Thus, says Francine Katsoudas, executive vice president and chief people, purpose, and policy officer at Cisco, it is more important than ever to address the cybersecurity skills shortage. 

Issuing more than 4.3 million certifications over the last three decades, Cisco is focusing its efforts through two education programs: Cisco U. and Cisco Networking Academy. 

Fortune sat down with the Networking Academy’s leader earlier this year to discuss how the platform helps individuals begin, change, or advance their careers. The platform is introducing a new course in ethical hacking. But for those already involved in the world of tech—particularly as IT professionals—Cisco U. offers ways for individuals to get ahead through certificate programs at associate, professional, and expert level in subjects like cyber operations, data, and network development.

According to Jeetu Patel, executive vice president and general manager of security and collaboration at Cisco, the platform is rolling out new multi-cloud certifications to help professionals develop the skills to defend against future cyberattacks.

Fortune spoke with Patel and Katsoudas to hear more about how Cisco is helping close the cybersecurity skills gap, partly through new pathways.

This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.

Training the workforce in cybersecurity

Fortune: Why does Cisco believe closing the cybersecurity skills shortage is important?

Patel: Our ability to keep pace with cyber threats is at a tipping point. New threats and attack vectors are emerging daily at an unprecedented rate—3.4 billion phishing emails are sent daily. The total cost of cybercrime is estimated to hit $10.5 trillion globally by 2025. These threats will grow exponentially in the era of AI.

At Cisco, we know we need a diverse set of talent to combat a diverse set of threats. We also need to leverage AI to stay ahead of them—making sure that we are moving at machine speed and scale.

Security teams will need to understand the threat landscape and how to use AI to augment what they can do. So, it’s imperative to continue to train our existing security professionals and those who are new to the industry. 

Katsoudas: Cisco’s purpose is to Power an Inclusive Future for All, and building cybersecurity skills and tools is a crucial part of creating that future.  Security underpins critical and essential services for communities around the world. Attacks are increasingly focused on hospitals, power grids, and payment systems, and a single breach could have catastrophic implications, or cut off a community from communicating with the rest of the world. 

Digital skills are fundamental to so many of the challenges we’re facing, and yet these skills are lacking in so many economies. What is now a skills gap may quickly become a skills crisis. While we know that no single program or approach can be the solution, we’re working to meet learners where they are. 

Learning with Cisco

Fortune: What is Cisco U.? Tell me more about the new cybersecurity offerings.

Patel: In today’s hybrid world, new means of sophisticated attack have been introduced, and protecting the integrity of your IT ecosystem is now a next-level problem. 

To help the industry, Cisco’s Learning & Certifications team created Cisco U. to provide IT professionals with the fast-evolving, cutting-edge skills they need to securely connect, automate and drive innovation in their organizations’ technology infrastructure. Cisco Learning & Certifications has issued more than 4.3 million certifications since its inception 30 years ago.

To help organizations close the cybersecurity skills gap, we are announcing new Multicloud Certifications built into Cisco U. As cloud-hosted solutions become more common in the workplace, companies are in need of skilled cloud connectivity and security professionals. Our two new offerings are focused on connectivity and security and will help ensure IT professionals have the skills to defend against future cyberattacks.  

With a strong emphasis on practical application, these certifications will equip individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to effectively enable, design, configure, and establish security connections within their organization’s cloud network architectures. 

Fortune: Why should someone learn through Cisco U. versus the many other skills/degree programs out there?

Patel: No matter how sophisticated our learners are, Cisco U. provides learning paths, modular courses, and the ability to set goals. We know that our learners have a wide range of ambitions, experiences, and stages in their career—so it’s important we meet them where they are. 

Cisco U. provides personalized course recommendations and feedback so learners can get the most out of their experience. It also guides businesses and learners to the right solution, certification, or the best way they can grow their skills, organization, or career. Unlike platforms solely focused on courses and content, Cisco U. and Cisco Networking Academy provide mentorship through its community for both present and past learners.

Cisco U. and Cisco Networking Academy prioritize emerging technology, offering various programs on today’s most in-demand skills, including cybersecurity, Internet of Things (IoT), cloud, and more. These technologies are also incorporated into the courses themselves, helping to deliver hands-on training in an interactive manner.