Techno Time

NTI Launches Second Edition of Cybersecurity Superhero Academy

Monday 14 July 2025 20:51


The second edition of the Cybersecurity Superhero Academy for Juniors and Youth has been launched at the National Telecommunication Institute’s (NTI) headquarters in Smart Village, under the patronage of ICT Minister Amr Talaat. It comes in line with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology’s (MCIT) strategy to develop qualified national talent capable of addressing cybersecurity challenges and supporting secure digital transformation.

The program is held in collaboration with the Egyptian Computer Emergency Readiness Team (EG-CERT) of the National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA), and in partnership with Mideast Communications Services (MCS) and several leading global cybersecurity companies: Google Cloud Security, Palo Alto Networks, F5, and Trellix. The launch event was attended by senior officials from MCIT and its affiliated bodies.

This edition coincides with the rollout of the program at 10 training centers in different governorates simultaneously. These include Creativa Innovation Hubs in Aswan, Qena, Fayoum, Alexandria, Menoufia, Qalyubia, Dakahlia, Port Said, Assiut, and Cairo. This approach reflects the government’s commitment to expanding access to specialized training programs and ensuring that they are made available nationwide.

The program includes training in specialized areas such as the fundamentals and skills of cybersecurity, privacy protection, cyberattack prevention, and preparation for international certifications by major global companies. These offerings are designed to broaden trainees’ prospects in local, regional, and international labor markets.

Director of NTI Ahmed Khattab stated that the program exemplifies successful cooperation between government institutions and the private sector in preparing a new generation capable of protecting Egypt’s digital infrastructure and addressing today’s cyber threats. He indicated that the program’s expansion—both geographically and in terms of target groups—was part of MCIT’s strategies carried out by NTI as a key operational arm. He explained that more than 5,000 trainees across different age groups and academic backgrounds are expected to benefit from the program in 10 governorates. The program will be delivered in three phases: 2,000 participants aged 10 to 17 in the first phase, 2,000 university students in the second, and 1,000 graduates in the third.

He pointed out that a key feature of this edition is the strong public-private partnership, with international companies taking part, like Google Cloud Security, Palo Alto Networks, F5, and Trellix, under the official partnership of MCS. This collaboration is expected to provide trainees with hands-on experience and internationally recognized skills. He also noted that, for the first time, the program includes freelance skills training for university students and direct internship opportunities for graduates within partner companies, aligning training with actual labor market needs.

For his part, NTRA Vice President for Cybersecurity Affairs Walid Zakaria emphasized that cybersecurity has become a necessity rather than an option in the modern world. He added that Egypt had taken major steps toward secure digital transformation, one of the main pillars of Egypt’s Vision 2030. He said that these efforts have earned Egypt global recognition, placing it among the top 12 countries in the International Telecommunication Union’s Global Cybersecurity Index.

Zakaria also referred to the success of EG-CERT in winning first place in the world’s largest international cyber drill, which included 138 participating countries. Addressing the trainees, he reportedly said that they would be the first line of defense for protecting Egypt’s digital infrastructure, data, and national digital assets.

CEO of MCS Tarek Shabaka expressed pride in the company’s collaboration with NTI in implementing MCIT’s strategy through the launch of this new edition of the academy. He affirmed the company’s commitment to equipping a new generation with the skills needed to face rapid digital challenges. He reportedly stated that investing in youth capabilities is the most important foundation for achieving sustainable cybersecurity and advancing Egypt’s digital transformation.

Shabaka added that the initiative aims to instill cybersecurity awareness in younger generations across all age groups and develop their technical skills using modern, practical methods in line with international standards. He also emphasized MCS’s ongoing commitment to providing expertise, technical support, and knowledge, believing that securing cyberspace begins with empowering individuals and enhancing their ability to innovate, protect, and respond to threats.

The training activities of the academy are scheduled to continue through the summer of 2025, featuring practical and interactive components aimed at building national capacities capable of leading Egypt’s secure digital transformation.

NTI is offering free transportation for participants to and from selected collection points in different governorates, to facilitate access to training venues where the program is being implemented.
https://tinyurl.com/xercxbfn