ICT ACADEMY of the Office of the Commissioner of Communications - Cyprus
Established in December 2023, the ICT Academy of the Office of the Commissioner of Communications has quickly evolved into a reference point for digital skills enhancement and cybersecurity capacity building in Cyprus and beyond. In less than two years, it has engaged over 5,000 learners from more than 42 countries, reflecting both strong outreach capacity and growing international recognition.
Certified by the Human Resource Development Authority and developed in consultation with the Digital Security Authority, the Academy delivers a diversified training portfolio – from hands-on workshops and hybrid seminars to international conferences and fully online formats. This flexible design ensures alignment with the EU Digital Decade objectives on upskilling, accessibility, and cross-border cooperation.
About this initiative
To ensure inclusive access, the Academy has developed a dedicated Learning Management System (LMS) and immersive VR-based environments, enabling participation regardless of geographical or socio-economic constraints. Its participation in EU-funded initiatives such as AKADIMOS, CADMUS and N4CY2 reinforces strategic coherence with European cybersecurity frameworks while expanding support to SMEs, start-ups, public sector professionals and critical infrastructure operators.
The Academy also contributes to societal awareness and digital resilience through tailored programmes for school pupils, seniors aged 65+, educators and career counsellors. Partnerships such as Women4Cyber support gender inclusion in ICT professions, while gamified tools including Cyber Ranges and HackShield make cybersecurity literacy engaging for younger audiences. This combination of technical training, inclusiveness and innovation positions the ICT Academy as a scalable model that can inspire similar initiatives across Europe.
Why is this is a good practice?
The ICT Academy stands out as a good practice due to its structured, inclusive and scalable approach to cybersecurity education and ICT skills development. With a target of hosting more than 200 training events and reaching over 7,000 participants from 50+ countries by the end of 2025, the initiative demonstrates both strategic ambition and operational capacity.
By tailoring activities to distinct user groups – students, SMEs, public administration staff, seniors and critical infrastructure operators – the Academy ensures relevance and practical applicability. Its role in EU-funded projects such as AKADIMOS, CADMUS and N4CY2 enhances alignment with EU standards and facilitates knowledge transfer within the wider European digital ecosystem.
Innovative elements such as the VR-based learning environment, a 3D virtual museum, and a dedicated LMS increase accessibility and engagement. National awareness actions, school outreach and participation in cybersecurity festivals contribute to the development of a digitally aware and resilient society.
A key enabling factor is the effective management of training grants under the €7.6 million N4CY2 national cybersecurity framework, which ensures sustainability and long-term impact. With over 173 events already delivered, the Academy has demonstrated strong capacity to scale and adapt to evolving needs.
By combining certified vocational training, practical simulation environments and international networking, the ICT Academy has the potential to evolve into a Regional Centre for Education and Professional Development in ICT and cybersecurity, contributing directly to Europe's digital transformation agenda.
