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Bank Of Cyprus Launches Cybersecurity Programme For Students In Limassol

Bank of Cyprus launched a cybersecurity initiative in Limassol as part of its “The Young Ask and Provide Solutions” programme, involving students in simulated cyberattack scenarios. The programme focuses on practical training in cyber defense and awareness of risks linked to digital infrastructure.

Innovative Collaboration And Real-World Challenges

In partnership with the Education Ministry and non-profit organization TechIsland, the programme provided a robust platform for young minds to confront realistic cyberattack simulations. Held at the modern Limassol regional offices of the Bank of Cyprus, the interactive space enabled 60 secondary school students from across the region to collaboratively tackle the complex threats facing national digital infrastructure.

Practical Exercises And Strategic Insights

Participants took part in workshops built around cyberattack scenarios. Tasks included identifying prevention strategies, planning response measures, and proposing public awareness approaches. The exercises focused on coordination and decision-making during cyber incidents.

Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders

According to Elli Ioannidou, the programme is designed to combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience. She said the initiative aims to help students understand real-world challenges and develop problem-solving skills. Additional input was provided by Marios Stavrou, who noted that managing cyber incidents requires coordination across multiple teams and functions.

Building A Resilient Cyber Ecosystem

Experts, including Mathaios Panteli and Tanya Romanyukha highlighted the importance of early digital skills and cybersecurity awareness. Their comments focused on preparing the future workforce skills needed for managing digital risks. The programme forms part of broader efforts to strengthen cybersecurity awareness and education in Cyprus.

The Bank of Cyprus remains committed to investing in forward-thinking initiatives that inspire youth and enhance community awareness. Through these targeted efforts, the bank is not only addressing immediate security challenges but also contributing to a future where advanced technology and robust cyber defense mechanisms coexist seamlessly.

Minds In Cyprus Draws Strong Interest In London And Birmingham As Cyprus Expands Talent-Repatriation Push

Strong interest in career opportunities in Cyprus and the incentives available to professionals considering a return was evident at two Minds in Cyprus events held in Birmingham and London, bringing together more than 350 Cypriot professionals working in the United Kingdom.

Held on June 22 in Birmingham and June 23 in London, the events featured 24 companies and organisations from Cyprus, showcasing more than 110 highly skilled job opportunities across key sectors of the economy.

A Direct Link Between Cyprus And Its Global Talent Base

The initiative returned to the United Kingdom one year after its launch in London by President Nikos Christodoulides. Representing the government, Deputy Minister to the President Irene Piki outlined the programme’s progress over the past year, the incentives now available and the career opportunities emerging in Cyprus.

Designed to connect Cypriots living abroad with businesses and organisations operating on the island, the initiative attracted participants from fast-growing sectors including technology, fintech, financial and professional services, research, innovation and energy.

Showcase In London, Roundtable In Birmingham

The London event took the form of a career opportunities exhibition, while Birmingham hosted an open roundtable discussion on Cyprus’ economic prospects, labour market needs and efforts to strengthen ties with the Cypriot diaspora.

Piki said Minds in Cyprus is a coordinated initiative designed to position Cyprus as a credible option for professionals planning their next career move. The objective, she added, is not only to encourage Cypriots to return, but also to create the conditions that make returning to, or working with, Cyprus a realistic professional choice.

Economic Momentum Is Reframing The Case For Return

Referring to Cyprus’ economic performance, Piki pointed to strong growth, historically low unemployment, declining public debt and successive upgrades by international credit rating agencies. She said these developments are increasing demand for specialised talent, particularly in high value-added sectors.

Particular emphasis was also placed on the Opportunities for Talent platform, which already has more than 700 registered professionals and features over 330 specialised vacancies from companies and organisations in Cyprus.

Tax Relief And Practical Support Are Central To The Offer

Targeted tax incentives for professionals considering a return were also presented. These include a new 25% tax exemption on employment income for Cypriots who have lived abroad for seven years, alongside the existing 50% tax exemption available in specific cases. Officials said the measures are intended to reduce costs and uncertainty during the first years after relocation.

Alongside the tax incentives, the government presented practical support measures under the Minds in Cyprus action plan, including faster recognition of professional qualifications and licences, assistance with residence and work permits for spouses or partners, support for families relocating to Cyprus, and access to centralised information through the Information Hub.

Representatives from the Tax Department and the Research and Innovation Foundation also briefed participants on tax matters, funding programmes, research opportunities and innovation support tools.

Beyond Return: Keeping Cyprus Connected To Its Diaspora

Piki said the initiative is intended not only for those considering a return to Cyprus, but also for professionals who wish to remain connected to the country by collaborating with Cypriot businesses, sharing expertise or contributing to projects being developed on the island.

“Minds in Cyprus does not simply ask for a return,” she said. “It creates the conditions for the idea of returning or collaborating to become a real option.”

The events were organised by the government and Invest Cyprus, with the support of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Cypriots in the City, and companies and organisations operating in Cyprus.

More broadly, the initiative forms part of the government’s strategy to attract and deploy talent, strengthen the competitiveness of the Cypriot economy and leverage the international experience of Cypriots living and working abroad.

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