Cyber Ireland is thrilled to announce its participation in the Digital4Security project, a transformative initiative aimed at bolstering Europe’s cybersecurity defences by addressing the acute skills shortage in the field. This €20m industry-led Master’s is supported by funding from the DIGITAL Europe Programme. Digital4Security seeks to reshape the landscape of European cybersecurity through a comprehensive educational and training strategy.
Cultivating the Next Generation of Cybersecurity Experts
At the heart of Digital4Security is a mission to reskill and upskill a diverse group of participants, including recent graduates, professionals, managers, and business leaders. The project’s goal is to make them ‘cyber confident’—fully equipped with the skills needed to protect and enhance the digital security of European SMEs against global cyber threats.
Cyber Ireland, as a key consortium partner, works in its day-to-day basis to create a community as big as possible with the best mixure of government, academia and industry to align the students training to the sector needs. By closing the critical cybersecurity skills gap, Digital4Security will empower the next generation of cybersecurity leaders with the capabilities to defend and lead in a digitally-dependent world.
A Curriculum Designed for Real-World Readiness
Digital4Security’s curriculum is built on a rigorous needs analysis involving all consortium partners, ensuring that the training provided meets the highest standards of both academic rigour and industry relevance. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical, job-ready skills that are essential for immediate and effective application in the workforce.
Each module of the program will offer micro-credentials, providing participants with tangible proof of their competencies, along with industry certifications through partnerships with leading cybersecurity firms. This approach not only enhances the employability of graduates but also ensures that they are prepared to meet the specific needs of the industry head-on.
Addressing Europe’s Cybersecurity Challenges
With cyber threats growing in sophistication and frequency, European industries and public sector institutions face significant risks. Digital4Security directly addresses these challenges by preparing professionals who can understand and navigate the complexities of modern cybersecurity threats.
Digital4Security aligns closely with Cyber Ireland’s goals as it aims to provide a continuous supply of qualified cybersecurity management experts, helping to address the growing cybersecurity skills gap that is endangering the stability of many European industries and public sector institutions. We will contribute with our community and expertise about what the sector needs to this project.
