CYBERFORT – EMPOWERING VET SYSTEMS AND SMES FOR FUTURE CYBER CHALLENGES
In today’s world, numerous sectors—from public services to education, healthcare to banking, industry to tourism—are undergoing a major transformation through digitalization. This digital shift brings significant benefits, including improved service quality, increased operational efficiency, enhanced customer experience, and access to global markets. However, alongside these developments, cybersecurity has become a critical concern.
In this context, our project aligns with the priorities of the European Union by aiming to develop innovative and practical cybersecurity training content for both in-company trainers working in SMEs and teachers within Vocational Education and Training (VET) systems. In an increasingly digital Europe, including the Western Balkan countries, cybersecurity is not only a technical requirement but also a strategic necessity to ensure business continuity and the protection of personal data. By supporting SMEs in securing their digital transformation processes and raising cybersecurity awareness among the future workforce trained in VET institutions, our project contributes to strengthening Europe’s digital resilience.
CYBERFORT project aims to enhance the quality of cybersecurity training services provided by SMEs and vocational education institutions that train the workforce of the future. The project is being developed in collaboration with eight partner institutions from Türkiye, Greece, Portugal, Albania, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The CYBERFORT Project aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of vocational education students and SME personnel in the field of cybersecurity, addressing the emerging training needs in this area. In line with this main objective, the specific goals of the project are listed below:
Identifying the national context of cybersecurity practices in the field of VET and SMEs in Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and more broadly across the Western Balkan countries
Enhancing the knowledge and skills of teachers and students in cybersecurity-related topics
Developing a comprehensive pool of educational resources accessible to vocational education institutions and SMEs
Strengthening the capacity of SMEs to analyze and evaluate their current state in terms of cybersecurity preparedness
Improving collaboration skills between VET teachers and in-company trainers
Contributing to policy development processes in partner countries in the field of cybersecurity
Facilitating the recognition of micro-credentials in education and training