New pilot project in Quebec will provide digital skills training and certifications to help protect organizations from cyber threats and optimize business performance using generative artificial intelligence
MONTREAL, Nov. 21, 2023 – Today, KPMG in Canada and Microsoft Canada announced the launch of the Operational Risk Skills Development Centre, a co-developed initiative. The Centre will offer free hands-on training to help businesses and governments build cybersecurity protection, navigate the opportunities and challenges of generative AI, and implement it responsibly.
Representing an investment of $1.7M over three years, the Operational Risk Skills Development Centre will be based in Quebec. KPMG in Canada’s Canadian Center of Excellence in Cybersecurity is also located in Quebec. During its first phase, training will be delivered in French with the potential of more than 11,000 executives benefitting from training. Courses will be provided on Cybersecurity for small and medium-sized business leaders and board members, and generative AI for C-Suite and board members.
KPMG International’s latest CEO Outlook revealed that an astonishing 93 per cent of Canadian CEOs are concerned that the emergence of generative AI will make them even more vulnerable to cybersecurity breaches. Yet only 56 per cent of them believe they are ready to face a cyberattack. Microsoft’s recent study with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) found that the demand for cybersecurity skills has increased 32 per cent in Canada over the past year.
‘’Through this collaboration with Microsoft, we aim to strengthen cybersecurity and make generative AI a transformative opportunity, instead of a threat,’’ said Benoit Lacoste Bienvenue, Regional Managing Partner Québec region, KPMG in Canada. ‘’Through our innovation in these areas, we’re taking concrete actions to advance security and have a useful and positive impact for organizations in Quebec.’’
With the increasing threat of cyberattacks, Microsoft estimates that ransomware attempts have increased by more than 200 per cent since September 2022, organizations of all sizes need to protect themselves, including building a cybersecurity culture that starts with essential security training and skills. KPMG’s recent poll of Québec small and medium-sized businesses found that 60 per cent of companies paid a ransom to cybercriminals in the last three years.
“The creation of the Operational Risk Skills Development Centre by KPMG in Canada and Microsoft Canada marks a significant step in the global alliance between KPMG International and Microsoft,” said Jean-Philippe Courtois, Executive Vice President and President, National Transformation Partnerships, Microsoft. “Our joint investment will help to accelerate innovation, keep businesses secure and enable sustainable growth for the Quebec economy.”
More information can be obtained, and registrations can be made at info.kpmgeducation.ca
About KPMG in Canada
KPMG LLP, a limited liability partnership, is a full-service Audit, Tax and Advisory firm owned and operated by Canadians. For over 150 years, our professionals have provided consulting, accounting, auditing, and tax services to Canadians, inspiring confidence, empowering change, and driving innovation. Guided by our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Courage, Together, For Better, KPMG employs more than 10,000 people in over 40 locations across Canada, serving private- and public-sector clients. KPMG is consistently ranked one of Canada’s top employers and one of the best places to work in the country.
The firm is established under the laws of Ontario and is a member of KPMG’s global organization of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International, a private English company limited by guarantee. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such. For more information, see kpmg.com/ca
About Microsoft Canada
Established in 1985, Microsoft Canada Inc. is the Canadian subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq “MSFT”) the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. Microsoft Canada provides nationwide sales, marketing, consulting and local support services in both French and English. For more information on Microsoft Canada, please visit www.microsoft.ca.
