CyberMACS Develops Future Cybersecurity Experts with Dual Master’s Degrees and Academy-Industry Collaboration

At a time when cybersecurity plays a vital role in protecting rapidly digitizing assets and infrastructures, CyberMACS exemplifies excellence in cybersecurity higher education. In this context, the Erasmus MUNDUS Joint Master Degree (EMJM) project, offered by Kadir Has University (Istanbul, Turkey), SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences (Berlin, Germany) and Ss. Cyril and Methodius University (Skopje, North Macedonia), undertakes the mission of closing the growing cybersecurity talent gap.

REDUCE THE CYBERSECURITY SKILLS GAP

The digital revolution has brought with it unprecedented challenges in the field of cybersecurity. With cyber threats expected to cost the global economy an estimated $10.5 trillion by 2025, the demand for cybersecurity professionals is rapidly increasing. However, the workforce shortage in this critical field continues to widen. In line with the goal of closing the gap in cybersecurity professionals, CyberMACS offers an international master’s program that aims to equip students with the skills to detect, prevent, mitigate and manage cyberattacks. Offered by an international consortium and cybersecurity industry partners, this innovative program aims to set a new international standard in cybersecurity education with the mission of reducing the skills gap.

AN ORIGINAL AND INNOVATIVE PROGRAM

The CyberMACS project stands out with its unique features that determine the future of cybersecurity education:

• Dual Degree: In the program that embraces academic excellence, students have the opportunity to graduate with a “dual” master’s degree.
• Collaboration with Industry: CyberMACS has a “Sectoral Advisory Board” that aims to act as a bridge between academia and industry. Thanks to the strong connection between the consortium universities and industry experts, students can gain knowledge and skills by connecting the academic world with real-world cybersecurity issues.
• International Work Experience: CyberMACS’s close collaboration with industry partners provides valuable support for students’ internships, mentoring, and curriculum, ensuring that graduates of the program are prepared to easily find employment in the cybersecurity sector.

CREATING AN INCLUSIVE AND DIVERSE WORKFORCE OF THE FUTURE IN CYBER SECURITY

In cybersecurity, it is necessary to create a diverse and inclusive workforce to combat increasingly complex threats. In this context, CyberMACS is hosting a group of 25 students, 16 men and 9 women, from 16 different countries in its first year of admission. This international diversity enriches the program experience and encourages multicultural perspectives among all participants.

SUCCESSFUL CULTURAL ORIENTATION AND JOINT INTEGRATION WEEKS

CyberMACS recently held two important series of events to prepare its students for an innovative and dynamic academic journey: Cultural Orientation Week and Joint Integration Week.

Cultural Orientation Week: This dynamic event, held in Istanbul between September 11-15, included intercultural education, games for getting to know each other and getting together, cultural workshop activities, a Rezan Has Museum tour, a “Welcome” party, personal safety and tips for living in Istanbul, an introduction to academic research methods, and seminars on the University Information Center. The event program also included city tours and cultural events that included historical sites in Istanbul such as Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar.

Joint Integration Week: The event, held in Istanbul between September 18-22, brought together approximately 60 participants. During the week, which brought together consortium partners in Istanbul, distinguished speakers from the industry and academia discussed many topics such as digital trust, cybersecurity certification, legal aspects of cybersecurity, and more. CyberMACS students formed working groups and worked on various cases under the guidance of academics and gained experience in practical cybersecurity issues. The event ended with interactive presentations by student groups.

MEETING WITH EXPERIENCED CYBER SECURITY EXPERTS

The Joint Integration Week included partners and invited speakers who shared their expertise on cybersecurity trends and enriched the program with different perspectives. These speakers included Dr. Knud Brandis (Ernst Young, Germany), Prof. Dr. Jeanne Pia Mifsud Bonnici (University of Groningen), Prof. Dr. Berk Canberk (Edinburgh Napier University), Prof. Dr. Boro Jakimovski (Inteligenta/UKIM), Kubilay Onur Güngör (Cyber Struggle), Erdem Kayar (Lostar) and Yalçın Gerek (Tacas).

CyberMACS is not just a training program; it has a mission to train experts who can solve tomorrow’s cybersecurity problems. For more information about CyberMACS, please visit www.cybermacs.eu

For program details and application: https://cybermacs.eu/

For program contact: info@cybermacs.eu