UserGate, a leading Russian developer of cybersecurity solution ecosystems, has opened a specialized computer lab with 30 workstations at Gubkin University. This event marks a milestone in the expansion of cooperation between the UserGate Academy and the Russian State University of Oil and Gas named after I.M. Gubkin in the field of information security training.
The opening ceremony was attended by:
· Nikita Golunov – Vice-Rector for Additional Professional Education at the Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas;
· Dmitry Pravikov – Head of the Department of Integrated Security of Critical Facilities;
· Margarita Zaitseva – Director of the UserGate Academy.
The computer lab will improve the level of student training by providing them with:
· an expanded package of educational and methodological materials and licenses;
· access to a modern demonstration hardware and software complex – the UserGate NGFW (Next-Generation Firewall);
· the opportunity to study advanced domestic solutions in the field of cybersecurity.
Vice-Rector for Additional Professional Education at the Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas, Nikita Golunov, noted:
"UserGate solutions have become an industry standard in network security. Thanks to the university's cooperation with UserGate, we can offer students not only high-quality basic education in the field of information security, but also specialized knowledge that is in demand in the oil and gas industry. This improves the training of future specialists and makes them competitive in the labor market."
Head of the Department of Integrated Security of Critical Facilities, Dmitry Pravikov, emphasized:
"Fuel and energy complex facilities have always been under the threat of cyberattacks, and today their complexity and frequency are only increasing. Effective countermeasures require highly qualified specialists with practical experience working with domestic cybersecurity solutions. The opening of a training class with demonstration equipment of Russian production is an important step in improving the security of the country's critical infrastructure."
Director of the UserGate Academy, Margarita Zaitseva, added:
"Cyber threats are developing rapidly, which means that fuel and energy complex enterprises need reliable protection and qualified specialists. The UserGate Academy actively supports educational institutions, helping to train such specialists. The opening of the computer lab is part of our strategy to develop a professional community of users of domestic cybersecurity solutions."
The UserGate Academy trains qualified specialists in the company's solutions. As part of the initiative:
· training courses are being developed and implemented for universities and colleges;
· a network of authorized training centers is being created;
· teacher training is conducted and consulting services are provided.
The special UserGate Educational Partnership program is aimed at working with educational institutions, helping students gain not only theoretical knowledge, but also practical skills in protecting corporate information networks. More than 40 educational institutions are already participating in the program, which are provided with training materials, licenses, and teacher support.
In addition to integration into the educational process, UserGate actively participates in specialized university events. Academy specialists participated in:
· the preparation and holding of the All-Russian Olympiad in Information Security;
· the plenary session of the Federal Educational and Methodological Association on Information Security in 2024.
UserGate supports student competitions, hackathons, and cyber exercises, providing winners with the opportunity to intern at the company and its partner ecosystem.
