Empowering organizations with cybersecurity expertise

Cycerone, an initiative supported by the European Union

The project is dedicated to addressing this challenge by providing specialized and free cybersecurity training that empowers organizations to build resilient and secure digital infrastructures. In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, cybersecurity is no longer optional – it is fundamental.

Together, we can foster a safer and more secure digital environment.
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The initiative

Closing the Cybersecurity Skills Gap in Europe

Cycerone, an initiative supported by the European Union in collaboration with leading universities and educational partners, is designed to address the critical need for enhanced cybersecurity skills across Europe. In an era where many organizations, particularly SMEs and public administrations, face significant challenges due to a skills gap in cybersecurity, Cycerone seeks to empower these entities to protect themselves against the growing landscape of cyber threats.

Cycerone aims to bridge this gap by offering tailored and free cybersecurity training programs strategically designed to provide employees with the essential knowledge and tools required to develop and sustain secure digital infrastructures.

Mission

We enhance cybersecurity across Europe by providing free, specialized training programs that equip organizations with the knowledge and tools to protect their digital infrastructures.

Objective

We close the cybersecurity skills gap within SMEs and public administrations, enabling them to effectively safeguard against emerging cyber threats at no cost.

Benefits

Organizations will gain practical, hands-on skills, improve their cybersecurity posture, and build a culture of continuous learning to stay ahead of evolving digital risks.

Cybersecurity in Europe

Cybersecurity in Europe: A gap to bridge

15 top-tier European players joining forces with renowned partners to tackle the cybersecurity challenges facing SMEs and public administrations.

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RISE
Research Institutes of Sweden – is an independent, state-owned research institute with 3300 employees. It has international collaboration programmes with industry, academia and the public sector, and over 130 testbeds and demonstration environments. More than 30 researchers are active in cybersecurity and RISE has a secure cyber range for tailored cybersecurity testing and training. RISE educations and trainings are tailored to people in the work life. RISE is one of the organisations forming Cybercampus Sweden.
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EIT Digital (EITD)
EIT Digital (EITD) is a pan-European ecosystem of top European corporations, SMEs, start-ups, universities, and research institutes. EITD has an in-depth knowledge of the advanced digital skills area.
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Tampere University
Tampere University is a multidisciplinary institution known for its strong focus on research, innovation, and collaboration across technology, health, and society.
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Riga Technical University
Riga Technical University is the oldest technical university in the Baltic states and the recognised Latvian leader in higher education. For more than 160 years, RTU has been driving innovation and research excellence in the Baltic region, continuing to shape new generations of skilled, visionary, and ambitious leaders in the fields of science and technology.
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Talent Garden
Talent Garden is Europe's leading Digital Skills Academy that has combined work life and learning to empower people and organisations through transformative experiences.
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University of Trento (UNITN)
A dynamic research university known for its Department of Information Engineering and Computer Science, a leader in ICT and cybersecurity.
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Aalto University Executive Education and Professional Development
Aalto University Executive Education and Professional Development (Aalto EE) offers lifewide learning to educate current executives, future leaders, and experts who drive impact in business and society.
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Politecnico di Milano
Italia’s largest technical university, renowned for excellence in engineering, architecture, and design, with strong ties to industry and innovation.
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EIT Digital (EITD)
EIT Digital (EITD) is a pan-European ecosystem of top European corporations, SMEs, start-ups, universities, and research institutes. EITD has an in-depth knowledge of the advanced digital skills area.
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EOTVOS LORAND TUDOMANYEGYETEM (ELTE)
ELTE is Hungary’s largest and most prestigious university with the richest traditions and the highest international and national rankings in the country.
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NTUA
The National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), founded in 1837, is Greece’s oldest and most prestigious engineering university. It comprises 9 schools, 512 faculty, and over 4,000 collaborators, educating around 24,000 students on a 300,000 sq.m. campus. NTUA ranks 10th among European universities for EU research funding and 17th among European research centers.
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Babeș-Bolyai University (UBB)
Babeș-Bolyai University (UBB), founded in 1581, is Romania’s largest and most prestigious university. Known for academic excellence, research, and innovation, it combines tradition with modernity and strong international collaborations, making it a leading institution in Eastern Europe.
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DIGITALEUROPE
DIGITALEUROPE is the leading trade association representing digitally transforming industries in Europe. It advocates for a regulatory environment that supports digital innovation and economic growth. The network includes over 45,000 businesses, 109 global corporations, and 41 national trade associations across Europe.
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KTH Royal Institute of Technology
KTH Royal Institute of Technology is Sweden’s largest and leading technical university. Tasked by the Swedish Government, it leads a national triple helix collaboration for cutting-edge research, innovation, and education in cybersecurity. All three Swedish organizations participate in this initiative, called Cybercampus Sweden, as part of CYCERONE.
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Universidade Lusófona
Portugal’s largest private university, with a strong international focus and leadership in creative industries and European research programmes.
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Linköping University (LiU)
Linköping University (LiU) is one of Sweden’s leading institutions, known for its interdisciplinary approach and strong focus on innovation. It excels in applied research, particularly in engineering, computer science, and cybersecurity. As part of Cybercampus Sverige, LiU collaborates with KTH and RISE to develop advanced education programs in the cybersecurity domain.
Collaborating with leading partners
Intervention areas

Hot Topics We Explore

The program covers essential areas of cybersecurity, providing SMEs and public administrations with the knowledge and skills required to navigate today’s complex digital environment. From ensuring compliance and enhancing security measures to adopting advanced protective strategies, these key areas equip organizations with the critical expertise needed to tackle the most pressing cybersecurity challenges.

Governance & Compliance
This area focuses on the legal and regulatory aspects of cybersecurity. Covering frameworks such as GDPR, NIS directives, and ISO 27001, it prepares professionals to manage risks and ensure compliance within their organizations. With a focus on how cybersecurity intersects with business operations and regulatory requirements, it is essential for organizations aiming to meet regulatory standards while maintaining robust security practices.
Defensive Security
Known as Blue Team operations, this area concentrates on detection, monitoring, threat hunting, and incident response. It equips professionals to work as SOC analysts, incident responders, and threat hunters, using tools like SIEM systems and forensic analysis to safeguard organizations from cyberattacks. Strengthening defensive security measures is crucial for maintaining resilience against emerging cyber threats.
Offensive Security
Focusing on penetration testing, ethical hacking, and red team operations, this area involves actively testing security measures by simulating real-world attacks. Professionals gain deep technical skills in exploitation techniques, vulnerability assessment, and advanced attack methodologies, providing organizations with the tools to proactively identify and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
Foundational Cybersecurity
This area offers broad-based security knowledge, ideal for those transitioning into cybersecurity roles or seeking to strengthen their security foundation. It covers essential concepts in network security, basic incident handling, and risk management principles. By equipping professionals with a solid understanding of the fundamentals, organizations can ensure their teams are prepared to handle basic security challenges and advance toward more specialized roles.
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