Cybersecurity skills: from awareness to collaboration – lessons from CyberHubs EU
Cybersecurity has become one of the most critical areas shaping our lives. It affects every citizen, business and public institution, and the demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to rise across Europe. The CyberHubs EU project – funded by the European Union – was launched to strengthen cybersecurity skills by creating a network of national hubs that connect education, industry, and public institutions. Within this network, CyberHub Hungary – founded jointly by the National Trade Association (NTA) IVSZ and the Ludovika University of Public Service – works to advance cybersecurity competencies, promote talent development, and support cooperation between key national stakeholders.
Cybersecurity: a shared responsibility for all
As someone working as a national NTA-member in CyberHub Hungary, I see how companies and individuals are becoming more aware of cybersecurity not just as a regulatory requirement, but as a shared responsibility and a matter of trust. Companies are protecting their own operations, customers, and reputation. At the same time, citizens themselves experience the impact of cyber threats in their everyday lives – and sometimes face the direct consequences of attacks, from data breaches to online scams. This shared exposure reinforces the need for skilled experts who can help strengthen digital resilience.
This is where education plays a crucial role. To bridge the gap between awareness and action, we need to start early – from primary school onwards. Students should learn about online safety, digital responsibility, and the fundamentals of cybersecurity. In higher education, more programmes are needed that prepare students for specialised cybersecurity careers, helping to reduce the persistent skills gap that affects both private and public sectors across Europe. Vocational education, situated between primary and university levels, is an underused resource for advancing cyber skills.
Collaboration - key to solving the challenge
What I have learned through the CyberHubs project – not only as a HUB-member, but also as a WP-leader – is that no single actor can solve this challenge alone. Collaboration between education and industry is essential.
Companies can provide practical insights into labour market needs, while universities can adjust curricula accordingly. This alignment ensures that what is taught is relevant and that students enter the workforce with the right mix of skills and confidence.
From my experience with twinning exchanges and the visits to the Champion Hubs in France and Ireland, one key lesson stands out: strong governmental involvement makes a huge difference. The most effective Hubs operate where there is clear state-level support and coordination. Public institutions play an essential role not only in policy-making and funding, but also in ensuring long-term sustainability and visibility. They are often the ones capable of bringing together stakeholders with different — sometimes competing — interests to work toward a shared goal.
Another important observation is how the perception and priority of cybersecurity differ across Europe. National efforts are often shaped by each country’s geopolitical position and threat landscape. This diversity underlines the importance of continuous knowledge exchange – something CyberHubs has successfully fostered.
Cybersecurity is no longer a purely technical issue: it is our shared priority. Initiatives like CyberHubs EU help align countries, institutions, and professionals so that Europe can strengthen its digital resilience and prepare for future challenges.
About the author
Noémi Csapó is an EU project manager at IVSZ – Hungarian Association of Digital Companies, where she works on European initiatives related to digital transformation, digital skills, and cybersecurity. She serves as a Work Package Leader in projects such as the DigitalTech EDIH and CyberHubs. With extensive experience in telecommunications regulation and public policy, her work focuses on translating European digital policy objectives into practical, impact-driven actions through collaboration between industry, policymakers, and the innovation ecosystem.
About the organisation
IVSZ - Hungarian Association of Digital Companies represents Hungary’s digital and ICT sector, bringing together companies across the digital economy. The association promotes innovation, digital skills development, and competitiveness, and contributes to national and European digital policy discussions by fostering cooperation between industry, government, and academia.
