UM, Blackfoot Communications Partner on Critical Cybersecurity Effort
MISSOULA – The 91视频 and Blackfoot Communications have launched a partnership to strengthen cybersecurity defense in rural areas of Montana.
This is the first corporate partnership for the Public Infrastructure Security Cyber Education System, known as PISCES, in Montana. The partnership aims to provide cybersecurity analysis and training to local governments, public school systems and local utility companies.
“We are thrilled to have Blackfoot Communications as a partner,” said Tom Gallagher, Missoula College dean and associate vice provost for two-year education and workforce development. “They are a trustworthy community stalwart with deep connections to the rural communities we plan to serve.
He said PISCES will provide students with hands-on experience in cybersecurity threat monitoring and management, which are critical skills for high-tech companies like Blackfoot.
“We are grateful for their support,” Gallagher said “Montana has a great need for cybersecurity experts, and with Blackfoot’s help, we are solving a workforce gap and bridging the digital divide.”
As a longtime partner of UM, Blackfoot serves as the community liaison, connecting local organizations with the valuable resources and training offered by the PISCES program. He said this collaboration will not only benefit the community by enhancing its cybersecurity posture but also provide valuable educational opportunities for students.
“This is a win-win for Blackfoot,” said Chad Gardner, chief revenue officer of Blackfoot Communications. “We are proud to share this exceptional cybersecurity program with the communities we serve and support the development of the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.”
This partnership is a major component of the growing cybersecurity efforts at UM and Missoula College. Known as Montana’s cybersecurity hub, students can choose from a range of cybersecurity career paths that range from a weeks-long certificate to a two- or four-year degree program.
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Contact: Tom Gallagher, Missoula College Dean, thomas.gallagher@umontana.edu.