FORMATION OF COMPETENCES OF FUTURE CYBERSECURITY SPECIALISTS BY THE “STUDENT CYBERBRIGADES” INITIATIVE

Abstract

The article examines the current problem of training specialists in the field of cybersecurity in the context of the growing number of cyber threats and the shortage of qualified personnel. Traditional approaches to training cybersecurity specialists, which are mainly based on lectures and laboratory classes, do not fully meet the requirements of today. The present time is characterized by the rapid development of information technologies, which requires constant updating of knowledge and skills in protecting against cybercriminals. Accordingly, the need for the formation of practical skills that can be acquired only in conditions close to the real professional environment is increasing. It is determined that the effective formation of professional competencies of future specialists is impossible without constant practical training aimed at gaining real experience in working with cyber protection tools, analyzing and responding to security incidents. As one of the options for improving the professional training of future cybersecurity specialists, a model of integrating practical training in the form of the student cyber brigades initiative is proposed. This initiative was launched at Sumy State University. The organizational structure of such student cyber teams, the main areas of their work and the results of the pilot implementation are described. It is shown that the implementation of such a model contributes to the simultaneous strengthening of the cyber resilience of critical infrastructure facilities and the formation of a personnel reserve in the field of cybersecurity. The implementation results confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed approach and its compliance with the modern needs of the state, education and business. It is planned to expand the network of partner critical infrastructure facilities where student cyber teams will be involved, improve student training programs taking into account the latest cyber threats, integrate the results of the work of cyber teams into national cyber defense platforms, as well as gradually implement a dual education model for advanced professional training of higher education applicants in the field of cybersecurity.