The ICT Academy of the Office of the Commissioner of Communications – Digital Security Authority (DSA) organised a two-day Capture the Flag (CTF) educational event on 11-12 November 2025, bringing together high school teachers, students, and representatives from cybersecurity companies.
The initiative aimed to strengthen cooperation between education and industry by enhancing the practical cybersecurity skills of teachers and supporting meaningful engagement between schools and the private sector. The event also provided students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a safe and structured learning environment, while placing a strong emphasis on teacher upskilling and industry involvement in cybersecurity education.
The programme contributed to the broader objectives of the CADMUS Project, particularly in promoting practice-based learning and reinforcing links between education and the labour market.
Day 1 – Teacher Training and Introductory CTF Activities
The first day included dedicated training sessions for teachers and company representatives, focusing on:
• fundamentals of cybersecurity education
• threat identification and mitigation strategies
• use of Capture the Flag (CTF) platforms for educational and recruitment purposes
Teachers explored methods for integrating cybersecurity topics into their teaching practice, while companies gained insight into how to effectively engage with educational institutions and identify emerging talent. At the same time, students participated in an introductory CTF round, applying their knowledge in a controlled and supportive environment.
Day 2 – Advanced Workshops and CTF Final
The second day continued with advanced workshops for teachers and SMEs, addressing:
• modern cybersecurity threats and real-world applications
• skills development and talent acquisition strategies for SMEs
• strengthening long-term cooperation between education providers and industry
The five top-performing students competed in the final CTF challenge, while teachers and company representatives participated in interactive sessions focused on bridging the gap between education and labour market needs.
The event also encouraged companies to support students through short internship opportunities (1-2 weeks), promoting early exposure to professional cybersecurity environments.
Closing Remarks
The event concluded with an award ceremony recognising student achievements and reaffirming the shared commitment of all stakeholders to strengthening cybersecurity education in Cyprus and beyond.
By focusing on teacher training, student engagement, and industry collaboration, the initiative contributed to the development of a more connected and practice-oriented cybersecurity skills ecosystem aligned with the objectives of the CADMUS project.
