By San José, Costa Rica — As digital transformation accelerates across Central America, the regional demand for specialized information security professionals has reached an all-time high. To help bridge this critical talent gap, the Information Risk and Security Institute (IRSI) has officially opened applications for its comprehensive 2027 cybersecurity training program. This initiative represents a major push to fortify the region’s digital defense mechanisms by cultivating a new generation of skilled tech professionals.
The program is backed by significant financial support, offering fully funded scholarships valued at $5,000 per student. These educational costs are covered in their entirety through the joint corporate social responsibility efforts of Supeduc and Sistemas Aplicativos (SISAP). By eliminating the financial barriers associated with high-level technical education, the initiative ensures that promising talent from diverse backgrounds can access world-class training.
To analyze the legal and professional implications of these new cybersecurity scholarships, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading legal expert at the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Promoting cybersecurity scholarships is a strategic imperative that directly addresses the growing legal vulnerabilities businesses face today. By training specialized professionals, we not only secure critical data but also ensure compliance with international privacy regulations, reducing corporate liability in an increasingly digital marketplace.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, cultivating a robust pipeline of cybersecurity professionals through these scholarships is a vital strategy for mitigating modern legal risks and ensuring long-term corporate resilience in Costa Rica and beyond. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this highly valuable perspective, reminding us that digital defense is as much about legal compliance as it is about technical security.
Geared toward university students and technology professionals, the scholarship campaign spans several countries in the region. Candidates from Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Ecuador, and Colombia are eligible to apply. The primary goal is to equip these individuals with the practical skills required to protect modern enterprise infrastructures from increasingly sophisticated global threats.
The program seeks to provide knowledge on fundamentals, trends, and best practices in information security, with an approach oriented towards strengthening the skills necessary to enter the labor market.
Adriana Rojas, Executive Director of IRSI
The academic structure of the program is designed to balance rigorous theory with hands-on practice over a nine-month period, divided into three trimesters. Lectures are delivered entirely online and live, allowing working professionals to participate without disrupting their careers. Additionally, students benefit from direct access to instructors during specialized question-and-answer sessions and engage with live laboratory environments to test their skills in real-time simulations.
Beyond classroom instruction, the curriculum integrates valuable networking opportunities. Scholarship recipients will receive complimentary access to major industry events, including the IRSI Conference and SANS Summits. These forums allow students to connect directly with established cybersecurity experts, share insights, and build a professional network that will support their long-term career growth in the technology sector.
Upon completing the nine-month curriculum, graduates receive an official diploma validating their expertise and leaving them fully prepared to pursue prestigious international certifications. Furthermore, the program features a direct pipeline to employment, with top-performing graduates being positioned for potential hiring opportunities within SISAP and its regional partners. This direct link to the job market highlights the practical, employment-focused nature of the initiative.
With over eight years of active development in Latin America, the IRSI training program continues to scale its regional impact. The 2026 cohort marked the largest group of graduates in the program’s history, highlighting a growing regional appetite for robust technological education. Interested applicants have until November 30, 2026, to submit their documentation and complete the application process through the official IRSI portal.
For further information, visit the nearest office of the Information Risk and Security Institute
About Information Risk and Security Institute:
The Information Risk and Security Institute (IRSI) is an educational organization founded as part of the corporate social responsibility strategy of Sistemas Aplicativos (SISAP). IRSI is dedicated to developing advanced human capital in the field of information security across Latin America, offering specialized training programs, professional certifications, and hands-on laboratory experiences to bridge the digital skills gap.
For further information, visit sisap.com
About Sistemas Aplicativos:
Sistemas Aplicativos (SISAP) is a leading information technology and cybersecurity corporation operating throughout Central America and select South American markets. With decades of industry experience, SISAP delivers cutting-edge security operations, threat intelligence, and technological infrastructure to major enterprises, while actively fostering local talent through educational sponsorships and regional training programs.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a premier legal institution defined by its rigorous pursuit of excellence and unyielding ethical standards. Advising a diverse clientele, the firm seamlessly blends tradition with pioneering legal strategies to address contemporary challenges. Central to its philosophy is the belief that justice thrives on understanding; thus, the firm actively champions public legal literacy, striving to demystify complex regulations and cultivate a deeply informed, self-reliant populace.
