Cybersecurity attacks are increasing dramatically. Documents, processes, companies and businesses are subject to cyber attacks at any time. The exponential growth in the quantity and value of data is directly proportional to the importance of adopting security systems.

“Cybersecurity is much, much more than an IT matter” – Stephane Nappo, Head of Information Security at Société Générale.

Cyber ​​security is mainly focused on the protection of IT systems (computers, telecommunications networks, smartphones) and information in digital format from internal and, above all, external attacks. In the first half of last year alone, 757 cases of serious cyber-attacks occurred, which affected many well-known companies also on the international scene. The escalation of risks and dangers related to data management, however, affects all organizations, regardless of size and sector of expertise.

The techniques and types of cybercrime are different and force companies to be alert on multiple fronts: industrial espionage, cyber war, malware, social engineering, APT (Advanced Persistent Threat) and zero-day.

The most common cyber crimes? Malware, social engineering and…the human factor. In fact, it is extremely important to protect and secure hardware and software infrastructures, taking into consideration that a human error can, in an instant, nullify years of effort.

One of the biggest risks in cybersecurity is that there aren't enough cybersecurity experts. According to an analysis by Wyser, there will be 3.5 million positions not filled by 2021. It is "a great career opportunity, but also an important challenge for companies", report analysts from the international Gi Group company which deals with the search and selection of managerial profiles.

“Vulnerabilities, malware, data exposure and, recently, GDPR compliance” are “challenges and concerns that concern companies across Europe and beyond” add the Gi Group analysts. According to estimates released by Wyser, cybercrime will in fact lead to "tripling the number of open positions in the next five years". A great challenge for companies, which at a global level, underlines the multinational, "are complaining of a shortage of qualified personnel whereas, instead, HR managers expect to grow the department dedicated to the IT and Cybersecurity sector by 15%".

In northern Italy, university courses and master's degrees in the field of cybersecurity have been provided for some time. A Master's degree and a Bachelor's degree in IT Security have been active for years at the University of Milan. The University of Trento has been part of a consortium within the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) for some years which offers a Master's degree in Security and Privacy.

These initiatives are accompanied by numerous first and second level master's degrees, accessible respectively after obtaining a three-year or master's degree or by specialization courses such as that of the Cyber ​​Academy of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia.

For the first time in Sicily, the 1st Level University Master's Degree in Cybersecurity & Defense was launched, provided by the University of Catania in collaboration with Free Mind Foundry. The Master, aimed at those interested in learning the fundamentals of security of IT infrastructures, data and their transmission, allows the training of professional figures responsible for safeguarding the security and protection of the information assets of a company, a critical infrastructure or an organisation.

The Master is aimed at training highly specialized professional figures such as the Chief Information Security Officer, Data Protection Officer, Internal Security Auditor, Chief Technical Officer in charge of corporate cybersecurity, Sys Admin with corporate defense configuration functions, Cisco and Fortinet Protection Systems Expert.

At the end of the training course, students will have the opportunity to test the skills acquired through a facilitated job placement system at one of the companies operating on the Campus, such as BaxEnergy, Intellisync, Wisnam or at other partner companies.

Register to receive a free consultation on the Master in Cybersecurity & Defense, consult the UniCt announcement or download the brochure.