'As early as 2019, Lodz University of Technology joined in a pilot cybersecurity program for high-schoolers known as CYBER.MIL z klasą’, recalled prof. Krzysztof Jóźwik, rector of Lodz University of Technology. 'Now, the time has come to expand this program to include the academic community. The Ministry of Defense, appreciating our capacity and know-how in the field of IT, decided to turn the pilot into a full-fledged program and involve 16 Polish universities of technology. At times when the threat of cyber-attacks looms large, the country needs many highly-qualified specialists.'
The Akademia_CYBER.MIL project aims not only to provide training, but also to give currency to the military as an attractive career destination for experts in IT cybersecurity and telecommunications. In particular, the project aims to disseminate knowledge and build awareness of threats and adverse phenomena, national and departmental cybersecurity systems, as well as inspire the scientific community to do research.
Students will have the opportunity to attend lectures given by experts from a number of the Ministry of Defense units, e.g., the Expert Cyber Security Training Center. A key component of the project will be to impart understanding of the processes involved in cybersecurity systems, and identification of potential cyber threats.
From November 2024 to February 2025, students participating in the project will have access to certified cybersecurity courses on an e-learning platform. This part of the project, called, Security Academy [Akademia Bezpieczeństwa], will focus on Windows and Linux security and the OSSTMM (Open Source Testing Methodology Manual) security testing methodology. On completing a course, participants will be required to take a test.
On March 3, 2025, towards the end of the project, a nationwide Capture the Flag competition is to be held. Participants will try to complete as many cybersecurity tasks as possible within a specified time. Additional points will be scored by those competing on a virtual shooting range, darts, stationary bicycle, table tennis, and rowing machine. Four-person teams from each participating university will take part in the competition to be held at the Army Conference Center.
The project will also popularize actions organized part of Join the Army of the Republic of Poland campaign [Zostań żołnierzem RP] and Academic Legion [Legia Akademicka] program.
Analysis and evaluation of the effectiveness and usefulness of the project will be carried out by a special workgroup composed of representatives of the Department of Cybersecurity, the Expert Cyber Security Training Center, and the Central Military Recruitment Center.