"Training the Cybersecurity Experts of the Future is Our Priority"
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mary Agoyi, Head of the Department of Information Technologies at the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Cyprus International University (CIU), emphasized the importance of cybersecurity for individuals and organizations in the context of Cybersecurity Awareness Month celebrated in October. Agoyi pointed out that in today’s digital world, information security is the responsibility of everyone, not just IT experts. She stated, “In this age of rapidly advancing technology, cyber threats are diversifying at the same speed. Therefore, raising awareness, establishing a security culture, and training our students as future cybersecurity experts is our top priority.”
1. What is the main purpose of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and why do universities play a critical role in this?
Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a global initiative held every October. Its purpose is to raise awareness among individuals and organizations about the importance of cybersecurity and encourage proactive behavior to protect their digital assets. The initiative was launched in 2004 by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Cyber Security Alliance. Universities play a critical role in this process because they train the cybersecurity experts of the future.
2. What are the most common cybersecurity mistakes made by individuals today?
Despite growing awareness, many individuals still make the following mistakes:
• Using weak or default passwords, or reusing the same password across multiple platforms.
• Clicking on suspicious links in emails or on websites (phishing or malware risks).
• Neglecting software updates and leaving systems vulnerable to known security flaws.
• Sharing excessive personal information on social media (creating opportunities for social engineering attacks).
• Not using multi-factor authentication (MFA) and missing this crucial layer of protection.
3. What activities does the Faculty of Applied Sciences organize to raise cybersecurity awareness?
The following events have been organized by our faculty for the 2024–2025 academic year:
• A seminar titled “Hacking Tournament.”
• A Digital Forensics workshop on Hash Algorithms.
• A Cybersecurity Awareness Seminar.
Planned events for the 2025–2026 academic year include:
• “Hackathon” and “Capture the Flag (CTF)” competitions to develop applied skills.
• A Cybersecurity Awareness Seminar.
The forthcoming activities for the 2025–2026 academic year are as follows:
• "Hackathon" and "Capture the Flag (CTF)" competitions to develop practical skills.
• Cybersecurity Awareness Seminar.
4. How are cybersecurity threats evolving in the age of artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud technologies?
While modern technologies bring innovations, they also introduce new risks. Artificial intelligence (AI) can be a double-edged sword—it’s a powerful tool for detecting threats, but it can also be used for automated phishing, deepfake creation, and adaptive malware. IoT devices often lack robust security measures, making them vulnerable to botnet attacks and exploitation for surveillance. Cloud environments also pose risks, including data breaches due to misconfigured storage, insecure APIs, and shared responsibility models.
5. What advice would you give for students and young professionals who want to pursue a career in cybersecurity?
To succeed in this dynamic field:
• Build a solid foundation in networking, operating systems, and fundamental security principles.
• Aim for certifications such as CompTIA Security+, CEH, CISSP, and OSCP.
• Practice on platforms like TryHackMe and HackTheBox, and engage in CTF events.
• Stay curious and open to continuous learning, as cyber threats evolve rapidly.
• Connect with industry experts through conferences and professional networks like LinkedIn.