Palo Alto Networks and Quitch launch new cyber training modules

Palo Alto Networks and Quitch have announced a partnership to introduce interactive cybersecurity training modules on the Quitch mobile microlearning platform.

The collaboration aims to make cyber education more engaging and accessible using bite-sized, gamified learning modules designed on the principle of spaced repetition learning, a methodology demonstrated to improve information retention and recollection. This method counters the common human propensity to forget information over time and is integrated into the gameplay of the Quitch platform.

Lisa Sim, Program Director, CyberFit Nation at Palo Alto Networks, emphasised the importance of broadening access to cybersecurity knowledge. "We have a responsibility to make cybersecurity knowledge more accessible to everyone. This partnership with Quitch enables us to deliver engaging, impactful training to a broader audience, helping more people stay safe in an increasingly digital world," she said. "The team at Quitch have a fantastic, research-backed methodology that supports more effective learning outcomes, so everyone can understand how best to protect themselves from cyberthreats."

Quitch, established in 2016, has been employed in various learning environments, including schools, universities, professional associations and corporations across the world, covering subjects ranging from accounting to psychology. Professor Grainne Oates, Chief Executive Officer and founder of Quitch, highlighted the evidence-based nature of the platform.

"Quitch uses an evidence-based approach to commit key information to long-term memory through the practice of active recall, which we've refined with every learning journey completed on the platform," she said. "These days, our lives are digital-first in most respects, and the online world is fraught with bad actors. I can think of no better application for this learning methodology than cybersecurity, and it's been a fascinating and eye-opening experience working with the experts at Palo Alto Networks."

The initial offering arising from this partnership is a set of five modules titled 'Introduction to Cybersecurity Essentials', which will be freely available to all learners using the Quitch platform.

Swinburne University of Technology played a significant role in the establishment of Quitch, both through direct support from the Swinburne Ventures Limited fund and indirectly as part of the institution's innovation initiatives. Professor Oates maintains close links with Swinburne University as both a professor and alumna.

Dr. Werner van der Merwe, Vice President (Innovation and Enterprise) at Swinburne University of Technology, underlined the importance of initiatives such as this in advancing both education and entrepreneurship. "We're absolutely focused on growing entrepreneurship and innovation in Australia. Professor Oates and Quitch are a great example of what founders can achieve when their vision and execution combine with Swinburne's supportive environment and resources. It's crucial that all Australians can access the right training that will help them navigate online life safely."

The training content has also been made available to higher education students, including those at Auckland University of Technology Business School. Dr. Geri Harris, Director of Business Undergraduate Programs at Auckland University of Technology Business School, described the value of the modules for students.

"We're grateful to have access to the Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Essentials course through Quitch, offered free to our students at AUT. This one-hour, industry-led course delivers exactly what today's graduates need - practical, foundational knowledge in cyber awareness. On completion, students receive an Industry Certificate, equipping them with recognised skills that align directly with employer expectations. It's an excellent opportunity to build career-ready capabilities in a flexible, accessible format."

The partnership seeks to address the demand for practical, accessible cybersecurity education by delivering modules at no cost and supporting learners to meet employer needs through industry certificates. The Quitch platform's approach, which relies on active recall and spaced repetition, continues to be refined based on feedback and outcomes from diverse learners globally.