Modern cybercrime has become increasingly sophisticated. Technological development and the threat landscape have changed significantly in just a few years. If we are to protect our highly digitalised society, we need more highly skilled engineers for a labour market with massive demand.

This is why Aarhus University will open a new specialisation in cybersecurity for MSc engineering students this summer.

“Denmark is one of the most digitalised countries in the world. Large parts of our communication, utility infrastructure, economy, business sector and public administration now run on digital platforms. This makes us vulnerable to cybercrime and cyberattacks, and society has an urgent need for highly specialised engineers with expertise in this field,” says Mikael Bergholz Knudsen, Head of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Aarhus University.

University stepping up efforts

Wars no longer take place only on the frontline or through aerial bombardments and missile strikes. They also unfold in server rooms, networks and systems that keep society running.

Every website, email, app and smart device connected to the internet can potentially provide unauthorised access. A single attack can hit the power grid, disable hospitals’ IT systems or halt production in companies.

If we want to prevent attacks, we must stay ahead in technological development, emphasises Mikael Bergholz Knudsen:

“We need to move quickly. Many people underestimate our vulnerability, and we must educate engineers who can build far more robust security around our digital systems.”

Denmark is already facing a shortage of cyber engineers, and demand continues to grow. Several analyses point to a shortfall of 15,000–20,000 IT specialists in the coming years.

This concerns Mikkel Haarder, Deputy Director of the Confederation of Danish Industry (DI), responsible for research, education and diversity:

“The shortage of engineers with cybersecurity skills is already a challenge for many Danish companies. It affects both companies’ competitiveness and our overall resilience in a digital society.”

He therefore welcomes the new educational initiative at Aarhus University:

“It is very positive that Aarhus University is now strengthening the education of MSc engineers specialising in cybersecurity. Denmark needs a strong talent pipeline in this area – and the need is growing rapidly.”

Education strengthens Denmark’s digital defence

The new cyber engineers will learn to protect IT systems, networks and data against digital attacks, while developing a deep understanding of the defence-strategic dimensions of information security.

“Our students must learn to think like hostile hackers so that they can stay two steps ahead at all times. Research-based education plays a crucial role in strengthening Denmark’s overall digital defence,” says Mikael Bergholz Knudsen.

He elaborates:

“We can buy technology from abroad. We can sign contracts and upgrade defence systems. But we cannot import originality and judgement. We want to educate engineers who can analyse threats, understand people, assess consequences and translate knowledge into concrete technical choices and innovation in Danish companies.”

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Cybersecurity at AU

Strengthening cybersecurity is a key part of Aarhus University’s Strategy 2030.
Read the strategyic focus on cyber security here.

AU is investing DKK 300 million in research, education and innovation within cybersecurity.
Read more about AU Cyber here.

Want to learn more about cybersecurity?
Read about engineering research in cybersecurity at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Interested in cryptography?
Read about research in cryptography and cybersecurity at the Department of Computer Science.

Degree programmes with a focus on cybersecurity

At Aarhus University, students can specialise in cybersecurity in the MSc in Engineering programmes in Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering, as well as in the Master’s degree programme in Computer Science.