Cybersecurity School, Russian Style: Training the Next Generation of Global Defenders
Russia is expanding its international cybersecurity education programs to address the global shortage of skilled professionals and build a collaborative defense infrastructure.
Building a Global Cyber Talent Pipeline
Through initiatives like the Positive Hack Camp, Russia is offering practical cybersecurity training to specialists from over 20 nations, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Indonesia, and South Africa. These programs are supported by the Ministry of Digital Development and aim to close the global skills gap in information security.
According to Julia Danchina of Positive Education, 'The world needs strong cybersecurity players to build real, results-driven infrastructure—and that starts with human capital.' Demand for cybersecurity professionals in Russia alone is growing 18% annually, with nearly 42,000 job openings posted in Q1 2025.
Universities and Corporations Take the Lead
Leading institutions like ITMO University and Skoltech are making cybersecurity a cornerstone of their curricula. Skoltech, ranked among the top 100 young universities by Nature Index, conducts courses in English and emphasizes global technical leadership.
Corporate leaders are also contributing. Kaspersky Lab runs global awareness and training programs focused on cyber hygiene, phishing simulations, and secure work practices for employees at all levels.
Regional Cooperation and Cyber Diplomacy
International projects are ramping up. The Cyberus Foundation has partnered with Qatar’s Al-Adid Business to launch a cyber hub in Doha, which will include training centers, simulation labs, and a startup incubator. This ‘Cyberhome’ aims to develop local talent and host regional cybersecurity exercises.
Solar Group, a major Russian cybersecurity integrator, has signed agreements with organizations in Africa and Asia to develop cybersecurity infrastructure and co-train specialists. This builds on hands-on experiences gained defending Russian critical infrastructure against sophisticated attacks in recent years.
Exporting Experience to the Global South
Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America are emerging as key partners. At the 2024 Cyber Championship held in Nizhny Novgorod, representatives from Vietnam and Thailand requested that Solar Group host training events for their countries.
The interest stems from increased cyber threats and the need for rapid upskilling of national teams. Russia’s cybersecurity education programs help build a global community of defenders ready to confront cross-border threats.
With rising demand and deepening partnerships, Russian-led cyber training initiatives are poised to shape the next phase of international digital defense.
