To address the skills shortage and contribute to a more cyber-secure Finland, Jamk and Deloitte have joined forces.
Accelerating Digitalisation Increases the Cyber Skills Shortage
Cybersecurity is a relatively young field that has grown rapidly over the past decades, driven by digitalisation. At the same time, the threat environment has become increasingly complex. While new technologies enhance the information security of organisations, adversaries also utilise the same means, such as artificial intelligence, to carry out cyber-attacks. Training and attracting professionals to the field has become critically important.
Addressing the skills shortage requires collaboration between businesses and higher education institutions. Jamk and Deloitte have been working together for years, driven by a shared goal of building a more secure society and attracting new students to the field of cybersecurity.
Leading Industry Actrs in Finland and Worldwide Join Forces to Train New Professionals
Over the years, Jyväskylä has developed into a significant centre of cybersecurity expertise in Finland. In Jamk's degree programme in Information and Communication Technology, students can specialise in cybersecurity. Additionally, Jamk offers a Master's degree in cybersecurity, which is also the first of its kind in Finland. Deloitte, on the other hand, is one of the leading providers of cybersecurity services globally. Deloitte's global network of experts provides valuable insights and experiences on the development, threats, and trends in cybersecurity from around the world.
The collaboration between Jamk and Deloitte includes guest lectures by Deloitte on courses, bringing practical work-life perspectives to the course content. "Interaction and cooperation with higher education institutions are crucial for the growth and development of the field. It is of utmost importance to us that Finland continues to have enough qualified cyber professionals," says Hannu Kasanen, Deloitte's Cybersecurity Director and responsible for higher education cooperation.
One of the events held this spring was the "Cyber Security as a Profession" lecture, which provides students with practical information on the knowledge and skills required in the cybersecurity profession and the employment opportunities the field offers. "The field requires not only strong technical skills but also a broader understanding of best practices in risk management, implementation of development activities, and people management. Experts need a wide range of skills, making diverse educational backgrounds desirable," Kasanen adds.
Collaboration Expands to Research and Development Activities
As the cybersecurity field evolves and grows, strong collaboration and new innovations are also required from industry players. The cooperation between Jamk and Deloitte covers not only educational activities but also research, development, and innovation (RDI) activities, with the next goal being to expand cooperation in this area.
"By working together and sharing knowledge, we develop the entire society towards greater cybersecurity. In part, the collaboration also enables the development of solutions to new digital challenges," says Tero Kokkonen, Director of Jamk's Institute of Information Technology.
