Scholarship Supports Cybersecurity Leaders of the Future

/PRNewswire/ -- Optiv, the world's largest pure-play cybersecurity company, has named Andrew Tolbert the recipient of its yearly Black Employee Network (BEN) scholarship.

BEN, an employee resource group at Optiv, manages the scholarship program to tackle the sector's talent gap and encourage broader representation across the field.

Tolbert, a recent graduate from Oak Park, Illinois, plans to enroll at Purdue University this fall to study cybersecurity. He aims to become a security analyst and penetration tester, with a focus on shielding at-risk groups from digital threats and boosting community awareness through outreach and education efforts.

His passion for the field developed after observing rising phishing schemes, fake emails, calls and messages aimed at those around him. Experiences with family members encountering such risks highlighted the need to safeguard data and build resilience in today's connected environment.

"Witnessing deception online and in daily life influenced my views and deepened my dedication to cybersecurity. I want to anticipate threats like a cybercriminal to better defend others," said Tolbert. "I appreciate the Optiv Black Employee Network for this scholarship and the chance to advance my studies while aiming to contribute meaningfully to the industry."

Tolbert completed an internship centered on cybersecurity awareness and phishing defense, where he runs anti-phishing initiatives, reviews responses and examines elements behind effective social engineering tactics. He also holds CompTIA Tech+ and CompTIA A+ certifications to strengthen his technical skills.

He will receive a one-time $10,000 award to aid his studies and career path, along with guidance from Optiv mentors during his first college year.

"Andrew distinguished himself as a strong candidate for the BEN Scholarship through his proactive approach, technical interest and drive in cybersecurity. His practical work in penetration testing, social engineering awareness and Python development shows both insight and applied skills that match Optiv's goals," said Chanel Cantey, co-Chair of BEN. "Optiv is proud to support emerging cyber professionals like Andrew via the BEN Scholarship and help foster a more creative and diverse industry."

The BEN scholarship targets STEM students who identify as Black or African American (including African, African American and Caribbean backgrounds) and hold U.S. citizenship, national status or permanent residency.

About Optiv Security: Secure greatness.^® Optiv is the world's largest pure-play cybersecurity company. With unmatched technology partnerships and deep technical expertise, Optiv securely enables the AI era for more than 6,000 clients. From financial services and health care, to government, energy and retail, organizations trust Optiv to advise, deploy and operate cybersecurity programs that reduce risk and deliver real results. Learn why Optiv is the most trusted brand in cyber at optiv.com.

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SOURCE Optiv Security Inc.