The threat of cyber-attacks are a growing concern across all industrial sectors, but transport and manufacturing are especially vulnerable because of their extensive use of interconnected digital systems, which includes legacy equipment with outdated security, the complex nature of supply chains, as well as the increasing adoption of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices.
EIT Deep Tech Talent Initiative Pledger, CYRUS, is a cutting-edge initiative co-funded by the Digital Europe Programme, and offers free, high-quality cybersecurity training tailored specifically to the needs of the manufacturing and transport industry as well as SMEs
If you’re a professional working in manufacturing or transport, or simply looking to upskill in cybersecurity, this is your opportunity to take part in a one-of-a-kind European training programme, but it’s only available until the end of 2025.
What is CYRUS?
Launched in January 2023, CYRUS is a personalised, customised, work-based training framework for enhanced CYbeRsecurity skills across indUstrial Sectors.
The initiative was built around a simple but powerful idea: offer cybersecurity training that’s practical, industry-specific, and accessible to the people who need it most, especially SMEs.
Being aware of the different levels of digital expertise across organisations, sectors, and countries, they customise their training strategy to the user’s skills, know-how and needs. Based on the different needs, training include theoretical contents, practical exercises, presentations, gaming and role-plays, case studies for working groups, on-the-job and work-based formats, etc. This encourages the trainees to exercise with co-workers and continuously learn on the job collaboratively.
The courses are focused on:
- Cybersecurity technical skills;
- Cybersecurity methodological and organisational aspects;
- Practical exercises;
- On-the-job simulations in a cyber-range environment for the different industrial sectors.
“Qualified staff, engaging and very pleasant course. The training course was engaging and informative. I now feel better equipped to identify and respond to potential cyber threats in my daily work.” (Giovanni Galletti, FS Security)
The project comprises 11 project partners, across nine EU countries:
- Deep Blue SRL (Italy) – project co-ordinator
- CEFRIEL (Italy)
- SEARCH-LAB (Hungary)
- CYRER RANGES (Cyprus)
- Polish Platform for Homeland Security (Poland)
- EIT Manufacturing (Germany)
- Italienische Handelskammer für Deutschland (Germany)
- Union Internationale des Chemins de fer (UIC) (France)
- European Federation for Welding, Joining and Cutting (EWF) (Belgium)
- Lithuanian Innovation Centre (Lithuania)
- Chamber of Halkidiki (Greece)
50+ FREE online courses
Following a successful pilot with over 500 participants, CYRUS refined its training based on real feedback, resulting in a catalogue of over 50 online courses, which are now available for free.
The topics covered focus on three key areas:
- Threat prevention, monitoring & management
- Policy & compliance
- Cybersecurity culture & human behaviour
“Thank you very much for organising this training course. It helped me understand human-related security issues and solutions, focusing on the role of human behaviour in cybersecurity. I am looking forward to the next training courses from the CYRUS project.” (Dimitra Tsimpinou, Technical University of Crete)
The courses are tailored for all levels, from beginners to experts, however there is a strong focus on entry-level professionals or teams just starting their cybersecurity journey.
“The content of the training course and tutor were perfect. It has significantly boosted my awareness and understanding of cybersecurity.” (Àngels Sabaté, SKYWAY Air Navigation Service)
And to make training as accessible as possible, courses are offered in multiple European languages, including German, English, Italian, and Polish.
Why you should book now
Although there are plans to maintain the platform longer-term, access to the full CYRUS training catalogue is currently guaranteed only until December 2025.
If you’re part of an SME in the transport or manufacturing sectors, or even if you’re just starting out in cybersecurity, don’t miss this opportunity to take advantage of the free, flexible e-learning offer, before the window closes.
Visit the CYRUS Training Portal here, to explore the training catalogue and join the hundreds already upskilling through CYRUS.