Google pledges $10 million to train cyber security students across Europe

Google has announced a US$10 million investment to increase cyber security training across Europe. Working in partnership with the European Cyber Conflict Research Incubator (ECCRI CIC), Google is launching a new European Cybersecurity Seminars program to advance cyber security skills development and help local organizations build their online protections.

The program will provide universities with a cyber security training program and curriculum, allowing them to offer cyber security courses to students from diverse backgrounds and with no prior experience, the tech giant said. The firm expects to enroll over 1,600 students in the initial program during which universities will be given two years to run a minimum of two cyber security seminars each.

Europe currently has a cyber security talent shortage of up to 500,000 professionals, with only 25 percent of cyber security jobs held by women. Amid global workforce shortages, some organizations are reportedly paying more than $500,000 for “top” cyber security talent in specific roles. That’s according to a recent report from security analysis firm IANS which indicates that salary and staff size contribute significantly to not only talent retention but also the success of security strategies.

Cyber security training program will support local organizations

Each student that participates in Google’s new scheme will be required to put the skills learnt in the classroom into practice by supporting at least two community organizations to boost their cyber protections, the company said. It aims to reach at least 3,200 organizations in the first two years of the program alone. What’s more, each university cohort selected for funding through the program will have the option to receive donated Titan Security Keys and no-cost training from Google employees about how to enroll in and use Google’s Advanced Protection Program.

The program will also fund ECCRI CIC’s creation of educational resources for universities, including the first flexible cyber security curriculum, offering an entry-level overview of the field and basic skills which can be used to support community organizations most vulnerable to cyber attacks, Google said. The curriculum will be translated into eight European languages – including English, Spanish and Ukrainian – and will be available free of charge for all academic institutions to use, along with comprehensive teaching instructions. “Through this, we hope to reach many universities beyond those initial eight receiving funding,” Google added.

Last year, Google launched a new entry-level cyber security certificate to teach learners how to identify common risks, threats and vulnerabilities, as well as the techniques to mitigate them. The Google Cybersecurity Certificate aims to prepare participants for entry-level jobs in cyber security in less than six months with no prior experience required, create greater opportunities for people around the world and help fill the growing number of open cyber roles.

Learn more about cyber security training with Cyber Security Hub’s Guide to the best courses around the world