Egypt’s ITI and Kaspersky Boost Cybersecurity

The Information Technology Institute (ITI) has entered into a partnership with Kaspersky to enhance cybersecurity skills among young learners and promote cybersecurity awareness among the Egyptian populace. This collaboration introduces a comprehensive educational initiative, “Cybersecurity for Juniors,” as a part of ITI’s Cybersecurity Academy hosted on Mahara-Tech. Additionally, Kaspersky will generously provide 1000 participants with subscriptions to the Safe Kids app.

In today’s digitally saturated world, the boundaries between the private and public domains have blurred, thereby posing significant risks to individuals, especially children. Kaspersky recognizes the critical role of early education in fostering a secure online environment, firmly believing that this partnership with ITI is a pivotal step in that direction. Genie Sugene Gan, Head of Government Affairs & Public Policy in APJ & META regions at Kaspersky, remarked, “We aim to set a benchmark by showcasing the importance of collaboration between the government and private sector in bolstering cybersecurity awareness and protecting our children, both offline and online.”

Dr. Heba Saleh, Director of ITI, emphasized the growing importance of cybersecurity in our lives as digitization continues to advance. The collaboration with Kaspersky underscores ITI’s mission to equip children, parents, and educators with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate this hyperconnected world. Dr. Saleh stated, “We want to elevate the level of cybersecurity awareness among children from an early age, making them conscious of online risks and empowering them to develop safe online practices.”

ITI and Kaspersky have a history of cooperation in cybersecurity training for university undergraduates, further cementing their commitment to enhancing digital security in Egypt.

Established in 1993 and affiliated with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) since 2005, ITI has dedicated itself to the development of ICT human capacity. Over the past three decades, ITI has continually updated its training programs to align with global tech trends and national projects, benefiting numerous Egyptian youths from various academic backgrounds. These programs encompass a wide range of disciplines, including development, content design, game development, Geographic Information System, media and animation, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data analytics, among others. ITI’s extensive network of industry and academic connections enriches its curriculum and fosters talent from universities and governorates across Egypt.

Kaspersky, a globally recognized cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997, leverages its deep threat intelligence and security expertise to develop innovative solutions and services that protect businesses, critical infrastructure, governments, and consumers worldwide. With a comprehensive security portfolio that includes leading endpoint protection and specialized security solutions, Kaspersky safeguards over 400 million users and supports 240,000 corporate clients.

Recognizing the value of early education in promoting online safety, Kaspersky will provide engaging, interactive content in Arabic that addresses topics such as online cyber threats, data privacy, and cyberbullying. To facilitate comprehension and learning, children and parents will have access to Kaspersky’s second internet safety storybook, “Midori Kuma and a Very Special Race,” available in Arabic on the platform.