Google.org Cybersecurity Seminars program has been expanded to include not only European universities, but also higher education institutions in the Middle East and Africa. The fresh list of 20 universities also includes several insitutions in Ukraine, Poland, Czechia, Romania, Latvia, and Lithuania, the company told AIN.
The list of CEE universities included in the program:
- Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv
- Drohobych State Pedagogical University of Ivan Franko
- Warsaw University of Technology
- Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań
- Masaryk University
- Riga Technical University
- Technical University of Cluj-Napoca
- Transilvania University of Brașov
- Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VILNIUS TECH)
How Cybersecurity Seminars are held
Virtual Routes NGO selected universities for Google.org funding from across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, to increase access and opportunities for students interested in learning about the key topics in the field of cybersecurity and exploring entry-level careers in the field.
Students who participate in the courses will gain real-world experience in cybersecurity by having an opportunity to support local community organisations via activities such as internship placements, mentorship, and hackathons.
The program is expected to protect more than 3,500 local organizations in various countries from cyberattacks.
Universities will also receive Titan security keys and free cybersecurity training through a partnership with European govtech company Possible Digital.
"The number of cyberattacks globally increased by 44% in 2024, and nearly half of European SMEs have been cyberattacked in the past two years. Meanwhile, Europe faces a shortage of 883,000 cybersecurity professionals," Google.org said, citing various studies.
Cybersecurity Seminars were launched in 2023. The company says they are mutually beneficial, as universities strengthen cybersecurity in their communities while training a new generation of professionals through hands-on experience.
