards. These partners have set the standard for training delivery, technical expertise, and measurable outcomes.

Recognizing the 2026 ATC Award Winners

ATC Partner of the Year

This award recognizes partners that trained the highest number of individuals while maintaining strong delivery quality and customer impact.

• APAC: Red Education
• EMEA: Exclusive Networks
• LATAM: Adistec
• North America: Dynamic Worldwide Training Consultants

Certified Trainer of the Year

These Fortinet Certified Trainers exemplify technical depth, delivery excellence, and a consistent ability to drive strong learner outcomes.

• EMEA: Rony Moussa, Triple C
• LATAM: Johari Bernardo Yovera Delgado, TD Synnex Academy
• North America: David Warren, Dynamic Worldwide Training Consultants

Best New Certified Trainer

This award recognizes emerging talent delivering immediate impact.

• Amirouche Ait Saidi, Exclusive Networks

Marketing Innovation

These partners are awarded for driving engagement and growth through targeted, effective training initiatives.

• Gold: Exclusive Networks
• Silver: TD Synnex Academy
• Bronze: BOLL Engineering AG

Outstanding Achievement in Business Growth

These partners significantly expanded training reach and business performance.

• Gold: ITQAN HUB, Egypt
• Silver: Trainocate, Japan
• Bronze: Computer Learning Center, Kenya

Training as a Security Control

More and more organizations are responding to today’s cyber risks with structural changes that go well beyond simply updating their hardware. Sixty-three percent are expanding teams following breaches, and 62% are mandating certifications. That shift reflects a broader reality: technology alone does not reduce risk. Skilled people do.

ATCs are central to that effort. They translate Fortinet’s platform capabilities into operational knowledge. They ensure that security teams can deploy, manage, and respond with confidence. And they help organizations keep pace with evolving threats, including those shaped by automation and AI.

Continuing the Mission

Fortinet remains committed to closing the global cybersecurity skills gap through our Training Institute. This includes the NSE Certification program, Academic Partner program, Education Outreach initiatives, and Veterans Program. Together with our ATC partners, we are building a global workforce that can meet today’s demands and adapt to what comes next.

We thank our ATC partners for the role they play in strengthening cybersecurity readiness worldwide. Their work is essential.