With the growing digitalization, cyber threats are also increasing, affecting both the public and private sectors. Many security incidents result from a lack of awareness of risks, highlighting the need for effective education in cybersecurity. At the same time, Slovakia faces a critical shortage of qualified professionals in this field. The Faculty of Security Engineering at the University of Žilina (UNIZA) is actively addressing this challenge through educational programs designed for various groups—including public administration professionals, university and high school students, and educators.

The Cybersecurity Competence Center at UNIZA was established as part of Slovakia’s Recovery and Resilience Plan to strengthen research and educational capacities in cybersecurity. The center focuses on developing specialized courses and methodologies for professionals in different fields. For public administration, it offers three main programs:
- Cybersecurity Specialist – a course for professionals responsible for implementing security measures.
- Cybersecurity Manager – training for executives responsible for managing cybersecurity risks.
- Cybersecurity Expert – designed for technical specialists in threat analysis and incident response.

For university students, the Faculty of Security Engineering at UNIZA has integrated cybersecurity into its security management study program. Students gain knowledge of regulations, risk assessment, and practical security measures, with a strong emphasis on the interdisciplinary integration of technical and managerial skills.
Another crucial step is educating high school teachers, who play a significant role in shaping cybersecurity awareness among younger generations. The faculty has developed accredited courses for educators to effectively incorporate cybersecurity topics into their teaching. These courses cover the basics of cybersecurity hygiene, personal data protection, cyber threat recognition, and regulatory fundamentals.

This article focuses on the University of Žilina’s Faculty of Security Engineering approach to enhancing cybersecurity education for various target groups—public administration professionals, students, and educators. By bridging academic knowledge with practical applications, the Faculty systematically builds professional competencies and strengthens Slovakia’s cybersecurity resilience.

Keywords: Education, cybersecurity, resilience, expertise, risks.