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Cybersecurity is no longer confined to protecting systems from attacks. Today's professionals are expected to understand emerging technologies, build secure infrastructures, and respond efficiently to increasingly sophisticated threats. As organisations embrace Artificial Intelligence, cloud services, and automated security operations, the demand for multidisciplinary cybersecurity skills continues to grow. To help address these evolving needs, the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) contributes to the CYCERONE learning platform with three specialised courses that combine academic excellence with practical, real-world applications. Together, these courses provide learners with a progressive learning experience, covering key aspects of today's cybersecurity landscape—from AI awareness and secure infrastructure design to modern Security Operations Centre (SOC) automation.
Artificial Intelligence is transforming the cybersecurity landscape. It enables organisations to detect threats faster, automate repetitive tasks, and improve decision- making. At the same time, cybercriminals increasingly exploit AI to create more convincing phishing campaigns, deepfakes, social engineering attacks, and automated malicious activities. The AI and Cybersecurity course introduces learners to the opportunities and challenges that AI brings to cybersecurity. Designed for beginners and non-technical audiences, it explains how AI works in practice, how it supports cyber defence, how attackers misuse AI technologies, and how employees can use AI tools responsibly and securely in their daily work. Rather than focusing on technical implementation, the course develops awareness and critical thinking, enabling participants to understand both the benefits and the risks associated with AI adoption.
Strong cybersecurity begins with resilient infrastructure. The Secure Infrastructure Built In course demonstrates how secure networks, virtualised environments, and AI service infrastructures are designed and deployed using industry-relevant technologies. Through a hands-on approach, learners explore concepts such as network segmentation, virtualisation, firewall configuration, and infrastructure deployment using platforms including Proxmox, pfSense, virtual machines, and GPU- enabled servers. By combining theoretical concepts with practical exercises, participants gain valuable insight into how secure digital environments are built, managed, and maintained in real operational settings.
As cyber threats become more frequent and complex, organisations increasingly rely on automation to improve the speed and consistency of incident response. The Cybersecurity Orchestration & Automation course introduces learners to the principles behind Security Operations Centres (SOCs), orchestration platforms, and SOAR technologies. Participants discover how security workflows, playbooks, APIs, and automation can streamline incident handling while maintaining human oversight where it matters most. Through practical, low-code exercises, learners identify opportunities for automation, design operational workflows, understand data normalisation, and explore how integrated security tools can work together to improve operational efficiency and resilience.
While each course focuses on a different aspect of cybersecurity, together they create a comprehensive learning pathway. Learners first develop an understanding of Artificial Intelligence and its impact on cybersecurity, then gain practical experience in designing secure infrastructures, before progressing to the orchestration and automation of modern security operations. This progression reflects the realities of today's cybersecurity profession, where technical expertise, operational awareness, and continuous learning are equally important.
Through its contribution to the CYCERONE platform, NTUA reinforces its commitment to advancing cybersecurity education across Europe. By combining research excellence with practical training, the university helps learners develop skills that are immediately applicable in professional environments and aligned with the rapidly evolving needs of industry. Whether you are taking your first steps into cybersecurity or looking to expand your expertise in emerging technologies and security operations, NTUA's courses provide an opportunity to build practical knowledge and strengthen your contribution to a more secure digital future.
Discover the courses here
