Cyber HackAdemy: trained new cybersecurity talent

Sept. 18, 2025, marks the end of the fourth edition of Cyber HackAdemy, the training pathway created through a collaboration between Accenture, a leading global professional services company, and the University of Naples Federico II, with the aim of training cybersecurity experts on advanced cybersecurity topics.

After an initial selection phase that saw more than 250 applications from young high school graduates, university students and graduates in technical-scientific subjects, 29 students were selected for two pathways:

- Junior Cybersecurity Specialist: dedicated to those taking their first steps in cybersecurity, with the goal of acquiring solid basic skills in networks, operating systems, programming and general cybersecurity.

- Senior Cybersecurity Specialist: aimed at candidates with prior experience or advanced training, with a focus on sophisticated attack and defense techniques, data analysis using Machine Learning, and management of complex architectures.

Both profiles followed a 6-month program, with daily in-person activities at the Federico II University's San Giovanni a Teduccio technology hub, for a total of 20 hours per week.

The course was based on a Challenge Based Learning teaching approach, which integrates theory and practice through concrete challenges and group work. Activities covered advanced topics such as network security, protection of cloud infrastructures and IoT ecosystems, Offensive Defense methodologies, data analysis using Machine Learning, and the application of Generative Artificial Intelligence in attack and defense scenarios.

Participation in the course was completely free of charge. In addition, the top five in the admission ranking were paid a scholarship in the gross monthly amount of 500 euros for the duration of the course.

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