BlackBerry Eyes Malaysia Expansion: Partners With SANS Institute For Cybersecurity Training Amid Cost-Cutting Measures

BlackBerry Limited BB and the SANS Institute announced a new partnership in Malaysia.

The parties intend to provide SANS training courses via the upcoming BlackBerry Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (CCoE) in Kuala Lumpur.

To enhance Malaysia’s cybersecurity capabilities, the collaboration aims to provide advanced technology and training, focusing on critical areas such as forensics and incident response, to upskill the nation’s cyber-defenders.

Apart from SANS programs, BlackBerry will introduce its own curriculum at the new CCoE. The company will also collaborate with Malaysian universities and institutions to provide diverse courses, certifications, and programs, aiming to cultivate proficient cybersecurity professionals in Malaysia and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

John Dimitropoulos, Senior Vice President of Strategy, Business Development and Operations, BlackBerry Cybersecurity concluded, “BlackBerry has seen global demand for cyber skills and expertise explode, particularly in specialist areas such as Machine Learning and AI.” 

Recently, the company was in the headlines for announcing its plans to reduce additional positions within its cybersecurity business, which will likely save about $27 million annually, alongside $8 million from other non-headcount actions. 

To streamline its cost structure further, BlackBerry has withdrawn from six of its 36 worldwide office sites to decrease general and administrative expenses, including one in San Ramon, California. 

In December, BlackBerry reported third-quarter revenue of $175 million, which beat the consensus of $173.53 million. 

The company reported an EPS loss of $(0.05) versus a loss of $(0.09) in the prior year’s quarter. 

Price Action: BB shares closed higher by 0.74% to $2.710 on Wednesday.