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ISC2 Joins Forces with European Academia to Fortify Cybersecurity Skills

On June 18, 2025, ISC2, a prominent global nonprofit organization dedicated to cybersecurity professionals, announced a significant collaboration with the European Commission's Industry-Academia Network. This initiative aims to strengthen the workforce in cybersecurity by enhancing academic partnerships and offering valuable training opportunities. By signing four strategic agreements at the recent Digital Summit, ISC2 is set to play a vital role in addressing the urgent need for cybersecurity expertise across Europe.

The need for well-trained cybersecurity professionals has never been more pressing. Current ISC2 statistics indicate that a staggering 89% of cybersecurity hiring managers prioritize entry-level certifications during the recruitment process, highlighting the importance of recognized credentials in this field. To support aspiring cybersecurity experts, ISC2 has launched its One Million Certified in Cybersecurity initiative. This program provides free access to the Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) course and exam, empowering students and job seekers throughout Europe to enhance their skills effectively.

The Impact of Collaboration

This strategic initiative includes partnerships with several notable educational institutions and online learning platforms, such as:

• - Compendium Centrum Edukacyjne, Poland
• - Universitat de Girona, Spain
• - OpenClassrooms, France
• - CodeAcademy, Lithuania

Leaders of these institutions have echoed the significance of this partnership. Bartosz Niepsuj, CEO of Compendium Centrum Edukacyjne, emphasized that knowledge in cybersecurity is critical in today's society, stating, "Only by continuously improving our knowledge can we effectively counteract the threats and risks we face every day while being online." This partnership significantly enhances student access to high-quality learning resources and certifications that validate their skills.

In alignment with the latest industry standards, Sandra Bonillo from the University of Girona expressed the expectation that this collaboration will prepare students to meet future cybersecurity workforce demands. She mentioned the necessity for students to possess cutting-edge knowledge and internationally recognized certifications.

Filling the Cyber Skills Gap

The collaboration comes amid an alarming shortage of cybersecurity professionals: 89% of EU organizations report skills gaps within their cyber teams, and 63% struggle with staff shortages. ISC2's partnership with the Industry-Academia Network aims to bridge this gap by creating new pathways for students and career changers to gain crucial skills in cybersecurity. The effort is part of a broader EU workforce development strategy aimed at expanding access to foundational cybersecurity education while addressing the pressing need for skilled professionals.

ISC2's commitment doesn't stop here. The organization has increased its pledges to the Cyber Skills Academy to include an additional 30,000 free places in its foundational course, raising its total to a remarkable 50,000 available certifications in the EU. Additionally, ISC2 has taken proactive strides to promote diversity in cybersecurity by introducing 25 scholarships aimed at supporting women seeking to advance beyond entry-level roles.

Looking Ahead

In conclusion, ISC2's collaboration with academic institutions across Europe is poised to generate significant advancements in the cybersecurity landscape. By empowering individuals with the skills and certifications needed in this evolving digital environment, ISC2 is committed to nurturing a more secure and resilient future. As they work diligently to equip the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, the emphasis remains on creating accessible pathways and fostering diversity within the industry. To find out more about the initiative and the organizations involved, you can visit the European Commission's Cyber Skills Academy page here.

ISC2 is a beacon of hope with its mission to create a safer cyber world through proficiency and proactive engagement, reaffirming the necessity of cybersecurity skills in our digital age.