The "Cybersecurity Seminars" programme by Google.org has announced a list of 20 universities that will receive support from Google.org to expand access to cybersecurity education.
"In addition to European universities, the programme has been extended to higher education institutions in the Middle East and Africa. Among the universities that will receive support from Google.org are two Ukrainian universities – Drohobych State Pedagogical University and Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv," according to a message on the company's website.
The universities will receive Titan security keys and free cybersecurity training through a partnership with leading European GovTech company Possible Digital.
"These seminars are mutually beneficial – universities strengthen cybersecurity in their communities while simultaneously preparing a new generation of specialists through hands-on experience," Google.org states.
It is noted that in 2024, the number of cyberattacks worldwide increased by 44%, and nearly half of small and medium-sized enterprises in Europe experienced cyberattacks in the past two years. At the same time, Europe is facing a shortage of 883,000 cybersecurity professionals.
"In a time when emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing create new opportunities and threats for cybersecurity, there is an increasing demand for a diverse, qualified, and AI-literate workforce. This is why the 'Cybersecurity Seminars' programme was launched in the fall of 2023 by Google.org, with $15 million allocated to expand access to cybersecurity education," the company announced.
The non-profit organization Virtual Routes, specializing in emerging technologies and policy, will help universities adapt their programmes and curricula according to the cybersecurity needs of their regions. Participating universities will provide thousands of students with opportunities to gain hands-on experience through internships, mentorship from cybersecurity professionals, and hackathons.
In addition to the two Ukrainian universities, the programme will involve, among others, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Grenoble Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Riga Technical University, Cluj-Napoca Technical University, Technical University of Munich, Transylvania University of Brașov, University of Milan, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, and Warsaw University of Technology.
