Cybersecurity is booming. The first students are evaluating new proCyber program at BUT

Cybersecurity is כיום one of the fastest-growing fields, and demand for professionals significantly exceeds supply. The professional program proCyber (CZ only) at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication BUT (FEEC) was created in response to this situation, and the first semester shows that combining technology, law, and practice works. Students appreciate the flexibility, immediate applicability, and the opportunity to study while working full-time.

A tour of the FEEC BUT laboratories at the start of the first semester of the proCyber program. | Author: Jakub Rozboud

The first cohort currently includes 25 students – 15 men and 10 women. The two-year program is divided into four semesters and concludes with an MSc degree. Students gradually choose either a technical or legal track, while the teaching intentionally maintains overlap between both areas. The program also includes micro-certificates for individual modules, confirming specific competencies already during the course of study.

One of the students, Veronika Nagyová, considers this multidisciplinary approach key, as she immediately applies her knowledge within the cybersecurity team of one of the largest multinational consulting companies. “There is a lack of people in the market who understand both cybersecurity law and IT technology. It’s necessary to understand both – the law to explain it to technicians, and the technology to translate it for lawyers,” says Nagyová, who previously worked abroad as a model for several years.

Although she had no prior experience in cybersecurity, she builds on her legal studies and applies newly acquired knowledge directly in her job. “We started from the basics, so even people without a deep technical background like me could join. At the same time, I see how quickly the knowledge comes together. After just the first semester, my user-level IT skills are already at a different level, and I understand certain system operations much better.”

Veronika Nagyová during the welcome ceremony for students of the program at FEEC BUT. | Author: Jakub Rozboud
A similar experience is described by student Martin Zavadil, who works as a consultant and trainer in AML and cybersecurity and as an external lecturer for the Czech National Bank: “The studies help me better understand the broader context of cybersecurity while allowing me to respond immediately to client needs. In my practice, I have long focused on employee training, because the human factor is often the weakest link in security.”

“I can immediately apply the acquired knowledge and approach these topics more systematically. From a business perspective, I also see significant potential in cybersecurity – especially in connection with growing regulatory requirements that force companies to actively address these issues,” he adds.

NIS2 is changing the rules of the game
With the growing number of attacks, cybersecurity is gaining importance and pressure is increasing on companies to address it systematically. A major influence comes from new European regulation – particularly the NIS2 directive, which is being incorporated into Czech legislation from 2025. It expands the range of obligated entities and introduces specific requirements for system protection and incident reporting. Companies must therefore clearly define responsibilities and their approach to cybersecurity across the entire organization.
The form of study also plays an important role, allowing education to be combined with working life. Teaching takes place mainly online, supplemented by intensive sessions in unique FEEC and FIT laboratories – one of them is Cyber Arena BUTCA (CZ only), a platform for personalized training in cybersecurity, industry, and energy. Students also work on projects that often directly relate to their professional agenda. “Graduates are thus able to respond immediately to situations that actually occur in companies,” adds Jan Hajný, the guarantor of the proCyber program.

Both working students praise the study format and the approach of the lecturers. “Teachers treat us with respect for our time, give us the most important know-how, and adapt assignments so we can immediately use them in practice,” adds Nagyová. Zavadil confirms this: “Teachers treat us as partners, appreciate our willingness to learn, and try to accommodate us.”

The proCyber program is one of the first professional programs offering education in cybersecurity. Until now, only short and expensive courses at specialized schools were available. Another option was to study abroad.

A tour of the FEEC BUT laboratories at the start of the first semester of the proCyber program. | Author: Jakub Rozboud
“I originally considered the University of London, which also offers a similar program. But I want to stay in the Czech Republic and need to build my knowledge on the Czech legal system. That’s why I chose BUT in Brno – it was the second-best option in all of Europe that I found,” evaluates her choice, says Nagyová.

The proCyber program at BUT is intended for applicants with a bachelor’s degree – whether they are already working or want to move into cybersecurity. It is also open to people without prior education in IT or law who are looking for a way into the field. Teaching starts from the basics and gradually moves toward practical application of knowledge.

“I would recommend it to anyone who is interested. There’s nothing to be afraid of. It’s a great opportunity to gain education in a newly emerging field and possibly move to a better-paid position within the same company,” summarizes Nagyová.

“The goal was to create a program that was missing in the Czech market – systematic cybersecurity education for professionals in critical infrastructure, public administration, companies, and for anyone who wants to leverage the potential of the field,” concludes Hajný. “The first semester shows that it has been possible to connect academic background with practice and create a meaningful path for further professional growth.” Students can apply (CZ only) for the next intake only until May 31, 2026.

Author: Hana Marko

Published
Link https://www.vut.cz/en/but/f19528/d325727
Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication kybernetická bezpečnost Faculty of Information Technology