CYBERGY FAU Summer School 2025 – A Week of Innovation and Learning in Cybersecurity for Energy Systems
From April 7–11, 2025, the Lab of Computer Science 7 (Computer Networks and Communication Systems) at FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg hosted the CYBERGY FAU Summer School on Network Protection for Energy Control Systems, bringing together an international group of Master’s and PhD students, researchers, and professionals.
This five-day program, organized as part of the CyberSecPro Program and funded by the European Union, aimed to strengthen practical and theoretical competencies in cybersecurity for critical energy infrastructure. Participants explored the convergence of IT and OT systems, the vulnerabilities of industrial control systems, and current threat landscapes, with a strong focus on practical defense strategies.
The program combined lectures, real-world case studies, and hands-on workshops using tools such as GNS3, Kali Linux, and VirtualBox. Each day focused on a core theme, including risk assessment, protocol vulnerabilities, penetration testing, and protection mechanisms for energy networks.
We were honored to welcome the following trainers, who shared their deep expertise and engaged participants through interactive teaching formats:
- Dr. Abdelkader Shaaban – AIT Austrian Institute of Technology
- Dr. Cristina Alcaraz – University of Malaga
- Dr. Elias Athanasopoulos – University of Cyprus
The event also included a visit from Prof. Dr. Gael Pentang (Hochschule Niederrhein), who expressed his appreciation for the initiative and encouraged further academic and institutional collaboration.
At the conclusion of the summer school, each participant received an official certificate of participation, recognizing their successful completion of the training and their contribution to the vibrant learning atmosphere throughout the week.
We extend our sincere thanks to all trainers, guest speakers, and participants for their energy, curiosity, and engagement. The CYBERGY FAU Summer School 2025 has laid a strong foundation for future learning, innovation, and collaboration in the field of energy cybersecurity.
Contact:
Dr.-Ing. Loui Al Sardy
Lab of Computer Science 7
FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg
📧 loui.alsardy@fau.de