With the increasing reliance of organizations on digital systems, the risks associated with cyber threats are also growing. Incidents such as ransomware attacks, data breaches, and phishing campaigns have significant economic and social consequences. Many cybersecurity incidents result from human error, emphasizing the need for education and awareness programs that equip individuals with best security practices.

In Slovakia, as in many other countries, the shortage of qualified cybersecurity professionals presents a challenge for organizations striving to protect their digital assets. Findings from the National Security Authority of the Slovak Republic highlight a critical shortage of cybersecurity experts, affecting both public and private sector organizations. To address this issue, the Cybersecurity Competence Center at the University of Žilina was established in line with Slovakia’s Recovery and Resilience Plan. This center focuses on strengthening educational and research capacities in cybersecurity through the development of structured educational programs, interdisciplinary research, and fostering cooperation between academia, industry, and public administration.

The Cybersecurity Competence Center at the University of Žilina concentrates on developing methodologies, educational programs, and practical training tailored to different levels of expertise. The center has identified three core courses designed for cybersecurity professionals in public administration.

Cybersecurity Specialist in Public Administration – Intended for professionals responsible for the daily implementation of cybersecurity policies and procedures.
Cybersecurity Manager in Public Administration – Designed for managers overseeing cybersecurity strategies, risk management, and governance.
Cybersecurity Expert in Public Administration – Focused on technical professionals responsible for incident response, penetration testing, and security system analysis.

These educational programs reflect the current needs of governmental institutions, academia, and the private sector while complementing existing study programs focused on information and cybersecurity. The courses cover fundamental cybersecurity principles, regulatory requirements, risk assessment, and advanced topics such as threat intelligence, security operations center management, and cryptography. The creation of this competence center is a crucial step toward modernizing cybersecurity education, as it supports the interdisciplinary integration of theory and practice, promotes innovative teaching approaches, and systematically builds professional cybersecurity competencies.

This article will provide a detailed overview of the center's key contributions in formal and informal education, research, collaboration with public administration, and professional competence development, as well as its overall significance for strengthening cybersecurity in Slovakia.
Special attention will be given to the educational programs developed by the center, which are tailored to the needs of public administration and cover a wide range of topics, from fundamental security measures to advanced threat analysis and risk management techniques.

Keywords: Cybersecurity, education, professional training, research.