The Bank of Cyprus (BoC) on Tuesday announced that students in Limassol recently participated in a cybersecurity initiative under its “The Young Ask and Provide Solutions” programme, focusing on threats to critical infrastructure.

The bank said that its innovative programme continues to run successfully, engaging young people in real-world challenges related to digital security and resilience.

According to the bank, “the new generation of Limassol demonstrated its ability to respond to modern challenges by actively taking part in the initiative focused on cybersecurity and the protection of critical infrastructure”.

It added that through the programme, students were asked to confront realistic cyberattack scenarios, developing ideas and approaches that highlighted their creativity, responsibility and technological readiness.

The bank explained that it organised the latest action in collaboration with the Education Ministry and non-profit association TechIsland, focusing on resilience, response and prevention of cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure.

It further stated that the event was delivered through SupportCY, the bank’s volunteerism and support platform, in cooperation with the KIOS Centre of Excellence for Research and Innovation at the University of Cyprus.

Moreover, the bank said the initiative took place in a specially configured space at the Limassol regional offices of the Bank of Cyprus, providing an interactive environment for participants.

According to the bank, a total of 60 students from all secondary schools in Limassol took part in the initiative.

It added that participants engaged in an experiential workshop simulating the management of cyberattacks on national critical infrastructure.

The bank said that through group work, students discussed methods and measures for preventing and addressing cyber threats and attacks, while also designing public awareness ideas and developing practical approaches applicable at both local and national level.

It further stated that the action concluded with teams presenting their proposals and recommendations, demonstrating that the younger generation possesses the knowledge, imagination and, above all, the voice to help shape a more resilient world.

“At the Bank of Cyprus, such actions have particular value because they do not remain limited to knowledge and theory, but create experiences that empower young people, cultivate responsibility and give them the tools to participate meaningfully in addressing real problems in our society,” said Elli Ioannidou, Corporate Social Responsibility Director at the Bank of Cyprus.

“It is critical for the younger generation to understand early the challenges brought by technological development and the multi-layered and combined risks that can arise from cascading crises and disasters, a major cyberattack does not come and go in a few minutes,” commented Marios Stavrou, Head of Operations of SupportCY at the Bank of Cyprus.

“Behind its management there are hundreds of people from different services who must work together effectively to limit the impact and restore normality,” he added.

“Through such interactive experiences, young people have the opportunity to see in practice how cutting-edge technology can contribute meaningfully to addressing the consequences of climate change, the KIOS Centre of Excellence will continue to support similar actions in the future,” stated Mathaios Panteli, Assistant Professor at the University of Cyprus’ Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

“Empowering the younger generation with the necessary digital skills and understanding of modern challenges such as cybersecurity is a priority for TechIsland,” said Tanya Romanyukha, General Manager of TechIsland.

“Through such actions we bring young people closer to the reality of the technology world and contribute to shaping a strong workforce that will support and strengthen Cyprus’ future as a technology hub,” she added.

The bank concluded by saying that “it will continue, together with its partners, to invest in initiatives that empower young people and strengthen their awareness and sense of social responsibility“.